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Finnish Wilderness Week

In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, you can enjoy a variety of winter activities, exploring one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dogsled. Carving your own path through the snow-caked forests of Finland, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hustle of city life. So get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp.
You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan

8 days 7 nights

Oulanka National
Juuma Lake
Riisitunturi National Park
Ruka Ski Resort
Finnish Wilderness
TRIP

Itinerary

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DAY 01: KUUSAMO

Basecamp

Oulanka

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.

Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 02: KUUSAMO

Oulanka

National Park

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.

Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 03: KUUSAMO

Juuma

Lake

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. Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 04: KUUSAMO

Riisitunturi

National Park

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 tuition on 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. Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 05: KUUSAMO

Explore

Ruka

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.

Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 06: KUUSAMO

Wilderness

Skills

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.

Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

DAY 07: KUUSAMO

Wilderness

Activities

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.

Accommodation: Basecamp Oulanka

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 08: KUUSAMO

Bye

Oulanka

The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home.

Meals included: Breakfast 

DAY 09: ISTANBUL

Bye

Istanbul!

After breakfast, we say our goodbyes and start our return journeys home. If you’d like more time to explore magnificent Istanbul, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Pricing

Inquire for Pricing

The itinerary has a service based option. You can pick the events and experiences you want to be a part of. Fill out this with a small message as to what all you’ll be interested in and we’d love to get things rolling for you!

You will be directed to our partner site for booking your plan

What's
Included

All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Local tour leaders throughout

What's not
Included

Tip for the leader
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)

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