When to go
December – April
Price
From £3,099 pp (including flights)
Flight time
03hrs 22mins
Introduction
Explore the magnificent winter wonderland at Basecamp Oulanka and the surrounding region. Enjoy an 8-day adventure filled with dog sledding, cross-country skiing, hiking in the snow, and even ice climbing. Situated in the beautiful remote wilderness of Finland, you’ll be surrounded rushing waterfalls, miles of forestland, and spectacular mountain ranges.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,099pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Kuusamo – Basecamp Oulanka – Riisitunturi National Park – Ruka – Kuusamo
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
9+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Basecamp Oulanka
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 6 people with a maximum of 18
Start/Finish
Kuusamo – Kuusamo
Highlights
Stunning Remote Wilderness
Oulanka National Park is famous for being a remote winter wonderland. The biodiversity is rich in variety, featuring silver birches, Scotch pines, and spruces. Also, the nearest airport is Kussamo, which is about 37 miles away from Basecamp Oulanka.
Huge Range of Activities
There are plenty of physically engaging and mentally stimulating activities to delight your senses. Such activities include dogsledding, hiking in snowshoes, and cross-country skiing. You’ll also be guided by local instructors on how to perform some of the more difficult activities, such as controlling your skis and handling the dogsleds.
Chance to See the Northern Lights
Depending on the time of year, you may encounter the Northern Lights. Also known as aurora borealis, the Northern Lights is a unique display of natural light, caused by a clashing of solar wind as well as the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere. There is minimal artificial light in Oulanka National Park, so you will be able to see the Northern Lights in its purest form.
Recommended Hotels
Basecamp Oulanka
Sample Itinerary
Family Winter Adventure in Finland
Experience the natural beauty of chilly Finland on this 8-day sample itinerary. Situated in Basecamp Oulanka, about 37 miles from Kuusamo airport, you’ll enjoy a wide range of activities, from dogsledding in the woods to gliding through fresh powder on skis. And to top it all off, you’ll be surrounded by mesmerizing scenery, such as snow-capped forests, rapid waterfalls, and – if you’re lucky – the iconic Northern Lights display at nighttime.
Day 1: Kuusamo – Basecamp Oulanka
Take a flight to Kussamo airport. Then transfer to Basecamp Oulanka. Greet the team at Basecamp and meet your fellow travelers and tour guide.
(D)
Day 2: Snowshoe Walking
Begin your Finnish winter adventure with a gentle show shoe walk. Spend half the day exploring Oulanka National Park. Then, enjoy free leisure in the afternoon, with your choice of more snowshoe walking or relaxing in a hot tub or sauna.
You can also try out kick sledging, which involves you (or another companion) sitting on a metal frame sled and pushing the sled (or being pushed by another person) along.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Dogsledding – Riisitunturi National Park
In the morning, make your way to a husky farm in Riisitunturi National Park. Then participate in an introductory lesson, learning how to ride and control the dogsled, and becoming familiar with the importance of caring for the huskies that control the sleds.
From there, proceed into the woods and go on a 6-mile dogsledding adventure. The adults will drive the sleds, while children will sit in the back.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Cross-Country Skiing
Head to Juuma Lake and learn how to perform basic skiing with the help of a local instructor. Be prepared to take a few falls in the soft snow. But remember, those minor tumbles are part of the experience, and the surface you land on is soft and gentle.
Once you start building up your confidence on the skiis, go towards the lake and glide on the fresh powder. Continue skiing well into the afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Reindeer Farm – Ruka
Go to a reindeer farm in the morning, where you can ride on a sleigh pulled by a reindeer. Then enjoy a meal around an open fire, with hot beverages and fresh sausages.
Spend the rest of your day at the Ruka ski resort. Your local guide will help you book any activities that are available to you, such as snowmobile safaris and downhill skiing.
(B, D)
Day 6: Free Morning and Afternoon Snow Games
Enjoy free leisure in the morning. Then in the afternoon, visit the children’s snow park, with supervision by the Basecamp staff. Activities include snow fort building and meals with doughnuts and hot chocolate.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Free Day and Optional Activities
Feel free to spend the day at your own pace. Optional activities include an unguided cross-country ski session, snowshoe hiking, downhill skiing near Ruka, dogsledding, and snowmobile safaris. You can also choose to take on the challenging activity of ice wall climbing, which is suitable for all ages.
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Basecamp.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Kuusamo – London
Say goodbye to Basecamp Oulanka, including the friendly staff and your fellow travelers.
Head to Kuusamo airport and take a flight back to London.
(B)
