9 days in Helsinki Region & 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.

Let the collections at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Sea Fortress Suomenlinna capture your imagination. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Katajanokka and Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo). Go for a jaunt from Helsinki to Vantaa to see Heureka about 32 minutes away. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Kansallisgalleria, take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, and get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki tour planning website .

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 15-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of flight and ferry. Traveling from Los Angeles to Helsinki, you'll lose 10 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Los Angeles in December; daily highs in Helsinki reach 37°F and lows reach 27°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) early enough to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Discover out-of-the-way places like Ranua Zoo and Salla Museum of War & Reconstruction. Christmas House Santa and Rovaniemi Local History Museum are good opportunities to explore the local culture. There's lots more to do: get in on the family fun at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, try to win big at Feel Vegas - Club Rovaniemi, get curious at Pilke Science Centre, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Rovaniemi tour itinerary website .

You can fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. In December, Rovaniemi is a bit cooler than Helsinki - with highs of 22°F and lows of 11°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Thu) to allow time for travel back home.