Morning: Start your adventure in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland. Explore the bustling Market Square, where you can find local delicacies and handmade crafts. Take a visit to the historical Suomenlinna Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, visit the Design District and admire the unique Finnish design. In the evening, enjoy the vibrant nightlife in the Kallio district.
Market Square: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Suomenlinna Fortress: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
Design District: Cost: Free, Time: 2-3 hours
Kallio District: Cost: Varies, Time: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Ekberg, a legendary bakery and cafe in Helsinki. Indulge in their freshly baked pastries and enjoy a cup of coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Ravintola Nokka, a renowned restaurant focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy their delicious Nordic cuisine and stunning waterfront views. Average cost for a meal is about 20-30 euros per person.
For dinner, experience the authentic Finnish flavors at Restaurant Savotta. Located in a charming 19th-century building, this restaurant offers traditional dishes like reindeer and salmon. Average cost for a meal is about 25-35 euros per person.
Sunday, December 3: Rovaniemi
Morning: Fly to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus. Visit the Santa Claus Village and meet Santa himself. In the afternoon, go on an exhilarating snowmobile safari through the snowy forests of Lapland. End your day with a Northern Lights hunting tour in the evening.
Korundi Café: Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast at Korundi Café, located in the heart of Rovaniemi. Indulge in a variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, cereals, fruits, and hot beverages. The average cost for a meal is about 10-15 Euros per person.
Nili Restaurant: For lunch, head to Nili Restaurant which offers a unique blend of traditional and modern Finnish cuisine. Try their reindeer meatballs or smoked salmon salad for a taste of local flavors. The average cost for a meal is about 15-20 Euros per person.
Arctic Boulevard: Treat yourself to a memorable dinner experience at Arctic Boulevard, known for its elegant ambience and gourmet dishes. Sample their signature dish, Arctic char, or indulge in a tender reindeer steak. The average cost for a meal is about 30-40 Euros per person.
Monday, December 4: Levi
Morning: Travel to Levi, a popular ski resort in Lapland. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding on the well-groomed slopes. In the afternoon, go on a husky sledding adventure and experience the thrill of being pulled by a team of energetic huskies. Enjoy a cozy evening by the fireplace in a traditional Finnish log cabin.
Levi Ski Resort: Cost: Varies, Time: Full Day
Husky Sledding: Cost: $100-150, Time: 2-3 hours
Log Cabin Stay: Cost: $150-300 per night, Time: Evening
Restaurants
For breakfast, try Cafe Zero in Levi, a cozy cafe offering a variety of delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10-15 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Restaurant Kota in Levi, which specializes in traditional Lappish cuisine. Try their reindeer stew or salmon soup for an authentic taste of Finland. Average cost for a meal is about 20-30 euros per person.
For dinner, visit Restaurant Kammi in Levi, known for its rustic atmosphere and mouthwatering grilled dishes. Enjoy a hearty steak or a plate of grilled Arctic fish. Average cost for a meal is about 30-40 euros per person.
Tuesday, December 5: Ylläs
Morning: Travel to Ylläs, another stunning ski resort in Lapland. Spend the day exploring the vast cross-country skiing trails and enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery. In the afternoon, embark on a snowshoeing expedition to discover hidden frozen landscapes. End your day by relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna.
Ylläs Ski Resort: Cost: Varies, Time: Full Day
Snowshoeing: Cost: $50-100, Time: 2-3 hours
Finnish Sauna: Cost: Varies, Time: Evening
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Pirkka, a charming cafe located in Ylläs. Enjoy their famous Finnish pancakes topped with berry jam and a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 12 euros per person.
For lunch, head to Ravintola Mummola, a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Finnish cuisine. Try their delicious reindeer stew served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. Average cost for a meal is about 20 euros per person.
Treat yourself to a memorable dinner at Aurora Sky Restaurant, a fine dining establishment offering panoramic views of the northern lights. Indulge in their signature Arctic salmon dish served with roasted vegetables. Average cost for a meal is about 45 euros per person.
Wednesday, December 6: Kemi
Morning: Head to Kemi and visit the SnowCastle, a magnificent snow and ice structure. Explore the SnowHotel and have a drink at the Ice Bar. In the afternoon, take a thrilling icebreaker cruise on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Witness the raw power of breaking through ice and enjoy the Arctic views. Spend the evening enjoying the local cuisine in Kemi.
For breakfast, try Café Meripuisto located near the SnowCastle. They offer a variety of pastries and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, visit Ravintola Narii located in the heart of Kemi. They serve delicious Finnish cuisine with a modern twist. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
For dinner, have a meal at Ravintola Merimesta, a waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 30 euros per person.
Thursday, December 7: Turku
Morning: Travel to Turku, the former capital of Finland. Visit the Turku Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 13th century. Explore the quaint streets of the Old Town and immerse yourself in the city's rich history. In the afternoon, take a cruise along the picturesque Archipelago Sea, enjoying the scenic views of the Finnish coast. End your day with a visit to the Turku Cathedral.
Turku Castle: Cost: $10-15, Time: 2-3 hours
Archipelago Cruise: Cost: $30-50, Time: 2-3 hours
Turku Cathedral: Cost: Free, Time: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast in Turku, Cafe Art is a cozy cafe known for its delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a breakfast meal is about 10€ per person.
If you're looking for a place to have lunch in Turku, Kaskis is a popular choice. This restaurant offers a modern Finnish menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Average cost for a lunch meal is about 20-30€ per person.
For dinner, try Smör Restaurant, which offers a fine dining experience with a Scandinavian twist. The menu features creative dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a dinner meal is about 40-50€ per person.
Friday, December 8: Tampere
Morning: Head to Tampere, a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions. Visit the Moomin Museum, dedicated to the beloved Finnish characters. Explore the Särkänniemi amusement park and enjoy thrilling rides and attractions. In the afternoon, take a relaxing stroll along the Tammerkoski Rapids. Spend the evening enjoying the local nightlife in Tampere.
For breakfast, head to Café Europa, a cozy and charming café offering a variety of freshly baked pastries and delicious coffee. Average cost for a meal is about 10 euros per person.
For lunch, try Pub Pikilinna, a local pub serving traditional Finnish dishes such as salmon soup and reindeer stew. Average cost for a meal is about 15 euros per person.
For dinner, dine at Ravinteli Bertha, a fine dining restaurant known for its modern Finnish cuisine. Enjoy dishes like smoked whitefish and reindeer fillet. Average cost for a meal is about 40 euros per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
For adventure seekers, consider visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. This wilderness area offers stunning hiking trails, where you can experience the untouched beauty of Finnish Lapland. Another hidden gem is the Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki, where you can go on a thrilling wilderness excursion, including canoeing, hiking, and camping amidst the peaceful Finnish nature.
Before finalizing your travel plans, make sure to check here for the best hotel and flight prices for your trip to Finland.