Great Finland Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?

A journey to Finland can last as short as five days. But it can also go on for a couple of weeks depending on your requirements. If you're wondering how long to stay in Finland, you can tick the must-see destinations in Lapland off your bucket list and enjoy an Arctic experience in less than a week. However, we suggest adding a few more days to your itinerary and opting for a sojourn that lasts seven to ten days instead. The extra time will allow you to hang out in Helsinki, explore one of the country's stunning national parks, and try unique activities like ice fishing and snowshoeing.

If you are short on time and can only manage five days or less in Finland, we suggest that you start the trip in Santa Claus's hometown, Rovaniemi. Fly straight into the Lapland, take a tour of the city, and meet the most famous man in the world, Father Christmas. From there, you can visit a reindeer farm and try your hand at leading a reindeer-driven sleigh down a snowy slope. Hit a husky farm up next for a unique dog-sledding experience before driving through Rovaniemi’s wooded trails during a snowmobile safari. Spend your night gazing at the sky illuminated by the incredible Northern Lights before it is time to head home.

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A few more days on top of your five-day itinerary will allow you some more room to explore more of Finland. Discover the picturesque city of Helsinki before heading for Rovaniemi. Check out its Kauppatori Market where you can taste some local delights and tour the city’s ancient cathedrals. Stroll through Sibelius Park, located by the sea, and discover the fortified islands of Suomenlinna. You can either extend your stay in the capital to two days and take Helsinki at your own pace, or you can spend one extra day towards the end of the trip in Rovaniemi, hunting the elusive Northern Lights. While in Rovaniemi, try your hands at ice-fishing and feel the excitement of hiking through the wilderness. You can get better insights on your next Finland trip by referring to our "7 days in Finland" blog post.

A ten-day Finland itinerary will allow you to do an in-depth exploration of the country. Building upon the seven-day itinerary above, you can add one of the national parks in the country to your itinerary. We highly recommend the unspoiled Oulanka National Park, where you can stay in cozy wooden lodges at Basecamp Oulanka. While there, grab a pair of shoes and trek through the snowy wilderness along the Kitka River and Myllykoski rapids.

Riisintunturi National Park is another destination where you can go on a snowmobile safari. You can also try out ice climbing in one of the frozen falls or streams in the nature reserve. Top up your vacation by learning what it takes to survive in the subzero temperatures of the Arctic, and build your very own igloo.

Itineraries that span two weeks or longer in Finland allow you to immerse yourself in the country’s stunning landscapes and rich culture without feeling rushed. After exploring vibrant cities like Helsinki and Turku, the extra days provided by a two-week stay are perfect for venturing into the breathtaking wilderness of Lapland and the idyllic archipelago. Spend your time discovering the magic of the Northern Lights, hiking in national parks, and experiencing unique activities like sauna sessions and ice fishing. With 14 days to explore, we recommend spending a few days in each location, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty and charm of Finland.

Determining how many days you should spend in Finland ultimately depends on your interests and the experiences you want to have. Whether you explore the vibrant capital of Helsinki, soak in the beauty of the Finnish archipelago, or venture into the stunning landscapes of Lapland, even a short trip can be immensely rewarding. While a week gives you ample time to see various sights, a longer stay allows for a deeper dive into Finland’s rich culture and natural wonders. No matter your itinerary, the magic of Finland will undoubtedly leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return for more adventures.

Get in touch with one of our travel experts in Finland for a customized trip. If you’d like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our tours in Finland.

More information:
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