Discover Finland: A 7-Day Journey Through Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Finnish Lapland

Day 1: Explore Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland on July 5, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Regatta

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and traditional Finnish cinnamon buns in a cozy seaside cabin, a perfect start to your Helsinki adventure.
EUR8, 1h

10:00am

Visit Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square

Explore the iconic Helsinki Cathedral with its stunning neoclassical architecture and then relax in the historic Senate Square, a key cultural hub.
Free, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Market Square

Taste Finnish street food like salmon soup and reindeer meatballs from vendors at Market Square, right by the harbor.
EUR15, 1h

1:30pm

Explore the Design District

Wander through the Design District to discover unique boutiques, galleries, and artisan shops showcasing Finnish creativity.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Visit Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Take a 15-minute ferry to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring historic fortifications and museums, offering spectacular views.
EUR5 ferry, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ravintola Kappeli

Enjoy classic Finnish dishes in an elegant 19th-century restaurant located in Esplanadi Park, renowned for its ambiance and local flavors.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 2: Cultural & Natural Highlights

Helsinki, Finland on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Ekberg Bakery

Savor artisanal pastries and strong coffee at Helsinki's oldest bakery, a beloved local spot.
EUR10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Temppeliaukio Church

Explore the rock-hewn church famed for its unique architecture blending natural bedrock and copper dome.
EUR3, 1h

11:00am

Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Discover Finland’s rural heritage by walking through traditional wooden structures displayed on this island park.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lappi Restaurant

Try authentic Lappish specialties such as smoked salmon and sautéed reindeer in a modern setting.
EUR25, 1h

2:30pm

Ateneum Art Museum

View Finland’s premier collection of classical Finnish artworks and European masterpieces.
EUR17, 2h

5:00pm

Relax at Esplanadi Park

Unwind amidst lush greenery and enjoy live music if available during the summer evenings.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Savotta

Indulge in traditional Finnish cuisine with a focus on local ingredients near Senate Square.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 3: Day Trip to Porvoo

Porvoo, Finland on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Porvoo

Take a 1-hour drive or bus ride east to Porvoo, Finland’s second oldest town, famous for its charming old town.
EUR10, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Brunberg Chocolate Shop

Taste delightful Finnish chocolates and coffee in this historic confectionery.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Explore Porvoo Old Town

Walk the cobbled streets lined with colorful wooden houses, artisan shops, and riverside cafes.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bistro Sinne

Enjoy contemporary Finnish dishes with a fresh twist in Porvoo’s vibrant dining scene.
EUR30, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Porvoo Cathedral

Visit the historic stone cathedral dating back to the 15th century with its serene atmosphere.
Free, 30m

3:00pm

Return to Helsinki

Head back to Helsinki to prepare for the northern leg of your trip.
EUR10, 1h

5:00pm

Free Evening in Helsinki

Explore local shops or relax at your accommodation before travel to Lapland tomorrow.
Free, Rest of evening

7:30pm

Dinner at Sea Horse

Enjoy a casual dinner with traditional Finnish dishes and a rustic atmosphere in central Helsinki.
EUR25, 2h
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Day 4: Flight to Rovaniemi & Arctic Circle

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 8, 2025

7:00am

Flight to Rovaniemi

Catch an early morning domestic flight (about 1h 20min) to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus.
EUR100, 1h20m

9:00am

Check-in & Breakfast at Cafe & Bar 21

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring local berries and fresh coffee based on your hotel location.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Santa Claus Village

Meet Santa Claus year-round, cross the Arctic Circle line, and explore gift shops in this magical theme park.
Free entry, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Santa Claus Village Restaurant

Sample Lappish specialties such as smoked salmon or reindeer stew in a scenic Arctic environment.
EUR30, 1h

2:30pm

Arktikum Science Museum

Explore exhibitions about Arctic nature, history, and the indigenous Sámi culture.
EUR16, 2h

5:00pm

Relax and Dinner at Nili Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Lappish cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, including reindeer and Arctic char.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 5: Lapland Nature Adventure

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up for a day of outdoor exploration with a rich Finnish breakfast buffet.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park

Visit Finland’s northernmost zoo to see native Arctic animals including bears, lynx and reindeer in natural habitats.
EUR18, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Ranua’s Cafe

Light lunch options available onsite to recharge before heading back to Rovaniemi.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Ounasvaara Hill Hiking

Enjoy scenic hikes with panoramic views of Rovaniemi and surrounding forests famous for midnight sun during July.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Roka Street Bistro

Casual dining spot offering creative Nordic cuisine with local ingredients and great ambiance.
EUR35, 2h
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Day 6: Lapland Culture & Relaxation

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Cafe & Bar 21

Enjoy a fresh, local breakfast with options ranging from pastries to hearty dishes.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Sámi Cultural Tour

Experience indigenous Sámi culture through guided visits to traditional settlements, handicrafts, and storytelling sessions.
EUR50, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Nili Restaurant

Return for a second taste of authentic Lappish delicacies in a welcoming setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:30pm

Relax at Spa Hotel Eden

Unwind with spa treatments including sauna and massages, rejuvenating after active days exploring Lapland.
EUR60, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Restaurant Roka

Enjoy a modern Nordic culinary experience using local, seasonal ingredients in a stylish atmosphere.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 7: Final Day & Return

Rovaniemi, Finland on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and Checkout

Enjoy your final Finnish breakfast before preparing for the journey home.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30am

Visit Rovaniemi Local Market

Browse for last-minute souvenirs and local products such as cloudberry jam and handcrafted goods in the town center.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Flight back to Helsinki

Catch a midday flight to Helsinki for your return or onward travels.
EUR100, 1h20m

1:00pm

Lunch at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Enjoy a casual lunch featuring Finnish fast-casual dishes before your international departure.
EUR20, 1h
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