8 days in Lapland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Mon): stop by Your Piece Of Finland and then find something for the whole family at Santa Claus Village.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Rovaniemi travel route planner .

Vancouver, Canada to Rovaniemi is an approximately 19.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus; or do a combination of flight and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 10 hours traveling from Vancouver to Rovaniemi. Traveling from Vancouver in January, expect Rovaniemi to be much colder, temps between -10°C and -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Tue) to allow time to drive 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 9th (Wed): ski along the peaceful trails at Levi Ski Resort. On your second day here, have some family-friendly fun at Kid's Land, don't miss a visit to LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery, then explore and take pictures at Ice Karting Levi, and finally don't miss a visit to Snow Village.

To find where to stay, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Levi trip planner .

Drive from Rovaniemi to Levi in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Plan for little chillier nights when traveling from Rovaniemi in January since evenings lows in Levi dip to -21°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) to allow time to 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 11th (Fri): take in the pleasant sights at Otsamo Fell, then examine the collection at Siida, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Inari trip itinerary builder site .

Do a combination of bus, flight, and shuttle from Levi to Inari in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Inari can reach -11°C, while at night they dip to -20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can travel to Helsinki.

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 12th (Sat): admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rock Church, get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, then explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Helsinki Cathedral. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Sun): learn about all things military at Fortress of Suomenlinna, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), steep yourself in history at Mannerheim Museum, then admire the masterpieces at Design Museum, and finally get engrossed in the history at National Museum of Finland.

For more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Helsinki vacation builder tool .

You can do a combination of shuttle and flight from Inari to Helsinki in 4 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Inari in January: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around -3°C and lows are around -9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.