9 days in Helsinki Region & 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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali). When in Helsinki, make a side trip to see Heureka in Vantaa, approximately Vantaa away. There's still lots to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Temppeliaukio Church, get in on the family fun at Linnanmaki Amusement Park, don't miss a visit to Senate Square, and get engrossed in the history at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Helsinki driving holiday planning tool.

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Los Angeles to Helsinki is 10 hours. In December, Helsinki is much colder than Los Angeles - with highs of 37°F and lows of 27°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Mon): identify plant and animal life at Santa"s Cottage & Pet Farm, join the crowd at Icekarting Levi, and then grab your bike and head to Levi Ski Resort.

To find traveler tips, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Levi trip maker.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Levi takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Helsinki in December, things will get a bit cooler in Levi: highs are around 22°F and lows about 8°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Mon) so you can drive to Rovaniemi.

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

Bring the kids along to Santa Claus Village and SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus. Change things up with a short trip to Ranua Zoo in Ranua (about 1 hour away). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, get curious at Pilke Science Centre, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Rovaniemi journey builder website.

Traveling by car from Levi to Rovaniemi takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 22°F in December, and nighttime lows around 11°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.