Finnish Wilderness Week
8 Days Starting and ending in Basecamp Oulanka
Visiting: Oulanka, Oulanka National Park, Juuma, Riisitunturi, Ruka
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CFA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 20
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
In the heart of Finland’s Oulanka National Park is Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming huddle of wooden lodges overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, explore one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dog sled, including a nighttime excursion in search of the ethereal Northern Lights. Carving your own path through snow-caked forests, and with the chance to sleep in a self-made quinzee, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hustle of city life. So, get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Basecamp Oulanka
Location: Oulanka
Meals Included: Dinner
Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing into Oulanka National Park. There will be a welcome briefing this evening, in which you can meet the group and ask any questions you might have.
Day 2 : Snowshoe Hike In Oulanka National Park Walking Through Snow-Caked Trees And By The Kitka River
Location: Oulanka National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we are provided with all the equipment needed for a week of activities in Arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes, we head straight into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary skills for this activity. Our route (approximately 2hr 30min) takes us through forests and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill adjacent to the dramatic Myllykoski rapids.
After lunch, we can do some further exploration on snowshoes (self-guided) of the surrounding area or relax in the sauna or hot tub.
Day 3 : Cross-Country Skiing In The Morning Heading Down To Juuma Lake; Free Afternoon
Location: Juuma
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. By the lake, our instructor will literally walk us through the basics. There may be a few tumbles to begin, but this is half the fun in the soft snow. After becoming more confident, we head onto the lake, gliding through the untouched snow. During your stay at Basecamp, there is the option of further unguided skiing in the area during your free time. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal-frame sled you can use on your own and venture out around Basecamp.
Day 4 : Dogsledding Instruction And Tour In Riisitunturi National Park; Evening Northern Lights Snowshoe Excursion
Location: Riisitunturi
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we take a bus transfer to a husky farm on the edge of Riisitunturi National Park, where we meet our dogsledding guide. The day begins with learning how to ride the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then head into the woods where our dog teams are ready to take us on our 6mi (10km) mushing adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forest trail into the wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you can really appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape. We have lunch at the husky farm and the afternoon is free to experience some of the optional activities Basecamp has to offer. This evening, we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search of the Northern Lights.
Day 5 : Free Day In Ruka For Optional Activities
Location: Ruka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We spend the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, it is advisable to check at reception before making your activities booking.  Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See the 'Optional excursions' for more. Due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Day 6 : Wilderness Skills Including Quinzee Building And Fire-Making; Optional Night In The Quinzee
Location: Ruka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we are taught the ancient art of quinzee building. Provided shovels and spades, we create a mound of snow, which is later hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (two to three per quinzee). You have the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.
Day 7 : Optional Activities Including Cross-Country Skiing And Dogsledding; Farewell Dinner
Location: Ruka
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a free day with several options to make the most of the magical wilderness of Finland. Available activities include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have a wonderful four-course dinner back at Basecamp.
Day 8 : End Basecamp Oulanka
Location: Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Local tour leaders throughout
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All specialist equipment
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food) prepared by the in-house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with three to four different choices. The main courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. Vegetarian options are also available. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries, which have often been picked by the chefs. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes.
Lunch is normally a hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
If you have any dietary requirements (including the ones mentioned below), please inform your customer operations executive at the time of booking, so Basecamp can prepare for this. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets are easily catered for on this trip.
Accommodation
Overlooking Lake Juuma and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’.
Worth knowing
Multiple Exodus trips run at Basecamp Oulanka concurrently and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
There are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during school holidays
Check out our Q&As
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.
For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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What is the maximum group size?
20
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No passenger under 16 age can go on this tour.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.