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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. Get a sense of the local culture at Temppeliaukio Church and The National Museum of Finland. Venture out of the city with trips to Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo & Orthodox Church Porvoo) and Kuhakoski Waterfall (in Nurmijarvi). There's much more to do: explore the galleries of Sea Fortress Suomenlinna, contemplate the long history of Mannerheim Museum, get lost in a book at Oodi Central Library, and take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Helsinki holiday planning website.

Tallinn, Estonia to Helsinki is an approximately 3-hour flight. You can also ride a ferry; or do a combination of car and ferry. In August in Helsinki, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Wed) so you can 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, then examine 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 19°C and lows reach 9°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.