9 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.

Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Espoo to see Nuuksio National Park about 48 minutes away. There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, take an in-depth tour of Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum, and don't miss a visit to Senate Square.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki online trip itinerary builder.

Zurich, Switzerland to Helsinki is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train, car, and ferry. Traveling from Zurich to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. In December in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 3°C during the day and -3°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) 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.

Explore Levi's surroundings by going to Safaris (in Akaslompolo) and Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park (in Muonio). There's much more to do: explore the landscape on two wheels at Levi Ski Resort, fly down the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort, join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, and don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures.

Before you visit Levi, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

You can fly from Helsinki to Levi in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In December, Levi is little chillier than Helsinki - with highs of -6°C and lows of -15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can 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 2nd (Thu): take an exotic tour of a safari tour, then make a trip to Santa Claus Village, then see Santa Claus Office, and finally stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier. On the 3rd (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, then explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell, and then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum.

To find reviews, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Rovaniemi online trip planner.

Getting from Levi to Rovaniemi by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Traveling from Levi in January, Rovaniemi is somewhat warmer at night with lows of -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.