Snowshoeing in Finland
8 Days Starting and ending in Oulanka
Visiting: Finland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CFO
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
In the heart of the Finnish wilderness is the beautiful Oulanka National Park, a vast expanse of snow-laden pine trees, frozen lakes and waterfalls. There is no better way to explore this stunning setting in Finland than by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and heading out to break new trails. In the company of our expert leader, we take varied day tours in the surrounding area, including a visit to the spectacular Riisitunturi National Park.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Dinner
Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing into Oulanka National Park.
Day 2 : Introduction To Snowshoeing With An Easy Hike In The National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, we are provided with all the equipment needed for a week of snowshoeing. We then head onto the frozen Juuma Lake for an easy walk to get used to our new form of transport. Our route leads us through snow-caked trees and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill by the Myllykoski rapids. The afternoon is free for a self-guided snowshoeing trip or just to relax at Basecamp in the sauna or hot tub.
Day 3 : Snowshoe Walk Over Suspension Bridge Around Lake Jyravajarvi And Castle Rocks
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's walk begins over a long suspension bridge that hangs across the Niskakoski rapids. We then head to the pristine frozen lake of Jyravajarvi where we can experience snowshoeing in total silence. This brings us to Pyöreälampi, where we stop for a snack. After the rest, we walk across a secluded area to Linnakallio Castle Rocks, a beautiful wall of rock isolated on the riverbanks. Then we pass Jyrävä, the biggest waterfall in the national park, and the Aallokko rapids. Along the path, you can also admire beautiful lichens hanging from the trees.
On our return to Basecamp, we cross a second suspension bridge over the Myllykoski rapids.
Day 4 : Transfer To Riisitunturi National Park; Walk Through A Unique Landscape To A Viewpoint
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We transfer to the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. Although geographically they are not far apart, the differences between the two national parks are evident. What makes this area so special is the incredible effect the heavy snow has on the trees as you climb higher into the clearings of the fjell. They’re twisted, bent and covered in thick white powder, appearing like hundreds of snow creatures. This memorable walk then culminates in a hike to the top of the fjell for a fantastic view of this wonderful alien landscape.
Day 5 : Free Day In Ruka For Optional Activities
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; check at reception before booking your activities. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See Optional Excursions in the Trip Notes for more.
Please note, due to operational reasons, bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Day 6 : Long Snowshoe Tour In Oulanka National Park Following The Little Bear Trail
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the longest day of snowshoeing as we head deep into Oulanka National Park. Our guide takes us along the Little Bear Trail, which encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. It takes us to the south side of the Kitka River and then up to the Kallioportti viewpoint, where we survey the vast snowy landscape. On return to Basecamp, we head over another suspension bridge in Harrisuvanto before taking a well-earned rest in the sauna or hot tub.
Day 7 : Optional Activities Including Snowmobiling And Abseiling; Farewell Dinner
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have several options to make the most of the magical Finland wilderness. Some of the activities available are: an introduction to cross-country skiing and unguided snowshoeing and dogsledding. As a farewell celebration, we enjoy a four-course farewell dinner at Basecamp.
Day 8 : End Basecamp Oulanka
The trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka (which may feel a bit like home by now) and we begin our return journey.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
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All accommodation (see below)
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All transport and listed activities
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Local tour leaders throughout
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Snowshoes and poles
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
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
Food
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce (Finnish food) all prepared on site by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three or four different choices. The main courses consist of chicken, salmon and wild game such as elk. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries that have often been picked by the chef. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of a hot soup with elk, salmon or vegetarian options.
Check out our Q&As
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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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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with 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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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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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
No visa required for UK passport holders visiting Finland.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Minimum 16 years people can go on this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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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.