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.

Museum-lovers will appreciate Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Katajanokka and The National Museum of Finland. When in Helsinki, make a side trip to see Heureka in Vantaa, approximately Vantaa away. 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 Kamppi Chapel of Silence, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Helsinki Cathedral, and admire the landmark architecture of Temppeliaukio Church.

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

Los Angeles, USA to Helsinki is an approximately 15- hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight; or do a combination of bus and 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 37°F and lows at 27°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 Ranua Zoo and Pilke Science Centre make great kid-friendly stops. Step out of Rovaniemi with an excursion to Salla Museum of War & Reconstruction in Salla--about 2 hours away. There's lots more to do: find something for the whole family at SantaPark - the Home Cavern of Santa Claus, see Santa Claus Office, take an in-depth tour of Rovaniemi Local History Museum, and get a taste of local nightlife at Feel Vegas - Club Rovaniemi.

For other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Rovaniemi trip itinerary tool.

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in 4 hours. Other options are to 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. On the 2nd (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.