Finland Places: 16 Stops from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Explore Finland's most iconic landmarks across 6,424 km, from the UNESCO-listed Suomenlinna sea fortress near Helsinki to the Arctic Circle's Rovaniemi, showcasing the country's rich history, neoclassical architecture, and pristine natural landscapes.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Welcome to Finland
- End
- Pallas Yllästunturi national park
- Stops
- 16
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Welcome to Finland — Nordic nation renowned for pristine forests, thousands of lakes, and the magical Northern Lights visible across its Arctic regions.
- Suomenlinna Fortress — UNESCO World Heritage sea fortress built in the 18th century on islands near Helsinki, showcasing Swedish military architecture and coastal defense heritage.
- Helsinki Cathedral — Iconic neoclassical white cathedral dominating Helsinki's skyline since 1852, symbolizing Finnish independence and architectural elegance.
- Helsinki Parliament — Architectural masterpiece designed by Johan Sigfred Sirén, constructed 1926-1931, featuring five floors with white marble staircases and paternoster elevator symbolizing Finnish…
- Rovaniemi and the Arctic
- Olavinlinna Castle — Medieval fortress built in the 15th century in Savonlinna, featuring ancient stone corridors and sturdy walls, serving as venue for cultural events and artistic performances.
- Uspenski Cathedral — Largest Orthodox church in Western Europe, built 1862-1868 with striking red brick facade and jade green spires, designed by Russian architect Alexei Gornostayev overlooking the…
- Replot Bridge — Modern cable-stayed bridge connecting the Replot islands off Finland's west coast, offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea landscape.
- Lapinlahti bridge — Historic bridge spanning a bay in Helsinki, providing scenic waterfront views and connecting the city's cultural and residential districts.
- Saimaa lake — Finland's largest lake system covering vast eastern territories, home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and abundant recreational opportunities.
- Vikaköngäs river
- St. John's Church — Medieval red-brick Gothic church in Turku, one of Finland's oldest religious buildings dating to the 14th century.
- Pyhä-Luosto
- Turku Cathedral — Finland's most important religious monument, a medieval Gothic cathedral serving as the seat of the Archbishop since the 13th century.
- Turku Castle — Medieval fortress on the Aura River built in the 13th century, representing Finland's oldest building and symbol of Turku's historical significance.
- Pallas Yllästunturi national park — Lapland national park featuring fell ranges with hiking trails, reindeer herds, and expansive Arctic landscapes across two connected mountains.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Winter temperatures in Rovaniemi can drop to minus 40°C. Plan accordingly with proper winter gear.
- Tip
- Finland has approximately 188,000 lakes. Consider a lake-based trip for scenic water views and recreational activities.
- Timing
- Lapland experiences up to 200 days of icy winter. Visit between late autumn and early spring to see snow and Arctic conditions.
- Transport
- Replot Bridge (1,450m) connects Replot Island to the mainland. Use it to access nearby islands and boost local tourism areas.
- Transport
- Aland Archipelago capital Mariehamn is connected by bridges and cable ferries for easy island travel.
- Tip
- Saimaa Lake (1,147 sq km) is Finland's largest lake and 4th largest freshwater lake in Europe. Plan for lake cruises or scenic drives.
- Tip
- Puruli lake in Eastern Finland offers exceptional clarity with 6-10m underwater visibility on calm sunny days.
- Timing
- Naantali is the ultimate summer destination in southwest Finland. Visit in summer for outdoor activities; water freezes in winter for ice skating.
- Transport
- Saariselkä is 30km from Ivalo Airport with regular bus and taxi services available for access.
- Tip
- Ruka in Kuusamo is Finland's top-rated ski resort hosting international ski competitions.
- Tip
- St. John's Church is Finland's largest church with 2,600 seating capacity, built in Gothic Revival style between 1888-1891.
- Tip
- Finland made broadband internet access a legal right in 2010, with minimum 1 Mbps guaranteed for all households regardless of location.
Video on this route
Wonders of Finland | The Most Amazing Places in Finland | Travel Video 4K