7 days in Helsinki, Koli National Park & 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.

Get in touch with nature at Nuuksio National Park and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Popular historic sites such as Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church are in your itinerary. Step out of Helsinki with an excursion to Sipoonkorven Kansallispuisto in Vantaa--about 30 minutes away. There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and appreciate the extensive heritage of The Esplanadi Park.

For more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip planner.

If you are flying in from Australia, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. Expect a daytime high around 3°C in December, and nighttime lows around -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can travel to Lieksa.

Lieksa is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Eastern Finland and is part of the North Karelia region. Start off your visit on the 14th (Mon): identify plant and animal life at Eräeero T:mi Eero Kortelainen, examine the collection at Pielisen Museum, and then make a trip to Paateri.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your Lieksa trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Helsinki to Lieksa. Traveling from Helsinki in December, expect Lieksa to be little chillier, temps between -1°C and -6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Mon) to allow time to travel 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 15th (Tue): see Santa Claus Office and then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum.

For maps, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, use the Rovaniemi travel planner.

You can drive from Lieksa to Rovaniemi in 7 hours. Another option is to do a combination of car and flight. Traveling from Lieksa in December, expect Rovaniemi to be slightly colder, temps between -6°C and -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Tue) to allow time for travel back home.