In the heart of Finland’s Oulanka National Park is Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming huddle of wooden lodges overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, explore one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dog sled, including a nighttime snowshoe excursion in search of the Northern Lights. With all Arctic gear provided, plus winter wilderness experts by your side, you’ll feel completely at home in this remote, snowy wonderland.
Activity Areas
Cross-Country Skiing
Dogsledding
Snowshoeing
Winter Bestsellers
Winter Holidays
Winter Mixed-Activity
Region & Country & City
Europe: Finland
Included in the Price
— All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Group arrival and departure transfers available
— Specialist Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Basecamp Oulanka)
— Five days of mixed activities
— Group normally starting from 4, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Adventure starts at Basecamp Oulanka
Begin your adventure at Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming complex of wooden buildings in a remote location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing onto Oulanka National Park.
Around 6pm, say hei to your tour leader and fellow travellers in the main lodge of Basecamp Oulanka, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Finnish welcome over dinner together.
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.
Day 2 Snowshoe hike in 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, 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, you can choose to do further self-guided snowshoeing in the surrounding area or relax in Basecamp’s sauna or hot tub.
Day 3 Cross-country skiing on Juuma Lake • Free afternoon for unguided skiing and other activities
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 Dogsledding in Riisitunturi National Park • Northern Lights snowshoe excursion
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 Free day in Ruka for optional activities
Spend the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide takes care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, we advise checking at reception before making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See ‘Optional excursions’ in the Trip Notes for more. Due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Day 6 Wilderness skills, including quinzee-building and fire-making • Optional night in the quinzee
Learn the ancient art of quinzee building. Provided shovels and spades, we create a mound of snow, which is 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.
Day 7 Optional activities including guided snowshoeing trip • Farewell dinner
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 Adventure ends at Basecamp Oulanka
The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. If you want to extend your time in Finland please speak to your sales representative who will be happy to advise.