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Finland

Take the ferry to Suomenlinna and sweat in a seaside sauna in Helsinki, walk the wooden lanes of Old Porvoo, then ride the night train north to the Arctic Circle.

Best timeJun to Aug, DecMoneyEuro (EUR)Plugs[plug types and voltage]Main airportHelsinki (HEL)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
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Overview

Most first trips start with three days in Helsinki, with a 15-minute ferry to the Suomenlinna sea fortress and a day trip to Old Porvoo, about an hour away by bus. Night trains then run north to Rovaniemi in about 12 hours, and flights link Rovaniemi and Helsinki all year. Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle are 8 km north of Rovaniemi's center.

Summer brings long, bright days: at the Arctic Circle the sun does not set from early June to early July. Rovaniemi has snow on the ground for about six months of the year, the sun stays below the horizon in late December, and northern lights can appear from late August to early April. Several Helsinki museums close on Mondays or Tuesdays.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janColdfebColdmarColdaprColdmayMildjunBestjulBestaugBestsepMildoctColdnovColddecBusy

Helsinki's Baltic Herring Market fills the Market Square every October, a tradition held since 1743. Santa Claus Village is busiest from late November to early January.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

[Photo: Rovaniemi]
Rovaniemi in 2 daysLumberjack's Candle Bridge, Arktikum, Korundi, Aalto Centre, Ounasvaara, Santa Claus Village, Santa Claus OfficeBalanced pace
[Photo: Helsinki]
Helsinki in 3 daysHelsinki Cathedral, Old Market Hall, Suomenlinna, Temppeliaukio Church, Design District, Ateneum, Old Porvoo, Porvoo Cathedral, LöylyPacked pace
[Photo: Finland]
Finland in 7 daysSuomenlinna, Temppeliaukio Church, Ateneum, Old Porvoo, Löyly, Seurasaari, Arktikum, Santa Claus VillageBalanced pace

Where to stay

HelsinkiThe center around the Esplanade for first-timers on foot; Kamppi for the Porvoo buses and shopping; Kallio for cafés and bars; the Design District for shops and galleries.Best areas to stay in HelsinkiHotels in Helsinki
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RovaniemiThe city center for walking to Arktikum, Korundi and the restaurants; near the railway station for night trains; Santa Claus Village for staying on the Arctic Circle.Best areas to stay in RovaniemiHotels in Rovaniemi
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Getting around

  • Night trains: VR night trains leave Helsinki in the evening and reach Rovaniemi the next morning, about 12 hours, while day trains take about 8 to 8.5 hours.
  • Helsinki Airport: P and I trains leave from beneath the terminal and reach central Helsinki in about 30 min.
  • To Suomenlinna: HSL ferries run from the Market Square to Suomenlinna all year and take about 15 min.
  • To Porvoo: Buses leave Kamppi bus station in Helsinki every day of the year and reach Porvoo in about an hour.
  • In Rovaniemi: Bus 8 runs from the railway station and the center to Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle in about 30 min.

Before you go

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