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.

Shop till you drop at Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa) and Galerie Anhava. Get a sense of the local culture at The Aalto House and Toolo Bay (Toolonlahti). Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo), Turku Art Museum (in Turku) and Hvittrask (in Kirkkonummi). Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Johannes Church, get engrossed in the history at Museum of Worker Housing (Tyovaenasuntomuseo), pause for some serene contemplation at Kallio Church, and explore the world behind art at Didrichsen Art Museum.

To find ratings, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki day trip tool .

Athens, Greece to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Expect cooler temperatures when traveling from Athens in October; daily highs in Helsinki reach 10°C and lows reach 1°C. Finish up 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), buy something for everyone on your list at Sampokeskus Shopping Centre, join in the after-dark buzz at Santa Claus Reindeer, examine the collection at Christmas House Santa, then buy something for everyone on your list at Arctic Circle Mall, and finally look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemen ortodoksinen kirkko, then hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, and finally make a trip to Marttiinin Wanha Tehdas.

To find ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi attractions planner .

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in October, things will get slightly colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around 3°C and lows about -1°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.