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.

Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Kansallisgalleria will appeal to museum buffs. Visit Helsinki Cathedral and The Esplanadi Park for their historical value. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Helsinki: Linden Esplanade (in Kotka), Arboretum Mustila (in Elimaki) and Bellevue Beach (in Hanko). Spend the 6th (Wed) exploring nature at Nuuksio National Park. Pack the 4th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. The adventure continues: take a stroll through Katajanokka, steep yourself in history at Castle Hill, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), and get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

To see more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip builder.

The Route module can give you travel options from your home to Helsinki. In November, daytime highs in Helsinki are 5°C, while nighttime lows are 0°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

On the 7th (Thu), explore the fascinating underground world of Syvasenvaara Fell and then catch all the local highlights with Feelapland.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Expect little chillier temperatures when traveling from Helsinki in November; daily highs in Rovaniemi reach -2°C and lows reach -7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to travel to Salla.

Salla is a municipality of Finland, located in Lapland. Start off your visit on the 8th (Fri): hit the slopes at Salla Ski Resort and then get engrossed in the history at Salla Museum of War & Reconstruction.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Salla trip builder tool.

Drive from Rovaniemi to Salla in 2 hours. Expect a daytime high around -1°C in November, and nighttime lows around -7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Kick off your visit on the 9th (Sat): identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas, then see the interesting displays at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

Plan a Inari trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can drive from Salla to Inari in 5 hours. In November in Inari, expect temperatures between -3°C during the day and -10°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Sat) to allow time to travel back home.