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.

When in Helsinki, make a side trip to see Nuuksio National Park in Espoo, approximately 48 minutes away. There's lots more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and get a taste of the local shopping with Market Square Kauppatori.

To see where to stay, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary maker site .

Cleveland, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and train; or do a combination of flight and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Eastern European Time is 7 hours. Traveling from Cleveland in October, expect Helsinki to be a bit cooler, temps between 48°F and 35°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Fri) so you can travel to Akaslompolo.

On the 10th (Sat), hit the slopes at Yllas Ski Resort and then glide through natural beauty at Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 11th (Sun): steep yourself in history at Keimioniemi Fishing Cabins, then get a taste of the local shopping with Elan Ski Shop & Rental, then have some family-friendly fun at G2 ICEKARTING, and finally don't miss a visit to Giewont Husky Adventures.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Akaslompolo travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of flight and shuttle from Helsinki to Akaslompolo takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Helsinki in October: high temperatures in Akaslompolo hover around 37°F and lows are around 27°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sun) so you can drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): identify plant and animal life at Poro Farmi, take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, then stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, and finally don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi day trip site .

Traveling by car from Akaslompolo to Rovaniemi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 37°F, and evening lows to 30°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.