What are some common first-day activities when starting a tour in Helsinki?

Most Helsinki tours begin with a walking orientation through the city's central district. Visitors explore Senate Square and see the Lutheran Cathedral along with the Parliament Building. The distinctive Rock Church (Temppeliaukio) is often included. Many groups meet for evening welcomes at central hotels like Holiday Inn City Centre or Hotel Glo Art. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "Our guide Paul took us around the city showing cultural sites and we enjoyed hot salmon soup at the local market which was absolutely delicious."

What are the main transportation options from Helsinki to other Finnish destinations?

The Santa Claus Express overnight train serves as the main link from Helsinki to northern destinations like Rovaniemi. This 12-hour journey provides private sleeping compartments for passengers. Tour operators also use private buses or mixed transport options depending on the route. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Finnish double-decker night train is a great and ecological way to travel from Helsinki to snow-covered Lapland."

Where do most tours that start in Helsinki stay on the first night?

Centrally located 4-star properties serve as the standard first-night accommodations. The Hotel Glo Art near the train station and Holiday Inn City Centre are frequent choices given their proximity to major sites like Senate Square and Market Square. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The hotel was perfectly located in the heart of Helsinki making it easy to explore the city's highlights on foot."

What kind of meals are typically included in tours starting from Helsinki?

Hotel breakfasts come standard with most tours while welcome dinners featuring Finnish specialties are common on opening nights. Many itineraries include food stops at Old Market Hall and Market Square where local vendors showcase regional specialties. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The breakfast buffets were delicious and nutritious offering a great mix of Finnish and international options."

What is the best season to start a tour from Helsinki?

Helsinki welcomes visitors year-round. Summer tours (June-August) take advantage of extended daylight hours while winter trips (December-March) focus on Northern Lights viewing and snow activities. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "We visited in July and enjoyed perfect weather for exploring Helsinki's outdoor markets and parks before heading north."

What's the typical length of tours starting in Helsinki?

Most Helsinki-based tours run 4 to 10 days with 6-8 days being most common. Short city tours like the Helsinki Explorer cover main attractions in 4 days. Longer options such as the 8-10 day Lapland Winter Adventure combine urban and wilderness experiences. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The whole trip was fantastic starting from Helsinki where our guide showed us all the historic sights before heading north."

10 Best Finland Tours & Trips from Helsinki

10 best Finland tour packages from Helsinki

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Explorer
The Northern Lights of Finland (2026)
4.9 (73 traveler reviews)
"Love the trip, enjoyed everything."
Angel, traveled in March
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Kakslauttanen
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
From
US$5,199per person
+$500 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Helsinki - Turku - Tampere by Rail
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Phenomenal country - totally 💯 safe. Food beyond my expectations."
David, traveled in July
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Turku, Tampere
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
V.O.S – Vision of Scandinavia
From
US$1,501per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Self-drive Tour To The Pure Nature In North Karelia
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Kolin Kansallispuisto, Nurmes
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
Aksyt Ammat Ltd
From
US$1,173per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
WINTER DREAMS
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
EUROLATINO Tour Operators
From
US$2,498per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Explorer
Self-drive Tour Helsinki - Kuhmo With Happy Holidays Memories
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Savonlinna, Linnasaari, Joensuu,Kolin Kansallispuisto,Nurmes,Bomba,Kuhmo,Kuopio+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Aksyt Ammat Ltd
From
US$1,994per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Summer in Lapland: A Family Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $2,199
US$1,979per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway, Operated by Quark
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Helsinki
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
13% Off
From $10,190
US$8,885per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Lapland: A Family Winter Adventure
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Ranua
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
10% Off
From $2,499
US$2,249per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
A Taste of Helsinki, Turku & Tampere
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Turku, Tampere
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, French
Operator
Nature Safari
10% Off
From
US$2,288per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Finnish Lapland Discovery
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
Ages 12+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
17% Off
From $2,699
US$2,240per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Finland in 8 days - Covering Helsinki and Rovaniemi
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Arctic / North PoleLapland+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
WiseYatra
15% Off
From $3,011
US$2,559per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Highlights of Helsinki & Lappeenranta - 5 Days
3.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Lappeenranta
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German
Operator
Click Tours
20% Off
From $1,145
US$916per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Tailor-Made 7 Days Finland Adventure to Lapland, Private Transfer
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Kemi
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Lapland
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
20% Off
From
US$5,389per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Small Group Helsinki and South Karelia in 5 days (Guaranteed departure)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Everything was easy. Transfer drivers were on time at each stop. The train rides to Lappeenranta and back were very comfortable."
Patricia, traveled in August
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Lappeenranta
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Travel Addicts Club
20% Off
From
US$815per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Helsinki & South Karelia Express - 5 days
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Good organisation and great guides."
Sylvie, traveled in June
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Helsinki, Lappeenranta
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $1,160
US$812per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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