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 15th (Sun): find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village, then make a trip to Santa Claus Office, and then experience the excitement of Feelapland.

To see maps, photos, and other tourist information, read our Rovaniemi online trip builder .

Bilbao, Spain to Rovaniemi is an approximately 11-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Bilbao to Rovaniemi. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Bilbao in December; daily highs in Rovaniemi reach -6°C and lows reach -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can drive to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Kick off your visit on the 16th (Mon): ski along the peaceful trails at Levi Ski Resort. On your second day here, hike along Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park.

To find photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Levi trip site .

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Levi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to -6°C, and evening lows to -15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can travel to Saariselka.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Wed): hit the slopes at Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort.

For maps, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, read Saariselka trip planning site .

Getting from Levi to Saariselka by combination of bus and flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In December in Saariselka, expect temperatures between -7°C during the day and -17°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) so you can travel 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Nuuksio National Park and King's Road. Discover out-of-the-way places like Room Escape Games and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. There's lots more to do: learn about all things military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, pause for some serene contemplation at Rock Church, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali).

To find maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki online road trip planner .

Getting from Saariselka to Helsinki by combination of bus and flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and train; or drive. Traveling from Saariselka in December, you will find days in Helsinki are a bit warmer (3°C), and nights are much hotter (-3°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) so you can travel back home.