10 days in Helsinki, Ahtari & 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.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Sat): pause for some serene contemplation at Temppeliaukio Church.

For reviews, maps, and tourist information, read Helsinki trip planner.

Barcelona, Spain to Helsinki is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of train and bus. Traveling from Barcelona to Helsinki, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. While traveling from Barcelona, expect much colder days and slightly colder nights in Helsinki, ranging from highs of 3°C to lows of -3°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sun) so you can travel to Ahtari.

Ähtäri is a town and municipality of Finland.It is located in the Southern Ostrobothnia region. Get out of town with these interesting Ahtari side-trips: Mantta-Vilppula (Gösta Serlachius Museum, Museum of Art, Serlachius Museum Gustaf, &more), Virrat (Killinkoski Church & Marttinen) and JM-Rally Parc Ferme (in Toysa). There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Old Church of Keuruu and buy something for everyone on your list at Villageshop Veljekset Keskinen.

For maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Ahtari driving holiday planning website.

Drive from Helsinki to Ahtari in 4 hours. Prepare for slightly colder weather when traveling from Helsinki in December: high temperatures in Ahtari hover around -1°C and lows are around -7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Rovaniemi.

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

Kids will enjoy Santa Claus Village and Santa Claus Office. Step out of Rovaniemi to go to Pyhatunturi and see Pyha-Luosto National Park, which is approximately 1h 35 min away. The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, get engrossed in the history at Arktikum, engage your brain at Pilke Science Centre, and stop by LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier.

To see ratings, maps, photos, and tourist information, read our Rovaniemi online trip planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Ahtari to Rovaniemi. Traveling from Ahtari in December, expect Rovaniemi to be slightly colder, temps between -6°C and -13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 3rd (Sun) to allow time for travel back home.