8 days in Finland 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 21st (Sat): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: admire the masterpieces at Kansallisgalleria, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, then admire the landmark architecture of Helsinki Central Railway Station, and finally explore the galleries of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna.

To find traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Helsinki trip itinerary builder.

London, UK to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and train; or do a combination of car and ferry. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from London to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Plan for little chillier temperatures traveling from London in December, with highs in Helsinki at 3°C and lows at -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can go by car to Tampere.

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

On the 24th (Tue), take in the architecture and atmosphere at Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and St. Nicholas, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Tampereen Tuomiokirkko, then see the interesting displays at Vapriikin Museokeskus, and finally take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower.

For traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Tampere trip itinerary builder site.

You can drive from Helsinki to Tampere in 2 hours. Other options are to take a train; or take a bus. Prepare for a bit cooler weather when traveling from Helsinki in December: high temperatures in Tampere hover around 0°C and lows are around -6°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) early enough to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Wed): hit the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort.

For traveler tips, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Saariselka trip planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Tampere to Saariselka takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Tampere in December, with highs in Saariselka at -7°C and lows at -17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can 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.

On the 26th (Thu), grab your bike and head to Levi Ski Resort. On the 27th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Lapland Hotels SnowVillage, then have some family-friendly fun at G2 ICEKARTING, then have some family-friendly fun at Kids' Land, and finally join the crowd at Icekarting Levi.

To see where to stay, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Levi road trip tool.

You can fly from Saariselka to Levi in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. December in Levi sees daily highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) so you can drive to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 28th (Sat), see Santa Claus Office, don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village, and then find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus.

For other places to visit, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, refer to the Rovaniemi trip planner.

Traveling by car from Levi to Rovaniemi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to -6°C, and evening lows to -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can travel back home.