7 days in Helsinki, Imatra & Rovaniemi 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.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Thu): admire nature's wide array of creatures at Korkeasaaren Elaintarha and then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. On the 25th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: cruise along King's Road, look for all kinds of wild species at Paavolan Tammi, and then get your game on at True VR.

For more things to do, photos, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary planner.

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time, which is usually a 10 hour difference. Plan for colder temperatures traveling from Los Angeles in January, with highs in Helsinki at 26°F and lows at 17°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Imatra.

Although predominately an industrial town, Imatra boasts a long and impressive history of tourism, largely owing to its fierce rapids, considered to have been Finland's first ever tourist attraction.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Sat): take in the dramatic scenery at Imatra Waterfall, then enjoy the sand and surf at Lempukka Beach, then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of St. Nicholas, and finally look for gifts at Imatran Kalatalo.

For ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Imatra trip builder.

You can drive from Helsinki to Imatra in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in January; daily highs in Imatra reach 20°F and lows reach 11°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Explore hidden gems such as SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus and Lordi's Square. Get outdoors at Safaris and Syvasenvaara Fell. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, stop by Your Piece Of Finland, get your game on at Snowman World Igloo Hotel, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi tour itinerary planning tool.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Imatra to Rovaniemi in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Imatra in January, Rovaniemi is a bit cooler at night with lows of 6°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 29th (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.