Finnish Wilderness Week
8 Days Starting and ending in Basecamp Oulanka
Visiting: Oulanka, Oulanka National Park, Juuma, Riisitunturi, Ruka
Tour operator:
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:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$3450 (USD)Tour Overview
In the heart of Oulanka National Park sits Basecamp Oulanka, a self-sustained complex of wooden buildings in a truly stunning location. In one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe, you are able to enjoy a variety of winter activities in this beautiful landscape and hardly ever see another soul. Dogsledding through the silent snow-caked forests, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. Get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Basecamp Oulanka.
Location: Oulanka
Meals Included: Dinner
Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cozy wooden buildings
located in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking the Juuma lake and
backing into Oulanka National Park.
Day 2 : Snowshoe Hike In Oulanka National Park Walking Through Snow-Caked Trees And Along The Kitka River
Location: Oulanka National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of
activities in arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes we head
straight out into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary
skills for this activity. Our route today will take us through forests and
along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the
dramatic Myllykoski rapids (approx 2½ hours). After lunch, there will be a
chance to 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 The Juuma Lake; Free Afternoon.
Location: Juuma
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing.
Heading down to the nearby JuumaLake, our instructor will literally walk us
through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to
start with, but in the soft snow, this is half the fun! After becoming more
confident on the skis we then head out 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 : Half-Day Dogsledding Instruction And Tour (About 10Km) In Riisitunturi National Park; Optional Ice Climbing.
Location: Riisitunturi
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we take a bus transfer to the husky farm on the edge of the
Riisintunturi National Park where we meet up with our dogsledding guide. The
day begins with tuition on how to ride on the sled and the importance of
caring for the huskies correctly. We then head off into the woods where our
teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing
adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forested trail into the
wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you are able to really appreciate the
serenity of this snow-laden landscape. Today we will have lunch at the
husky farm. The afternoon is free to experience some of the optional
activities that Basecamp has to offer such as ice climbing (min 4 persons).
This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search of the Northern
Lights.Â
Day 5 : Free Day In Ruka; Morning Option Of Snowmobile Safari; Afternoon Option Of Downhill Skiing
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' section below. Please note that due to operational
reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.Â
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 and in groups of four, we create a mound of snow, which is later
hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons 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 Ice Climbing, Dogsledding, Or Unguided Cross-Country Skiing; Dinner Around A Campfire.
Location: Ruka
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we have a free day with several options on offer to make the most of
the magical Finland Wilderness. Some of the activities available include
unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile
safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner
around a campfire on the edge of the National Park.
Day 8 : End Basecamp Oulanka.
Location: Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to
Kuusamo and fly to London.Â
What's Included
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All specialist equipment
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All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
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All accommodation (see accommodation section)
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Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
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All transport and listed activities
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Local tour leaders throughout
What's Not Included
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Single accommodation (available on request)Â
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Visas or vaccinations
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Travel insurance
Food
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 7 evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food)
that is all prepared on-site by the in house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with 3-4 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 that have often been picked by the chef herself. These
berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes,
and pancakes.
Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon, or vegetarian option.
If you have any kind of dietary requirement (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.Â
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
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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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.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
No passenger under 16 age can go on this tour.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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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 -
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.
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
There are no specific health risks.
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What is the maximum group size?
20
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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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.
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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.
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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
Dates & Availability
Sunday - Sunday
Dec 08, 2024 - Dec 15, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 15, 2024 - Dec 22, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 22, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Dec 29, 2024 - Jan 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 12, 2025 - Jan 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jan 26, 2025 - Feb 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 16, 2025 - Feb 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Feb 23, 2025 - Mar 02, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 09, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 09, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 23, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Mar 30, 2025 - Apr 06, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus 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.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.