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.

Appreciate the collections at Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. Family-friendly places like Temppeliaukio Church and Senate Square will thrill your kids. And it doesn't end there: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), admire the masterpieces at Museum of Contemporary Art Kiasma, and get engrossed in the history at The National Museum of Finland.

To find photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki travel site.

Lisbon, Portugal to Helsinki is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of car and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Western European Standard Time to Eastern European Standard Time is 2 hours. While traveling from Lisbon, expect much colder days and a bit cooler nights in Helsinki, ranging from highs of 3°C to lows of -3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sun) early enough to 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Levi Ski Resort and Kids' Land. Attractions like Elan Ski Shop & Rental and Giewont Husky Adventures make great kid-friendly stops. Step out of Levi to go to Kolari and see Powerun Adventures, which is approximately 54 minutes away. The adventure continues: bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi, stroll through Yllas Ski Resort, and experience rural life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm.

For more things to do, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Levi trip itinerary builder tool.

You can fly from Helsinki to Levi in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in December; daily highs in Levi reach -6°C and lows reach -15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Bring the kids along to Santa Claus Village and Napapiirin Porofarmi. Step out of the city life by going to Ranua Zoo and Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy. When in Rovaniemi, make a side trip to see Tatuka Reindeerfarm in Ylitornio, approximately Ylitornio away. And it doesn't end there: get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, get in on the family fun at Moomin Snowcastle, and don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square.

Plan a trip to Rovaniemi easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Getting from Levi to Rovaniemi by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Expect a daytime high around -6°C in December, and nighttime lows around -13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.