Finnish Wilderness Week

Finnish Wilderness Week

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8 Days From

$3450

Finnish Wilderness Week

8 Days Starting and ending in Basecamp Oulanka

Visiting: Oulanka, Oulanka National Park, Juuma, Riisitunturi, Ruka

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

CFA

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 20

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Active

From: $3450

NB: Prices correct on 26-Jun-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings in a truly stunning location. In one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe, you are able to enjoy a variety of winter activities in this beautiful landscape and hardly ever see another soul. Dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp.



Highlights

  • Enjoy a host of winter activities in magical surroundings

  • Stay in fantastic lodge accommodation

  • Experience an evening Northern Lights snowshoe 

  • Experience an evening snowshoeing under the Northern Lights 

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Basecamp Oulanka.

Location: Oulanka

Meals Included: Dinner

Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cozy wooden buildings

located in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking the Juuma lake and

backing into Oulanka National Park.



Day 2 : Snowshoe Hike In Oulanka National Park Walking Through Snow-Caked Trees And Along The Kitka River

Location: Oulanka National Park

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of

activities in arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes we head

straight out into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary

skills for this activity. Our route today will take us through forests and

along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the

dramatic Myllykoski rapids (approx 2½ hours). After lunch, there will be a

chance to 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 The Juuma Lake; Free Afternoon.

Location: Juuma

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing.

Heading down to the nearby JuumaLake, our instructor will literally walk us

through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to

start with, but in the soft snow, this is half the fun! After becoming more

confident on the skis we then head out 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 : Half-Day Dogsledding Instruction And Tour (About 10Km) In Riisitunturi National Park; Optional Ice Climbing.

Location: Riisitunturi

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, we take a bus transfer to the husky farm on the edge of the

Riisintunturi National Park where we meet up with our dogsledding guide. The

day begins with tuition on how to ride on the sled and the importance of

caring for the huskies correctly. We then head off into the woods where our

teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing

adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forested trail into the

wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you are able to really appreciate the

serenity of this snow-laden landscape.  Today we will have lunch at the

husky farm. The afternoon is free to experience some of the optional

activities that Basecamp has to offer such as ice climbing (min 4 persons).

This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search of the Northern

Lights. 



Day 5 : Free Day In Ruka; Morning Option Of Snowmobile Safari; Afternoon Option Of Downhill Skiing

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' section below. Please note that 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 and in groups of four, we create a mound of snow, which is later

hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons 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 Ice Climbing, Dogsledding, Or Unguided Cross-Country Skiing; Dinner Around A Campfire.

Location: Ruka

Accommodation: Camp

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a free day with several options on offer to make the most of

the magical Finland Wilderness. Some of the activities available include

unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile

safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner

around a campfire on the edge of the National Park.



Day 8 : End Basecamp Oulanka.

Location: Oulanka

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to

Kuusamo and fly to London. 



What's Included

  • All specialist equipment

  • All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners

  • All accommodation (see accommodation section)

  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Local tour leaders throughout

What's Not Included

  • Single accommodation (available on request) 

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

Food


All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 evening meals are included.

The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food)
that is all prepared on-site by the in house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with 3-4 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 that have often been picked by the chef herself. These
berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes,
and pancakes.

Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon, or vegetarian option.

If you have any kind of dietary requirement (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

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    20

  • 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.

  • 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 flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • 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.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No passenger under 16 age can go on this tour.

  • 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.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Fabulous Trip

Fabulous week in the snow in the Finland. The week

Fabulous week in the snow in the Finland. The week exceeded all expectations - helped by the fact we saw the Northern Lights on night one on the way from the airport. Had a great mix of different activities and stunning scenery. Also food was really good. Lunch was always a filling soup and dinner great home cooked Finnish dishes.

Absolutely amazing week

The week was absolutely amazing and perfect from s

The week was absolutely amazing and perfect from start to finish. We had a great group that mixed well and inspired and supported each other. The accommodation - Basecamp Oulanka - was comfortable, warm and perfectly situated and the staff professional, helpful and kind. Our guide, Martti, was absoutely great, as was his 'side-kick' Anton. Martti was inspiring, flexible, helpful and a good laugh. Both Martti and Anton clearly enjoyed their job and ensured that we had a great time with all the activities. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Having hot tea and coffee available throughout the day was great, as was the daily usage of the sauna and hot tub. The meals at Basecamp were plentiful, tasty and well-thought out and encouraged me to try things I'd never eaten before.

A Must Do Trip!

This is an absolutely fabulous trip that I would n

This is an absolutely fabulous trip that I would not hesitate to recommend. I really wasn't sure how I would get on with a holiday in the cold as I am a warm weather person normally but I really enjoyed it. My feet and hands got cold sometimes but my body was warm all holiday - even in -24 watching the Northern Lights. The variety of activities is brilliant - I got to do so many things for the first time. I loved the Basecamp - so cosy with lovely staff and great food. The rooms are fairly small but are warm and comfortable with good storage space. I was fortunate to have an absolutely amazing group as well.

A week full of unashamed laughter!!

I booked this trip as a total novice in winter spo

I booked this trip as a total novice in winter sports, and after spending a week experiencing a whole range of snow related activities, I’m completely hooked! I enjoyed fabulous scenery, I learnt new skills, I laughed out loud and had enormous fun, I ate great food, I met lovely people and I completely switched off from the stresses of work.

Adventure

What a wonderful adventure. We really enjoyed all

What a wonderful adventure. We really enjoyed all of the activities: snow shoe walking, cross country sking, igloo building, husky rides. There are optional things to do also such as reindeer farm, ice wall and abseiling. Although it was - 17 on the coldest day the clothing provided keeps you warm and toasty. I have never been on a group holiday before and a little apprehensive but don't be, met some wonderful spirited adventures. Base camp is great, staff very friendly and helpful, food lovely and filling. Only down side: we had to come home

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

This was one of the best holidays I've had in a ve

This was one of the best holidays I've had in a very long time.  If you haven't been to Finland before and you love your winter holidays, then this is for you.  The people of Finland are the most friendly and polite you could ever wish to meet.  Stunning scenery, our lovely Finnish hosts, brilliantly organised activities and great company.  Cross country skiiing is going to be one of my favourite winter sports from now on.  I was sad when ur week came to an end, but came back feeling super healthy (even if slightly k*******d) I loved it!!!!!!

No 1 holiday!

Just the best week ever! It certainly isn't a rest

Just the best week ever! It certainly isn't a restful week, but it was great to learn new skills. There was down time in the evenings and we could enjoy the sauna and hot tub. Definitely try rolling in the snow after the sauna

Spectacular trip!

A great escape from everyday life with the opportu

A great escape from everyday life with the opportunity to try out many different snow activities plus free time to relax or experience optional activities. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on 4 of our 7 nights 18-25 February 2018. Very tasty food and plenty of it. Comfortable rooms with underfloor heating. Overall a wonderful holiday.

Amazing experience

Great week with an excellent combo of activities i

Great week with an excellent combo of activities in a fantastic location. Peaceful and relaxing, great food and friendly service.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Stunning scenery, friendly staff and varied/fun ac

Stunning scenery, friendly staff and varied/fun activities

Read all 169 reviews

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Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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