Finnish Wilderness Week

Day 1  Oulanka NP
Arrive in Kuusamo and transfer to cosy Basecamp Oulanka, your home for seven nights. This evening, meet your tour leader and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting.

Day 2  Oulanka NP
This morning, you will be provided with all the equipment you will need for a week of fun filled Arctic activities. Strap on a pair of snowshoes and set out to explore Oulanka National Park. Master the art of snowshoeing as you make your way along the Kitka River, passing snowcaked trees and an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the dramatic Myllykoski Rapids. This afternoon is free for you to continue your snowshoeing exploration independently. Alternatively, choose to relax in the inviting Jacuzzi.

Day 3  Juuma Lake
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. By the lake, our instructor literally walks 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  Riisitunturi NP
After breakfast, 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 rolling 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 offers. This evening, we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search of the Northern Lights.

Day 5  Ruka
Enjoy a free day in the popular ski resort of Ruka. Perhaps try your hand at downhill skiing or go on safari in a snowmobile.

Day 6  Oulanka NP
Learn the ancient art of quinzee building today. Create a mound of snow which will be hollowed out to make sleeping quarters. If you wish, you can sleep in your own quinzee construction or return to the warmth of your room.  

Day 7  Oulanka NP
Enjoy a free day with several options to make the most of the magical wilderness. Available activities include a guided snowshoeing trip to Riisitunturi National Park with its snow-covered trees creating a photogenic white forest, unguided cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have a wonderful four-course dinner back at Basecamp.

Day 8  Transfer to Kuusamo
The trip ends after breakfast.