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.

Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Pyhtaa Church of Saint Henry will appeal to history buffs. Escape the urban bustle at Arboretum Mustila and Laajalahti Nature Reserve. Change things up with these side-trips from Helsinki: Kotka Church (in Kotka), Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & Porvoo Old Town) and Sipoonkorven Kansallispuisto (in Vantaa). There's still lots to do: delve into the lush surroundings at Niivermaki Nature Conservation Area and stroll the grounds of Hietaniemi Cemetery.

For more things to do, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Helsinki online vacation planner .

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki is an approximately 2-hour ferry ride. You can also fly. In May, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) so you can travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. On the 23rd (Thu), get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then see the interesting displays at Siida, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

Find out how to plan Inari trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Fly from Helsinki to Inari in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in May; daily highs in Inari reach 11°C and lows reach 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Muonio.

Muonio is a municipality of Finland.The town is located in far northern Finland above the Arctic Circle on the country's western border, within the area of the former Lappi province. Kick off your visit on the 24th (Fri): explore the striking landscape at Keimiotunturi Fell and then ski along the peaceful trails at Torassieppi Reindeer Farm & Cottages.

For traveler tips, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read Muonio trip itinerary maker app .

You can drive from Inari to Muonio in 3.5 hours. In May, daytime highs in Muonio are 9°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Fri) so you can travel to Pyhatunturi.

On the 25th (Sat), look for all kinds of wild species at Kopara Reindeer Park and then see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour.

To see reviews, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Pyhatunturi itinerary builder website .

Drive from Muonio to Pyhatunturi in 3 hours. In May, daily temperatures in Pyhatunturi can reach 12°C, while at night they dip to 1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Rovaniemi.

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

Start off your visit on the 26th (Sun): explore the different monuments and memorials at German Soldier s Cemetery, then experience the excitement of Feelapland, and then stop by Your Piece Of Finland.

To see photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Rovaniemi travel planning website .

Drive from Pyhatunturi to Rovaniemi in 2 hours. In May, daytime highs in Rovaniemi are 12°C, while nighttime lows are 3°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.