8 days in Finland Itinerary

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

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sun): don't miss a visit to Marttiini Store Old Factory, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village.

To see traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Rovaniemi road trip site.

Melbourne, Australia to Rovaniemi is an approximately 26- hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone difference when traveling from Melbourne to Rovaniemi is minus 8 hours. Traveling from Melbourne in February, expect Rovaniemi to be much colder, temps between -6°C and -11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sun) to allow time to travel to Lahti.

Lahti is a city and municipality in Finland.Lahti is the capital of the Päijänne Tavastia region. Start off your visit on the 24th (Mon): contemplate the waterfront views at Pikku Vesijarvi and then take a stroll around Sibelius Hall.

For other places to visit, ratings, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Lahti route app.

Traveling by combination of flight and train from Rovaniemi to Lahti takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus, flight, and train; or drive. In February, Lahti is a bit warmer than Rovaniemi - with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 24th (Mon) early enough to catch the train 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 25th (Tue): take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, then stroll through Suolijarvi Beach, and then snap pictures at Hameensilta.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Tampere trip planner.

Getting from Lahti to Tampere by train takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to -1°C, and evening lows to -7°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Tue) 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Temppeliaukio Church. Visit Aurinkolahti Beach and Hietaranta Beach for some beach relaxation. Next up on the itinerary: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), stop by Marimekko, and hunt for treasures at Old Market Hall.

To find where to stay and tourist information, use the Helsinki itinerary planner.

You can drive from Tampere to Helsinki in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 0°C, and evening lows to -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Fri) so you can travel back home.