9 days in Helsinki, Pori & 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Nuuksio National Park and Ekenas Archipelago National Park. Your inner history buff will appreciate Temppeliaukio Church and Kamppi Chapel of Silence. It doesn't end there: stroll through Aurinkolahti Beach.

To see where to stay, photos, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Helsinki trip maker.

If you are flying in from United States, the closest major aiports are Helsinki Vantaa Airport, Turku Airport and Tampere-Pirkkala Airport. In November, daily temperatures in Helsinki can reach 40°F, while at night they dip to 32°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Pori.

Pori is a city and municipality on the west coast of Finland. Start off your visit on the 11th (Sun): get outside with Kuuskajaskari, then enjoy the sea views from Kylmapihlaja Lighthouse Island, and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at The Church of the Holy Cross. On the next day, take in the spiritual surroundings of Central Pori Church (Keski-Porin kirkko), tour the pleasant surroundings at Herrainpaivat Beach, then explore the ancient world of The Ruins of the Church of the Holy Trinity, then look for gifts at Ruokapuoti Lumo, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Old Rauma.

For reviews, maps, photos, and tourist information, use the Pori trip planner.

Traveling by car from Helsinki to Pori takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In November in Pori, expect temperatures between 40°F during the day and 32°F at night. On the 13th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Wed): hit the slopes at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy, then get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church. Here are some ideas for day two: engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour, then make a trip to Lordi's Square, then try your luck at Feel Vegas - Club Rovaniemi, and finally look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland.

For photos, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, read Rovaniemi journey planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Pori to Rovaniemi in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Traveling from Pori in November, things will get slightly colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around 28°F and lows about 20°F. On the 16th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.