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.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and The National Museum of Finland. Get in touch with nature at Stand-Up Paddleboarding and Kuhakoski Waterfall. Venture out of the city with trips to Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & Orthodox Church Porvoo). And it doesn't end there: admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church, get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), see the interesting displays at Finnish Aviation Museum, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Kallio Church.

Start your trip to Helsinki by creating a personalized itinerary on Inspirock.

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also ride a ferry. In August in Helsinki, expect temperatures between °C during the day and °C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Saariselka.

Outdoor pursuits--ranging from cross-country skiing and snowmobiling to reindeer safaris and chasing Northern Lights--draw the largest number of tourists to Saariselka.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Thu): get outside with Lake Inari, thenexamine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then trek along Juutua Nature Trail. On your second day here, identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, pause for some serene contemplation at Saariselka S:t Paulus Chapel, and then fly down the slopes at Urho Kekkonen National Park.

For where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Saariselka holiday builder app.

Getting from Helsinki to Saariselka by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of train and bus; or drive. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in August; daily highs in Saariselka reach °C and lows reach °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Ranua.

Ranua is a municipality of Finland.It is located in the province of Lapland. Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sat): get to know the resident critters at Ranua Zoo.

For where to stay, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Ranua road trip site.

You can drive from Saariselka to Ranua in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 15th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.