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
From: $3600 $2880 Operator discount: -$720 -20%

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour 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

  • Go beyond the Arctic Circle to explore Finland’s remote winter wonderland

  • Snowshoe through the Oulanka landscape under the guidance of our local tour leader

  • Master the basics of cross-country skiing – the soft snow cushioning our gentle tumbles

  • Make friends with a pack of huskies on a dog-sledding adventure in Riisitunturi National Park

  • Learn the art of quinzee-building and other wilderness skills from an expert

  • Snowshoe at night with a chance of catching the dancing Northern Lights

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners

  • All accommodation

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Local tour leaders throughout

  • All specialist equipment

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • 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

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • 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.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    20

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

An excellent holiday providing an introduction to a whole range of snowy activities in a stunning location. The only problem is it ends too soon and then you have to go back to the real world.

Finland wilderness week

A fantastic location, the hut was lovely cozy & warm. The staff, particularly the leader Ana were really friendly and helpful. The kit provided was of good quality with top name brands, and kept you very warm, even at -30 for the evening walk. Each day was different, so made it intresting and allowed you to try a range of activities. Would highly recommend.

It's a must do!

This was an amazing week filled with first time experiences. Finland is such a beautiful place. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on 2 nights- which was my main reason for going on this trip as well as the husky sledding. The day trip to Ruka was a great day, where I went snowmobiling which was great fun and watched people on the ski slopes. We visited a reindeer farm, where we got to feed the young reindeer. An added bonus was crossing the Arctic Circle on the way to the airport at the end of the week. This was unexpected and ended the holiday wonderfully!

A spectacular Wilderness Week in Kuusamo

Based at Oulanka Base Camp within Oulanka National Park we were able to participate in a number of Finnish wilderness activities from Snow shoe hikes, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, driving a skidoo on a snowmobile safari and building a Quinzee(igloo) and being amazed on two evenings watching the spectacular northern lights. Our lodge was very comfortable and warm with a balcony offering fantastic views of snow covered spruce trees and the frozen Juuma lake. The food in the restaurant was delicious and plentiful all sourced locally and prepared by a chef.

What an amazing week!

I recently embarked on the Finnish Wilderness Week with Exodus, and it was an experience of a lifetime! Basecamp Oulanka is a charming retreat surrounded by forests and Juuma Lake. The week was filled with many winter activities, including snowshoeing in the snow-covered forests, cross-country skiing by the lake, and an unforgettable dogsledding adventure, despite being new to winter sports the guides were incredibly helpful and patient with us. The accommodation at Basecamp Oulanka was superb, offering warm rooms, and the provision of all necessary Arctic equipment made the adventure comfortable and enjoyable.

Fantastic Wilderness Week

The Finnish Wilderness holiday is up there with one of my best holidays. Oulanka base-camp was fantastic, the accommodation excellent and the food home made and wonderful. Definitely an experience not to be missed. The optional activities a must. The Arctic gear provided is fabulous. You can really travel very very lightly.

Snow, Sauna, Cider and Cold Toes! What a Holiday!

I keep telling everyone that I really enjoyed my Finnish Wilderness Weekend, that's exactly how long it felt like! It was a really great holiday and it just went so fast. It was amazing to be the first ones there at the start of the season so that all the snow is pristine and untouched. The setting is amazing and you just couldn't ask for more.

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Great winter holiday away from the madding crowds with lots of new experiences and activities to try

FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

Although the weather was extremely cold we were always busy. The setting was beautiful: the activities varied with lots of choice. Food was excellent and plentiful. The staff were fantastic - hard working and helpful. A sauna and hot tub were always there at the end of the day before a delicious dinner. This trip at this time of year is a real boost.

Finnish Wilderness Week

It was a really enjoyable week with an opportunity to try many new things in a fantastic setting.

Read all 169 reviews

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Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024
$3900 $3120

Operator discount: -$780

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Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025
$3600 $2880

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Operator discount: -$720

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Prices last published on 20-Nov-2024

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    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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