17 days in Rovaniemi, Inari & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Kids will enjoy Santa Claus Village and Safaris. Step out of Rovaniemi to go to Luosto and see Amethyst Mine Lapland, which is approximately 1h 35 min away. There's much more to do: take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, see Santa Claus Office, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Rovaniemi Church, and see the interesting displays at Santa's House of Snowmobiles.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi trip tool.

Dublin, Ireland to Rovaniemi is an approximately 9-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Dublin to Rovaniemi is 2 hours. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Dublin in December; daily highs in Rovaniemi reach -6°C and lows reach -13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Sat) early enough to go by car to Inari.

Inari is Finland's largest, most sparsely populated municipality, with four official languages, more than any other in the country. Start off your visit on the 3rd (Sun): get outside with Lake Inari, examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, and then relax in the rural setting at Inari Reindeer Farm. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 4th (Mon): surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour and then get great views at Otsamo Fell.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Inari online trip maker.

Traveling by car from Rovaniemi to Inari takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Rovaniemi in January, plan for a bit cooler nights in Inari, with lows around -20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Tue) so you can travel 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.

Kids will enjoy Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Senate Square. There's much more to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Temppeliaukio Church, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kamppi Chapel of Silence, discover the deep blue sea with Dive Finland Oy, and take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland.

For reviews, photos, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Helsinki trip itinerary app.

You can fly from Inari to Helsinki in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Inari in January, things will get somewhat warmer in Helsinki: highs are around -3°C and lows about -9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.