8 days in Lapland & Helsinki Itinerary

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

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Rovaniemi Church and Arktikum. Explore hidden gems such as Nature & Wildlife Tours and Ranua Zoo. And it doesn't end there: examine the collection at Santa's House of Snowmobiles, see Santa Claus Office, look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, and don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village.

To find where to stay, more things to do, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Rovaniemi attractions tool.

New York City, USA to Rovaniemi is an approximately 16-hour flight. Traveling from New York City to Rovaniemi, you'll lose 7 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from New York City in March, things will get little chillier in Rovaniemi: highs are around 30°F and lows about 17°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) to allow time to drive 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 10th (Wed): get outside with Lake Inari, then examine the collection at Siida - Sami Museum and Nature Center, then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read our Inari online trip planner.

Getting from Rovaniemi to Inari by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. In March, daytime highs in Inari are 29°F, while nighttime lows are 13°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) 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.

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Mannerheim Museum and Sea Fortress Suomenlinna. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Sinebrychoff Art Museum and Kansallisgalleria. There's still lots to do: take an in-depth tour of The National Museum of Finland, get a new perspective on nature at Natural History Museum (Luonnontieteellinen Museo), examine the collection at Finnish Aviation Museum, and contemplate the long history of The Aalto House.

For reviews, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Helsinki tour builder site.

Traveling by flight from Inari to Helsinki takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. Traveling from Inari in March, expect Helsinki to be a bit warmer, temps between 37°F and 23°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Sat) so you can travel back home.