5-Day Comprehensive Finland Adventure: Helsinki to Lapland

Day 1: Explore Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Engel

Start your day with a delicious Finnish breakfast at Café Engel, located near Senate Square, known for freshly baked pastries and great coffee.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Explore the iconic Helsinki Cathedral and nearby Senate Square, a central historical and architectural marvel, perfect for understanding Finnish culture and taking photos.
Free, 1h0m

10:45am

Tour the Uspenski Cathedral

Visit the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe with its striking red-brick exterior and beautiful interior, offering panoramic views of the city harbor.
Free, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Market Square (Kauppatori)

Enjoy traditional Finnish street food and fresh seafood from the vibrant Market Square open till 6pm, ideal for a casual and authentic meal.
EUR20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Sea Fortress Suomenlinna

Take a 15-minute ferry ride from Market Square to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site with history and nature combined in open air museums and fortresses.
EUR5.50 (ferry roundtrip), 3h0m

5:00pm

Stroll Esplanadi Park

Relax and enjoy the green spaces and lively ambiance of Esplanadi Park, a favorite spot for locals and tourists to unwind.
Free, 45m

7:00pm

Dinner at Lappi Restaurant

Try authentic Lapland cuisine in Helsinki at Lappi Restaurant, featuring reindeer and traditional northern delicacies in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Travel to Rovaniemi & Explore

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 7, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at your hotel

Have a quick breakfast to prepare for your day of travel and exploration in the Arctic Circle region.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi

Catch a direct 1h 30m flight to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, located on the Arctic Circle.
EUR100, 1h30m

10:15am

Check-in and quick refresh

Arrive in Rovaniemi and check into your hotel to drop off luggage and prepare for sightseeing.
Included in stay, 0h45m

11:00am

Santa Claus Village

Visit the Santa Claus Village where you can meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle line, and send postcards from Santa’s official post office.
Free entry, activities extra, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Santa Claus Village Restaurant

Enjoy a meal inside the village featuring local fare like Arctic char or reindeer meat in a festive atmosphere.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Arktikum Museum and Science Centre

Discover Arctic history, nature, and culture at this modern museum, open daily from 10am to 6pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk along the Kemijoki River

Enjoy a relaxing late afternoon walk alongside Finland’s longest river with scenic views and good photo spots.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nili Restaurant

Taste authentic Lappish cuisine that highlights local ingredients and flavors in a warm and welcoming setting.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Arctic Circle Adventures

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café & Bar 21

Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries in a modern café before starting your day’s adventure.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Ranua Wildlife Park

Visit Ranua Wildlife Park, about an hour from Rovaniemi, to see native Arctic animals like polar bears and lynxes, open 10am-6pm.
EUR18, 3h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Ranua Restaurant

Dine at the park’s restaurant serving hearty Finnish dishes made from local ingredients.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return to Rovaniemi and Visit Lordi’s Square

Explore Rovaniemi’s main square, renowned for its statue celebrating the local rock band Lordi, and enjoy some casual shopping.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit the Pilke Science Centre

Learn about northern forests and sustainable forestry in an interactive setting, open until 5pm.
EUR10, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Roka Street Bistro

Enjoy relaxed yet gourmet dishes with an emphasis on local Arctic ingredients in a trendy bistro environment.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Levi and Lapland Nature

Levi, Finland on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your Rovaniemi hotel

Fuel up early with a hearty breakfast before traveling to Levi.
Included in stay, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive or Bus to Levi (approx. 2.5h)

Travel to Levi, one of Finland’s premier ski resorts known for stunning wilderness and outdoor activities.
EUR30, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in and quick refresh

Settle into your accommodation in Levi and prepare for afternoon adventures.
Included in stay, 0h30m

11:30am

Levi Fell Nature Hiking

Take an easy hike in Levi Fell, offering panoramic views and vibrant nature trails perfect for a scenic summer day.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Panimo

Enjoy craft beers and fresh local dishes at this brewery restaurant, open from noon to late evening.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Levi Zipline Adventure

For thrill-seekers, try the Levi Zipline, open in summer with reservations recommended to soar over the beautiful landscapes.
EUR55, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Savotta Restaurant

Experience traditional Lapland flavors focusing on reindeer and fish, complemented by rustic decor reflecting local culture.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Levi & Return to Helsinki

Levi to Helsinki, Finland on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Check-out

Have a relaxed breakfast before checking out and preparing for travel back to Helsinki.
Included in stay, 1h0m

9:30am

Travel to Kittilä Airport

Take a short transfer (approx. 30 min) to Kittilä Airport for your flight back to Helsinki.
EUR20, 0h30m

11:00am

Flight from Kittilä to Helsinki

Fly approximately 1h 45m back to Finland’s capital to conclude your adventure.
EUR120, 1h45m

12:45pm

Lunch near Helsinki Airport

Grab a quick Finnish meal at a cozy airport restaurant before onward travel or departure.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Optional visit to Heureka Science Center (if time permits)

If your flight time allows, visit the Heureka Science Center 30 min from the airport to experience fun science exhibits, open till 5pm.
EUR18, 2h0m

5:00pm

Departure or extension

Prepare for your departure or continue exploring Helsinki as desired.
Varies, N/A
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