Snowshoeing in Finland

Snowshoeing in Finland

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8 Days From

$3450

Snowshoeing in Finland

8 Days Starting and ending in Oulanka

Visiting: Finland

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

CFO

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Northern Lights

From: $3450

NB: Prices correct on 31-Oct-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 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

  • Break new trails on a snowshoeing adventure in Finland’s remote north

  • Journey through a winter wonderland: frozen lakes, waterfalls and fjells

  • Take riverside trails to experience the wild landscape of Oulanka National Park

  • Discover snow-laden ‘monster’ trees in Riisitunturi National Park

  • Warm up in the sauna and outdoor hot tub at our welcoming accommodation

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners

  • All accommodation (see below)

  • All transport and listed activities

  • Local tour leaders throughout

  • Snowshoes and poles

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • 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.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • 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 flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with 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.

  • 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.

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 years people can go on this tour.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • 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

Delightful trip to a peaceful place

The remote forests of Finland are a very peaceful place, and tramping through them in snowshoes is an ideal way to immerse yourself in their tranquillity. The trees are laden with snow and you cannot hear a thing. It feels like a scene from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - you half expect to come across a lamppost and a fawn. The centre is well run, and the guides are absolute enthusiasts and keen to pass one their passion for the trees and the wildlife. At night the stars are bright, and the Northern Lights make an eerie appearance. All in all, a magical place. The UK seems very busy when you get home.

Snowshoeing in Finland

A fabulous week in a wonderful place. We were lucky enough to have sunshine and clear skies, so good views of the Northern Lights several nights running. The accommodation is warm and cosy and the food almost too good!

Snowshoeing in Finland

This was an excellent holiday at the cosy and warm Oulanka Basecamp. We were provided with clothing that kept us toasty and boots that were very comfortable. The food was locally sourced as much as possible, tasty and filling. Overall, I cannot fault this holiday.

Something a little different

Never having done snowshoeing before we were not sure how easy it would be but if you can walk you can snowshoe! It was a wonderful novel way of exploring the woodlands around the basecamp with plenty of time to chill in the sauna at the end of the afternoon.

SNOWSHOEING IN FINLAND

The holiday was fantastic. We saw the Northern Lights at the end of our first full day. Husky sledding was great fun, as was ice climbing. Riisitunturi National Park with its trees bent into strange shapes under the weight of snow was amazing. The accommodation was comfortable and the food was delicious. All the Basecamp staff were friendly and helpful.

Snow Shoeing and Much More

Finland is beautiful and Oulanka Basecamp a superb place to spend an active week. The facilities, equipment, food, activities and above all the staff - for whom nothing was too much trouble and who all clearly loved their work - were first-rate. The room accommodation was comfortable and the communal lounge, bar, sauna, hot tub and dining area in a separate building a few seconds walk away. We wanted and expected cold weather - which we got - but were never cold because everywhere was well heated and the winter clothing and boots provided were of the best quality (and all in with the price). The Basecamp is in the middle of nowhere - again, wanted and expected - in an area of forest, lakes, rivers (aka Finland!) but also unexpected hills and, at times, steep climbs. What I liked best? Pretty much everything and there were not enough hours in a day to do all I wanted. Also being wonderfully tired every evening after a hard day of snow shoe walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobile and/or dog sledding were a great aid to a good night/s sleep. Highlights major and minor - in no particular order - were: 1. The food. Loads of it and delicious, including the packed lunches and special energy bars. (We burned a lot of calories). 2. Eating lunch around camp fires at wilderness shelters in a gentle snowfall. 3. My first time on skis. (We haven't laughed so much in ages). 4. Falling a lot. (Yes, I'm serious. I fell off everything - snow shoes, skis - level and downhill - snowmobile and dog sled), and once nearly ended up in a river, but only hurt myself a bit a couple of times.) 5. Dog sled day. A marvellous experience and enough to turn this dog-phobe into a husky fan. 6.The company of like-minded strangers to add to wife and two good friends. Lowlights: Not a thing, other than we didn't get the Northern Lights, but that's beyond the Basecamp's control, and I couldn't do everything. We'll have to go back! The rooms are of two types. The upper rooms are a bit bigger, have a small mezzanine for storage or to sleep in and a balcony. All heating and hot water comes from a wood pellet-burning boiler and a wood-burning fire in the lounge. All clothing and gear is provided to reduce luggage weight - a small detail ,but a nice idea - and almost all food provided sustainable and locally sourced.

SNOWSHOEING IN FINLAND

A fantastic trip, wonderful experiences, great food and great people.

SNOWSHOEING IN FINLAND

a wonderful trip exploring the snowy landscape of 2 of the national parks.  A very warm welcome from our lead Eki and all the team at the basecamp.

True Wilderness Experience

You really are in the middle of nowhere. The silence was deafening. The Northern Lights obligingly came out at least a couple of nights during the week - they look better through a lens I discovered. The rooms are basic and surprisingly warm - underfloor heating seems to work for the most part even though the temperature outside remained stubbornly well below zero for the majority of the week. The scenery was breathtaking, not exactly mountainous but with so much snow around there were plenty of picture postcard moments. Winter clothing is provided, but the fashion conscious snowshoer (is there such a thing) might be disappointed. It works, that's all you need to know. There are many prepared trails in the area and walking solely on them could have proven to be a bit boring, but thankfully our leader, let's call him M, was happy to go 'off piste'. The walks were a little shorter than I would have liked and the current itinerary is definitely aimed at the beginner. However the last walk of the week - along and around the Little Bear Trail was simply stunning. Sitting around a campfire at lunchtime slurping some piping hot soup from a flask definitely was a plus in my books. There are optional activities on offer - snowmobiling is a definite must for any boy(or girl) racers out there. The visit to the reindeer farm lacked a certain something . . . speed. The reindeer ride was definitely underwhelming - if they'd gone any slower we'd have been travelling backwards. Just as well then that the course was very short indeed. Ruka is the closest urban centre which offers limited but floodlit downhill skiing and a host of winter activities including cross country skiing (it's compulsory in Finland), ice karting and fat biking. Back at basecamp the sauna and hot tub is a good place to unwind at the end of the day, and rub snow all over yourself in between - you'll only do that once! Food in the evening is excellent and there's plenty of it. Drinks are pricey, but this is Scandinavia. Overall a relaxing week away from the hectic life back home. No masks (within basecamp) and if you can leave that phone or tablet alone you really can forget about all that 'covid stuff'. Anybody can snowshoe - only your stamina dictates how far you'll want to go. Enjoy.

SNOWSHOEING IN FINLAND

A wonderful trip which I loved from beginning to end. Amazing scenery in a beautiful country. I've finally discovered a winter activity I can really enjoy and if you like the great outdoors I can't recommend this trip enough. 

Read all 20 reviews

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    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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