8 days in Helsinki & Rovaniemi 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.

Visiting Nuuksio National Park and Bellevue Beach will get you outdoors. Family-friendly places like Temppeliaukio Church and Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali) will thrill your kids. Take a break from Helsinki with a short trip to Teijo National Park in Pernio, about 1h 55 min away. There's still lots to do: contemplate the long history of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, wander the streets of Katajanokka, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and play a few rounds at Tapiola Golf.

To find photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki tour itinerary maker.

If you are flying in from United Kingdom, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In May, plan for daily highs up to 18°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 28th (Tue), don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village and then take an exotic tour of a safari tour. Keep things going the next day: take an in-depth tour of Arktikum and then find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus.

To find more things to do, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi trip tool.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Helsinki in May: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around 12°C and lows are around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Thu) to allow time for travel back home.