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.

Kids will enjoy Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Heureka. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Katajanokka and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. And it doesn't end there: learn more about the world around you at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, and get to know the fascinating history of The Esplanadi Park.

To see photos, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Helsinki sightseeing planner.

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Standard Time (EET) is 10 hours. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Los Angeles in December, with highs in Helsinki at °F and lows at °F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Museum-lovers will get to explore Christmas House Santa and Santa's House of Snowmobiles. Attractions like SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus and Rovaniemi Local History Museum make great kid-friendly stops. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rovaniemi: Salla Museum of War & Reconstruction (in Salla) and Ranua Zoo (in Ranua). There's much more to do: engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, try your luck at Feel Vegas - Club Rovaniemi, find something for the whole family at Moomin Snowcastle, and see Santa Claus Office.

To find reviews, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Rovaniemi trip builder website.

Traveling by flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Traveling from Helsinki in December, expect Rovaniemi to be little chillier, temps between °F and °F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 2nd (Thu) to allow enough time to travel back home.