What you'll do
Ylläs is Finland's biggest ski area, so of course it appeals to skiers and snowboarders. However, this is the perfect travel itinerary for couples, families and groups that all have different interests.
It's a combination of relaxing in Finnish nature, doing some typical Lapland activities and hitting the slopes for some ski- or snowboard fun! There's really something for EVERYONE.
If you want to stick to this 10-day itinerary, you have 5 nights to spend in Äkäslompolo and 2 nights in Ylläs. I can highly recommend doing this, but if you don't have that much time and want to shorten this trip, it's better to choose between either a stay in Äkäslompolo or Ylläs.
Day 1
If you arrive by plane at Helsinki Airport, take the train to Helsinki Central.
The train network in Finland is amazing and it's a very fun and more sustainable option of traveling from Helsinki to Lapland. Therefore, I suggest taking the night train to Kolari on day 1. If you have an early flight arrival in Helsinki, you can use this program for some sightseeing, until it's time to hop on board.
Start the day with a nice coffee break :)
Fazer Café Kluuvikatu
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Cozy café famous for it's chocolate
Fazer is Finland's most famous chocolate brand and they have a few cafes in Helsinki. Café Kluuvikatu is one of the biggest locations in Helsinki and a prime spot to grab a delicious cup of coffee and some tasty pastries.
With it's big silver letters and light boxes on the facade, it almost looks like a vintage cinema from the outside. The café is beautiful inside as well and they sell a lot of Fazer treats. The coffee is excellent and with its central location and friendly staff, it's a great place to unwind and recharge while exploring the city.
Gear up for your trip to Lapland! It can get extremely cold above the Polar Circle and this is one of the best stores to do some last-minute shopping.
Sport & Outdoor gear
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Gear up for your next outdoor adventure
Finland is a real outdoor destination and the Finnish people know how to live with the elements during every season. In winter it can be extremely cold so you have to wear proper clothes and gear. If you are not prepared enough, or simply are looking to buy great quality stuff for your next outdoor adventure, XXL Sports & Outdoor Kluuvi is a one-stop shop for all your sports and outdoor needs.
With a wide range of clothing, shoes, and equipment for men, women, and kids, you can gear up for any adventure. I bought some great clothes, gloves, grill sticks and even a fire stick here, right before heading to Lapland. They also sell great heat packs to keep you extra warm in wintertime.
Whether you're into running, cycling, hiking, camping, rafting or just looking for some cool active wear, this store has you covered with top brands and great deals. So, swing by and get ready to take on the great outdoors in style!
Time for some sightseeing! Acces the National Library for free and discover this beautiful gem in Helsinki.
National Library of Finland
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A hidden treasure trove in Helsinki
With its stunning architecture, this library is not just a feast for the eyes, but also of cultural importance with over 3 million books and periodicals that document the country's heritage.
The National Library of Finland can be found in the heart of Helsinki, right next to the famous white Cathedral. It's a must visit for book lovers and history buffs! When you enter the building, it feels like you are stepping inside a Harry Potter movie.
I really enjoyed spending some time on my own here, flipping through all the books and admiring all the old details. Whether you're a bookworm or just appreciate beautiful buildings, this spot is definitely worth a visit!
Next door you will see Finland's most iconic landmark, the white Cathedral on the large Senate Square.
Helsinki Cathedral
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Iconic white cathedral in Helsinki
With its symmetrical Greek cross layout and impressive dome tower surrounded by smaller domes, the cathedral stands out as a symbol of Finnish architectural beauty and religious significance.
The Helsinki Cathedral, also known as the Dom Church of Helsinki, is an iconic Lutheran church located in the heart of Helsinki on Senate Square. Designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in a neoclassical style, this church was built between 1830 and 1852 as a tribute to Tsar Nicholas I of Russia. It's definitely a must-see landmark if visit Helsinki.
Cross the South Harbour and Central Market square and walk up to this beautiful Cathedral. If you want to go inside it's best to go around lunch time, as they close the doors very early.
Oespenski-kathedraal
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Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Helsinki
This Greek Orthodox cathedral located in Helsinki was the main cathedral of the Orthodox Church of Finland and is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary).
The red Uspenski Cathedral was build between 1862-1868 and overlooks the city from the Katajanokka peninsula. It's known for its Russian Revival architecture and with half a million tourists visiting annually, it's a must-see attraction in Helsinki.
Visit the Old Market Hall and try some local snacks.
Old Market Hall
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Charming historic market
With a variety of vendors offering delicious food and drinks, this is the perfect place to grab a bite while exploring Helsinki. The Old Market Hall is a charming spot where you can enjoy high-quality culinary delights in a historic setting right by the Market Square.
Whether you're in the mood for a coffee, a pastry, or a hearty meal, this market has something for everyone. They also sell very surprising local things, like wild bear meat in cans. Although I personally wouldn't recommend buying this, the market itself is a very nice place to try other local snacks and fresh sea food. It's not very big, so it's great for a quick stop in between seeing some sights.
If you have enough time to spare, pay a quick visit to the very modern Oodi library. Helsinki's architectural icon and cultural hub that cannot be missed.
Oodi library
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State-of-the-art library in Helsinki
This public library is a modern and vibrant hub for all things bookish and beyond. With its striking architecture blending glass, steel, and wood, Oodi offers a innovative spot to meet friends, dive into a good read, or get creative in their studios and Urban Workshop.
Whether you're looking to work, relax, or explore, Oodi's got you covered with a range of services and facilities available seven days a week. It's basically the coolest hangout spot for bookworms and creatives alike in Helsinki. They even have music studio's, game rooms, cooking classes and creative ateliers with 3D printers and sewing machines. There's a café and you can play a match of backgammon at one of the tables.
The books are sorted out by robots and everything feels very high-tech and innovative. I really like going here when I am in Helsinki. It's a nice place to relax, look around and hide on a rainy or snowy day.
Go for a light dinner at this tapas restaurant.
Restaurant Deliberi - Keskuskatu
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Restaurant with a food court concept
This big and trendy restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes for lunch and dinner. From crispy chicken burgers and Spanish tapas, to herb-crusted salmon and pizza. There's something for everyone's taste buds at Deliberi Keskuskatu.
What I really like about this place is that you can buy the dishes and different points in the restaurant, which gives it the feeling of a food court. Perfect for having lunch of dinner with friends, where everyone can choose there own preferred kitchen.
The menu also includes some very nice vegan options and lots of comfort food. With a relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff, Deliberi Keskuskatu is the perfect spot to enjoy a tasty meal with friends or family.
Make your way back to Helsinki Central and buy some snacks and drinks for your overnight stay in the train. They also serve meals and snacks in the train.
Helsinki Central Station
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Iconic transportation hub in Helsinki
It's one of Finland's most famous art nouveau buildings, designed by Eliel Saarinen and opened in 1919. Nowadays, the Helsinki Central railway station is used by approximately 200,000 passengers daily, making it Finland's most-visited building.
The iconic station is covered with Finnish granite, and its distinguishing features are its clock tower and the two pairs of statues, the "Lantern carriers" by sculptor Emil Wikström, holding the spherical lamps on both sides of the main entrance.
Serving as the terminus for both commuter and long-distance trains, it's a key spot for travelers hopping on and off trains in the capital region. There's a big mall right across the Central Station. On rainy and snowy days, you can take the underground corridor which takes you there directly.
Bonus tip: Take the train to Lapland (or any other place in Finland)
The train network in Finland is amazing. Although, still not many travellers know it, taking the train to Lapland is still one of the best transport options. Not only is it more sustainable, it's also incredibly fun and sometimes even cheaper than flying!
There's a special Santa Claus Express train which drives you directly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with just a couple of stops in between. You can opt for the night train (which saves you money on a hotel night), with private sleeping cabins - optional with your own toilet and shower. The cabins are very comfortable and clean.
There's a restaurant on board, they have a playing area for kids and even dog-friendly cabins. Trust me, it's a very fun way to travel long distances in Finland. I even saw the northern lights right from my cabin window once! Just make sure to book the train tickets upfront on the website of VR Finland.
Book a private sleeping cabin (optional with shower and toilet) in advance and enjoy this comfortabel train ride to Lapland. The earlier you book, the cheaper it is.
Santa Claus Express
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Take the famous night train to Lapland
The train network in Finland is amazing. Although, still not many travellers know it, taking the train to Lapland is still one of the best transport options. Not only is it more sustainable, it's also incredibly fun and sometimes a lot cheaper than flying!
There's a special Santa Claus Express train which drives you directly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi with just a couple of stops in between. You can opt for the night train (which saves you money on a hotel night), with private sleeping cabins - optional with your own toilet and shower. The cabins are very comfortable and clean.
There's a restaurant on board, they have a playing area for kids and even dog-friendly cabins. Trust me, it's a very fun way to travel long distances in Finland. I even saw the northern lights right from my cabin window once! Just make sure to book the train tickets upfront on the website of VR Finland.