8 days in Helsinki Region, Finnish Archipelago & 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.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Fri): take in the spiritual surroundings of Rock Church, then get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then explore the historical opulence of Fortress of Suomenlinna, and finally take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). Keep things going the next day: admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, then pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral, and finally explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

For ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki online tour planner .

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. You can also fly; or do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 10 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Prepare for cooler weather when traveling from Los Angeles in January: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 26°F and lows are around 17°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sat) so you can drive to Turku.

Sitting at the mouth of the Aura River, Turku is one of Finland's quaintest and most historically rich towns.

On the 6th (Sun), gain insight at Turku Cathedral, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum, then stroll through Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, and finally step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle.

To see more things to do, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, use the Turku vacation maker app .

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or fly. January in Turku sees daily highs of 27°F and lows of 17°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Sun) 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. Start off your visit on the 7th (Mon): take in the pleasant sights at Otsamo Fell, examine the collection at Siida, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

For traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Inari online route planner .

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Turku to Inari takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, flight, and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Turku in January, expect Inari to be slightly colder, temps between 15°F and 1°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) so you can travel 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 8th (Tue): ski along the peaceful trails at Levi Ski Resort. On the next day, relax in the rural setting at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, then admire all the interesting features of Ice Karting Levi, and finally have fun at Kid's Land.

For traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Levi day trip app .

You can do a combination of shuttle, flight, and bus from Inari to Levi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. January in Levi sees daily highs of 15°F and lows of -1°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) 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.

On the 10th (Thu), see the interesting displays at Santa's House of Snowmobiles and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas.

To see photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Rovaniemi trip builder app .

You can drive from Levi to Rovaniemi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Traveling from Levi in January, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Rovaniemi, with lows of 6°F. On the 10th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.