9 days in Lapland, Tampere & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Wed): look for gifts at Your Piece Of Finland, get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour, and then pause for some serene contemplation at Rovaniemi Church.

To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi trip planner.

Tel Aviv, Israel to Rovaniemi is an approximately 11.5-hour flight. Traveling from Tel Aviv in August, things will get much colder in Rovaniemi: highs are around °C and lows about °C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Wed) so you can travel to Tampere.

Finland's third largest city, Tampere boasts an array of cultural offerings and a lively music scene.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Vapriikin Museokeskus and Galleria Ronga. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Tampereen Tuomiokirkko and Hatanpaa Arboretum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Tampere: Laurinmaki Crofter's Museum (in Janakkala), Hame Castle (in Hameenlinna) and Laukko Manor (in Vesilahti). The adventure continues: take in panoramic vistas at Pyynikki Park and Observation Tower, make a trip to Nasinneula Tower, and stop by Ideapark.

To find ratings, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Tampere trip builder.

Getting from Rovaniemi to Tampere by combination of flight and train takes about 5 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. August in Tampere sees daily highs of °C and lows of °C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Helsinki.

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.

Head to Hakaniemi Market and Academic Bookstore (Akateeminen Kirjakauppa)for plenty of shopping. Let the collections at Seurasaari Island and Open-Air Museum and Mannerheim Museum capture your imagination. Get out of town with these interesting Helsinki side-trips: Porvoo (Cathedral of Porvoo, Nasin Kartanon Galleria, &more), Loviisan kirkko (in Loviisa) and Church of Ruotsinpyhtaa (in Ruotsinpyhtaa). And it doesn't end there: take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland, admire the landmark architecture of Johannes Church, examine the collection at Finnish Aviation Museum, and steep yourself in history at The Aalto House.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read our Helsinki online travel planner.

Getting from Tampere to Helsinki by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a train; or take a bus. August in Helsinki sees daily highs of °C and lows of °C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can travel back home.