6 days in Helsinki & Lapland Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Discover out-of-the-way places like Sinebrychoff Art Museum and The National Museum of Finland. Change things up with a short trip to Heureka in Vantaa (about 32 minutes away). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, don't miss a visit to The National Library of Finland, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, and explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

To see maps, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki trip maker tool.

Dusseldorf, Germany to Helsinki is an approximately 6-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Dusseldorf to Helsinki. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Dusseldorf in December: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 3°C and lows are around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Fri): stroll through Levi Ski Resort. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures, then don't miss a visit to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, then join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, and finally hit the slopes at Kids' Land.

For where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Levi day trip planner.

You can fly from Helsinki to Levi in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Helsinki in December, with highs in Levi at -6°C and lows at -15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sat) so you can go by car to Rovaniemi.

An urban center set amongst the great Arctic wilderness, Rovaniemi serves as the capital of Lapland province.

Kick off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, then don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, and then see Santa Claus Office.

To see photos, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi trip itinerary maker site.

Getting from Levi to Rovaniemi by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Traveling from Levi in January, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Rovaniemi, with lows around -17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Sun) early enough to travel back home.