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): meet the residents at Korkeasaari Zoo and then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. Here are some ideas for day two: cruise along King's Road, then identify plant and animal life at Paavolan Tammi, and then have some family-friendly fun at True VR.

For where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Helsinki trip builder tool .

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also fly; or do a combination of train and flight. Traveling from Los Angeles to Helsinki, you'll lose 10 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Los Angeles in January; daily highs in Helsinki reach 26°F and lows reach 17°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to take a train 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 tour the pleasant surroundings at Lempukka Beach, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Church of St. Nicholas, and finally stop by Imatran Kalatalo.

To find maps, photos, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Imatra driving holiday planner.

You can take a train from Helsinki to Imatra in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and train. Traveling from Helsinki in January, things will get little chillier in Imatra: highs are around 20°F and lows about 11°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Take a break from the city and head to Safaris and Syvasenvaara Fell. You'll discover tucked-away gems like SantaPark and LAURI. And it doesn't end there: get in on the family fun at Santa Claus Village, stop by Your Piece Of Finland, enjoy some diversion at Snowman World Igloo Hotel, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find reviews, ratings, photos, and other tourist information, use the Rovaniemi journey 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, plan for a bit cooler nights in Rovaniemi, with lows around 6°F. On the 29th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.