11 days in Lapland & 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 20th (Sun): don't miss a visit to Lordi's Square, surround yourself with nature on Tatuka Reindeerfarm, then take an in-depth tour of Arktikum, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Ounasvaaran Hiihtokeskus Oy. On the next day, look for gifts at LAURI Handicraft Shop & Atelier, Head underground at Syvasenvaara Fell, identify plant and animal life at Napapiirin Porofarmi, then have fun at Santa Claus Office, and finally don't miss a visit to Santa Claus Village.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Rovaniemi travel planning site.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Rovaniemi is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. You can also drive. Traveling from Abu Dhabi to Rovaniemi, you'll gain 2 hours due to the time zone difference. In December, Rovaniemi is colder than Abu Dhabi - with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Mon) so you can drive to Pyhatunturi.

On the 22nd (Tue), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Pyha-Luosto National Park. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the exciting artwork at Museum - Gallery Alariesto, see Lapland Safaris, and then go deep underground at Amethyst Mine Lapland.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Pyhatunturi journey site.

Getting from Rovaniemi to Pyhatunturi by car takes about 2 hours. Traveling from Rovaniemi in December, expect little chillier with lows of -17°C in Pyhatunturi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Wed) to allow time to travel to Levi.

Finland's largest and most popular ski resort, the fell of Levi provides excellent slopes and lively nightlife in an enchanting setting.

On the 24th (Thu), take in the exciting artwork at LUVATTUMAA - Levi Ice Gallery, fly down the slopes at Kids' Land, then get a taste of the local shopping with Elan Ski Shop & Rental, and finally bet on your favorite at Icekarting Levi. Here are some ideas for day two: take a memorable tour with Levi Ski Resort.

For reviews, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Levi trip planner.

You can drive from Pyhatunturi to Levi in 2.5 hours. In December, plan for daily highs up to -6°C, and evening lows to -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Fri) early enough to 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.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Sea Fortress Suomenlinna and Galerie Forsblom. Your inner history buff will appreciate Temppeliaukio Church and Helsinki Cathedral. And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Uspenskin Cathedral (Uspenskin Katedraali), wander the streets of Katajanokka, browse the eclectic array of goods at Old Market Hall, and look for gifts at Artisaani.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Helsinki planning website.

Traveling by flight from Levi to Helsinki takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. In December, Helsinki is somewhat warmer than Levi - with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Tue) so you can travel back home.