14-Day Adventure Itinerary: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Munich, Austria on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Welcome to Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

9:00AM

Arrival & Breakfast

Arrive in Helsinki, check into your budget accommodation, and grab breakfast at the local grocery store to prepare a simple meal.
EUR10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Explore Market Square

Wander through the bustling Market Square, experiencing local products and Finnish culture.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch

Prepare a light lunch at your accommodation using local ingredients from the market.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Senate Square

Stroll to Senate Square, appreciating the neoclassical architecture and the Helsinki Cathedral.
FREE, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Esplanade Park

Enjoy the greenery of Esplanade Park, perfect for people-watching and relaxation.
FREE, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner

Cook dinner using fresh ingredients bought from the Market Square.
EUR7, 1 hour

Day 2: Helsinki Exploration

Helsinki, Finland

8:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy a homemade breakfast with Finnish rye bread and cheese.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the National Museum

Learn about Finnish history and culture in an interactive way at the National Museum.
EUR12, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch

Grab a quick bite at a local cafe or prepare a sandwich back at the accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Discover Suomenlinna Fortress

Take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning views.
EUR9, 4 hours

6:00PM

Dinner

Cook a comforting dish with local veggies and pasta you bought earlier.
EUR8, 1 hour

Day 3: Travel to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, Finland

7:00AM

Breakfast

Eat a nutritious breakfast that includes oatmeal and fruits.
EUR5, 1 hour

8:00AM

Bus to Rovaniemi

Catch a morning bus to Rovaniemi for your next adventure in Lapland.
EUR30, 8 hours

4:00PM

Arrive in Rovaniemi

Check into budget accommodation, and grab a light snack before exploring.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:30PM

Visit Santa Claus Village

Engage in the festive spirit and meet Santa in this magical village.
EUR0, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner

Cook dinner at your accommodation, using ingredients purchased during the day.
EUR8, 1 hour

Day 4: Northern Lights Chasing

Rovaniemi, Finland

7:00AM

Breakfast

Prepare a hearty breakfast with eggs and toast.
EUR6, 1 hour

8:30AM

Explore Arktikum Museum

Discover the Arctic and Lapland's cultural heritage at Arktikum.
EUR14, 2 hours

11:00AM

Lunch

Create a sandwich with local ingredients.
EUR5, 1 hour

12:30PM

Santa Park Visit

Enjoy the magical Christmas atmosphere in this subterranean amusement park.
EUR20, 3 hours

5:00PM

Preparation for Northern Lights

Rest and prepare warm clothing and snacks for your first night of skywatching.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Northern Lights Experience

Head out to a nearby spot to watch the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
EUR20, 4 hours

Day 5: Relax in Lapland

Rovaniemi, Finland

8:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy leftover breakfast or cook something simple.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Ounasvaara

Hike or walk in the beautiful natural area of Ounasvaara.
FREE, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch

Prepare a light lunch using local ingredients.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Ice Fishing Experience

Consider joining a local ice fishing tour for an authentic Arctic experience.
EUR50, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner

Enjoy a filling meal at your accommodation before more Aurora watching.
EUR8, 1 hour

7:30PM

More Northern Lights

Take the evening to search for the Northern Lights again, head to Ounasvaara or stay close to your accommodation.
FREE, 3 hours

Day 6: Journey to Munich

Munich, Germany

9:00AM

Breakfast

Finish your groceries with a final hearty breakfast.
EUR5, 1 hour

10:30AM

Flight to Munich

Take a flight from Rovaniemi to Munich with possible layovers.
EUR120, 3 hours

1:00PM

Arrive in Munich

Check into your accommodation and take a moment to rejuvenate.
EUR3, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Marienplatz

Explore Munich's heart, check out the New Town Hall and Glockenspiel.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Lunch

Grab a quick bite at a local bakery, famous for their breads.
EUR4, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner

Have dinner at a local beer garden, where you can try local sausages.
EUR15, 2 hours

Day 7: Munich Culture Day

Munich, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast

Grab a quick breakfast from the local bakery.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the English Garden

Explore one of the largest urban parks in the world and relax by the river.
FREE, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch

Pack a picnic and enjoy it in the park.
EUR5, 1 hour

1:30PM

Deutsches Museum

Visit one of the largest science and technology museums in the world.
EUR12, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner

Prepare a light dinner in your hostel kitchen with local ingredients.
EUR7, 1 hour

Day 8: Explore Munich

Munich, Germany

7:30AM

Breakfast

Have breakfast at your accommodation, ensuring you’re fueled for the day.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nymphenburg Palace

Discover the stunning Baroque architecture of Nymphenburg Palace.
EUR11, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch

Stop by a local market for takeaway or make something at your accommodation.
EUR5, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Olympiapark

Walk through the iconic park of the 1972 Olympics and take great photos!
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner

Dine at a local bratwurst stall for a cheap and delicious meal.
EUR8, 1 hour

Day 9: Travel to Austria

Innsbruck, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at your Munich hostel before travel.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Innsbruck

Board a train to the picturesque city of Innsbruck, surrounded by mountains.
EUR50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Arrive in Innsbruck

Check into your budget accommodation and freshen up.
EUR3, 1 hour

1:30PM

Lunch

Have lunch in the old town, trying local Tyrolean cuisine.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Old Town

Wander through the quaint streets of Innsbruck's Old Town, admiring its colorful buildings.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner

Cook a simple dinner at your accommodation with local ingredients from the market.
EUR7, 1 hour

Day 10: Innsbruck Adventure

Innsbruck, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast

Make breakfast at your accommodation, preparing a mix of local delights.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Golden Roof

Marvel at the iconic Golden Roof, a landmark of Innsbruck.
FREE, 1 hour

11:00AM

Nordkette Mountain Range

Take the Nordkette cable car for stunning views of the Alps.
EUR36, 5 hours

4:00PM

Lunch

Enjoy a snack at the mountaintop while taking in the views.
EUR5, 1 hour

5:00PM

Return to Innsbruck

Take the cable car back down and explore more.
Included in EUR36, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner

Dine at a cozy local restaurant, enjoying Tyrolean specialties.
EUR15, 2 hours

Day 11: Scenic Austria

Salzburg, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast

Breakfast at your accommodation before moving on.
EUR5, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Salzburg

Catch an early train to Salzburg, renowned for its music and history.
EUR25, 2 hours

11:30AM

Arrive in Salzburg

Check into accommodation and rest for a while.
EUR3, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch

Try local cuisine including famous schnitzel.
EUR12, 1 hour

2:30PM

Mirabell Palace and Gardens

Wander through the beautiful gardens and take photos.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner

Make a simple dinner back at your accommodation using local groceries.
EUR8, 1 hour

Day 12: Explore Salzburg

Salzburg, Austria

8:00AM

Breakfast

Eat a quick breakfast at your accommodation.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress

Take the funicular to explore this stunning fortress with panoramic views.
EUR12, 2 hours

11:30AM

Stroll Old Town

Wander the beautiful streets of Salzburg’s Old Town, enjoying the architecture.
FREE, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch

Local café for delicious pastries and coffee.
EUR8, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Mozart’s Birthplace

Visit this historic home and learn about Mozart’s life.
EUR11, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner

Cook dinner at your accommodation with local ingredients.
EUR8, 1 hour

Day 13: Return to Munich

Munich, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast

Open a light breakfast at your accommodation.
EUR4, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Munich

Head back to Munich for a final day.
EUR25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Viktualienmarkt

Visit this famous market for lunch and local delicacies.
FREE, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch

Grab a meal from different food stalls within the market.
EUR10, 1 hour

3:30PM

Return to Accommodation

Head back and freshen up.
EUR3, 1 hour

5:00PM

Final Dinner

Enjoy a memorable last dinner at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Bavarian fare.
EUR20, 2 hours

Day 14: Departure Day

Munich, Germany

8:00AM

Breakfast

Finish any leftover groceries for breakfast.
FREE, 1 hour

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Stroll around to pick up some souvenirs.
COST VARYING, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-out and Depart

Check out of your accommodation and head to the airport.
EUR3, 1 hour