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. Kallio Church and Johannes Church are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore Helsinki's surroundings by going to Turku Art Museum (in Turku), Hvittrask (in Kirkkonummi) and Nuuksio National Park (in Espoo). There's much more to do: contemplate the long history of The Aalto House, examine the collection at Didrichsen Art Museum, get to know the fascinating history of Toolo Bay (Toolonlahti), and get engrossed in the history at Museum of Worker Housing (Tyovaenasuntomuseo).

To find photos, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Helsinki vacation planner.

Athens, Greece to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and ferry. In October, Helsinki is much colder than Athens - with highs of °C and lows of °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), browse the different shops at Sampokeskus Shopping Centre, join in the after-dark buzz at Santa Claus Reindeer, thensee the interesting displays at Christmas House Santa, thenbrowse 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, thentake in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemen ortodoksinen kirkko, thentour the pleasant surroundings at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, and finally shop like a local with Marttiini Store Old Factory.

For other places to visit, photos, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip itinerary builder app.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Helsinki in October: high temperatures in Rovaniemi hover around °C and lows are around °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sun) so you can travel back home.