8 days in Helsinki & Lapland 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.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Mannerheim Museum. Your inner history buff will appreciate Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Turku Castle. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Aboa Vetus & Ars Nova (in Turku) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at The Aalto House, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, and take a stroll through Katajanokka.

To find photos, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Helsinki trip itinerary maker .

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to Helsinki is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry. You'll lose 5 hours traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. In October, Helsinki is colder than Rio de Janeiro - with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. You'll have a few hours on the 26th (Mon) to wrap things up before traveling to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

To see maps, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Inari trip maker website .

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Inari takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and car; or drive. Plan for a bit cooler temperatures traveling from Helsinki in October, with highs in Inari at 3°C and lows at -2°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Tue) to allow time to drive 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 28th (Wed): cast your line with a fishing tour, then make a trip to Marttiinin Wanha Tehdas, and then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum.

To find photos, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi online attractions planner .

Traveling by car from Inari to Rovaniemi takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. October in Rovaniemi sees daily highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) early enough to travel back home.