Finnish Wilderness Week
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an exhilarating multi-day tour, immersing yourself in the pristine wilderness of Finland. Starting from the remote Basecamp Oulanka, you'll explore the stunning landscapes of Oulanka National Park and Riisitunturi National Park, engage in thrilling activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dogsledding, and even quinzee building. You'll also have the chance to visit the popular ski resort of Ruka. Each day brings a new adventure, with the possibility of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, promising an unforgettable experience.
Included
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.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
A minibus is used for transfers.
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
Local tour leaders throughout
All specialist equipment
5 days mixed activities
All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival at Basecamp Oulanka
- Kuusamo - Arrival day
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Your adventure begins at Basecamp Oulanka, a charming complex of wooden buildings nestled in a remote location overlooking the serene Juuma Lake. In the evening, you'll attend a welcome briefing where you'll meet your fellow adventurers and have any queries addressed.
Day 2 – Day 2: Snowshoeing Adventure in Oulanka National Park
Day 2: Snowshoeing Adventure in Oulanka National Park
- Oulanka National Park
- Myllykoski Rapids
- More
After gearing up for a week of Arctic activities, we'll venture into Oulanka National Park on snowshoes. Our journey will take us through enchanting forests and along the Kitka River, with a stop at the historic flour mill near the dramatic Myllykoski rapids. Post lunch, you can choose to explore more of the park or unwind in the sauna or hot tub.
Day 3 – Day 3: Cross-Country Skiing and Kick Sledging
Day 3: Cross-Country Skiing and Kick Sledging
Today, we'll embrace the Scandinavian sport of cross-country skiing. After mastering the basics, we'll glide across the untouched snow of the lake. You can also try your hand at kick sledging around Basecamp during your free time.
Day 4 – Day 4: Dogsledding Adventure and Northern Lights Hunt
Day 4: Dogsledding Adventure and Northern Lights Hunt
- Oulanka National Park
- More
We'll start the day with a bus transfer to a husky farm on the edge of Riisitunturi National Park. After learning about dogsledding, we'll embark on a 10km mushing adventure through the tranquil, snow-covered landscape. Post lunch, you can partake in optional activities at Basecamp. As night falls, we'll go snowshoeing in search of the elusive Northern Lights.
Day 5 – Day 5: Excursion to Ruka Ski Resort
- Ruka
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- Rukatunturi
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Today, we'll visit the bustling Ruka Ski Resort. You can indulge in thrilling activities like downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris. Please note that bookings for activities at Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Day 6 – Day 6: Quinzee Building Experience
Day 6: Quinzee Building Experience
Today's highlight is the ancient art of quinzee building. We'll construct a mound of snow and hollow it out to create a cozy sleeping quarter. You have the option to spend the night in your quinzee or return to the warmth of your room at Basecamp.
Day 7 – Day 7: Free Day and Farewell Dinner
Day 7: Free Day and Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a free day to explore the magical Finnish wilderness at your own pace. You can engage in activities like unguided skiing, snowshoeing, dogsledding, or snowmobile safaris. In the evening, we'll gather for a delightful four-course farewell dinner at Basecamp.
Day 8 – Day 8: Departure
- Kuusamo - Departure day
- More
After breakfast, we'll bid farewell to the enchanting Finnish wilderness and commence our journey home.
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