8 days in Finland Itinerary

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

On the 11th (Tue), make a trip to Santa Claus Office, then make a trip to Santa Claus Village, then see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, and finally look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier. On the 12th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour and then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum.

To find ratings, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip planner.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates to Rovaniemi is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also drive. The time zone difference moving from Gulf Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is minus 2 hours. In February, Rovaniemi is cooler than Dubai - with highs of -6°C and lows of -11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) early enough to go by car to Akaslompolo.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Thu): get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then fly down the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort, and then look for gifts at Jemes Sport.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Akaslompolo online itinerary planner.

Drive from Rovaniemi to Akaslompolo in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to -5°C, and evening lows to -12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to travel to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Fri): relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, look for gifts at Tallipihan Suklaapuoti, kick back and relax at Rauhaniemi Beach, then enjoy the sand and surf at Riihiniemen Uimaranta, and finally take in the exciting artwork at Galleria Ronga.

To find more things to do, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Tampere trip planning app.

You can fly from Akaslompolo to Tampere in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Akaslompolo in February: high temperatures in Tampere hover around -1°C and lows are around -7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Helsinki.

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 15th (Sat): admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, then stop by Artisaani, then pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, and finally browse the eclectic array of goods at Old Market Hall. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Sun): explore the historical opulence of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), then visit Katajanokka, and finally buy something for everyone on your list at Kamppi Shopping Centre.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki travel planner.

Traveling by car from Tampere to Helsinki takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In February, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 0°C, while at night they dip to -3°C. On the 17th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.