9 days in Helsinki & Rovaniemi 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.

Head to Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa) and Galerie Anhavafor some retail therapy. Johannes Church and The Aalto House are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Turku Art Museum (in Turku), Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo) and Hvittrask (in Kirkkonummi). And it doesn't end there: pause for some serene contemplation at Kallio Church, take an in-depth tour of Museum of Worker Housing (Tyovaenasuntomuseo), get to know the fascinating history of Toolo Bay (Toolonlahti), and explore the world behind art at Didrichsen Art Museum.

For photos, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip planner.

Athens, Greece to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5- hour combination of subway and flight. You can also do a combination of subway, flight, and ferry; or drive. Prepare for much colder weather when traveling from Athens in October: high temperatures in Helsinki hover around 10°C and lows are around 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Fri) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Your day-by-day itinerary now includes Santa Claus Reindeer, Christmas House Santa and LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier. On the 12th (Sat), browse the different shops at Sampokeskus Shopping Centre, join in the after-dark buzz at Santa Claus Reindeer, then see the interesting displays at Christmas House Santa, then browse the different shops at Arctic Circle Mall, and finally look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier. Here are some ideas for day two: pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemen ortodoksinen kirkko, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, and finally shop like a local with Marttiini Store Old Factory.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Helsinki in October: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around 3°C and lows are around -1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can travel back home.