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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, then contemplate the long history of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then expand your understanding of the military at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, and finally contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). Keep things going the next day: explore the world behind art at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and then explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria.

Plan my day in Helsinki using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 15- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of bus and flight. You'll lose 10 hours traveling from Los Angeles to Helsinki due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Los Angeles in January, things will get much colder in Helsinki: highs are around 26°F and lows about 17°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sat) early enough to drive to Turku.

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

Start off your visit on the 6th (Sun): contemplate the long history of Turku Cathedral, see the interesting displays at Luostarinmaen Kasityolaismuseo, then enjoy the sand and surf at Ispoinen Beach and Sauna, and finally step into the grandiose world of Turku Castle.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Turku trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Turku takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 27°F in January, and nighttime lows around 17°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Sun) early enough to 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 7th (Mon), take some stellar pictures from Otsamo Fell, then see the interesting displays at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

For where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Inari road trip planner.

Do a combination of flight and shuttle from Turku to Inari in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train, flight, and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Turku in January, things will get little chillier in Inari: highs are around 15°F and lows about 1°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Mon) to allow enough time to 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.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Tue): explore the landscape on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: experience rural life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, and then fly down the slopes at Kids' Land.

For ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Levi trip builder website.

Traveling by combination of shuttle and flight from Inari to Levi takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to 15°F, and evening lows to -1°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 10th (Thu), examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles and then identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip planner.

You can drive from Levi to Rovaniemi in 2.5 hours. Another option is to 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. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.