When to go
January – March
Price
From £2 pp (including flights)
Flight time
03hrs 22mins
Introduction
Strap on your snowshoes and traverse Oulanka and Riisitunturi National Park. Become immersed in the snow-capped scenery, and wander past frozen pine trees, water meadows, waterfalls, and frozen lakes. As a low-impact and easy to learn activity, snowshoeing is accessible to those young and old. Plus, your expert leader will take you on the best walking trails and vantage points.
At a Glance
Duration
8 days & 7 nights
Guide price
Group: £2,549pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Basecamp Oulanka – Lake Jyravajarvi – Castle Rocks – Riisitunturi National Park – Ruka – Oulanka National Park – Basecamp Oulanka
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
3 out of 7 - Moderate
Age Range
16+
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accommodation
Basecamp Oulanka
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 4 people with a maximum of 12
Start/Finish
Basecamp Oulanka – Basecamp Oulanka
Highlights
Snowshoeing in an Enchanting Winter Landscape
Snowshoeing is a fun, unique, and accessible way to explore Finland in the winter. With the aid of an expert leader, you will explore both the Oulanka and Riisitunturi National Parks. Whilst there you’ll be surrounded by picturesque scenery, majestic frozen water features, and snow-capped pine trees.
Stay in Warm and Comfortable Accommodation
At Basecamp Oulanka you will stay at the Wilderness Hotel, a wooden dwelling with single rooms, double rooms, and twin rooms / family rooms. Each room provides comfortable and cosy accommodation, ensuite bathrooms with a shower and toilet, and minimal light and sound pollution. An authentic wilderness experience, indeed.
Downhill Skiing and Snowmobile Safaris
During your free day in Ruka, you can participate in optional activities, such as downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris. The Ruka Ski Resort has 39 slopes and 22 lifts, while the snowmobile safaris provide breathtaking views of Ruka.
Recommended Hotels
Basecamp Oulanka
Sample Itinerary
Finland Snowshoeing Adventure
Walk through the Finnish wilderness in snowshoes on this 8-day sample itinerary. Explore both Oulanka and Riisitunturi National Park, where you will wander past snow-capped pine trees, waterfalls, and water meadows. You can also enjoy a full day of optional activities at Ruka, which includes your choice of downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris.
Day 1: Basecamp Oulanka
Start your journey at Basecamp Oulanka.
(D)
Day 2: Basecamp Oulanka
In the morning, receive all your snowshoeing equipment and other supplies. Head to the frozen Juuma Lake and take the opportunity to become familiar with your snowshoes.
From there, walk along Kitka river and the Myllykoski rapids. Then enjoy free leisure in the afternoon, where you can go on self-guided snowshoeing trips or unwind at Basecamp.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Lake Jyravajarvi and Castle Rocks
Today, walk over the suspension bridge hanging over the Niskakoski rapids. Then visit the frozen lake of Jyravajarvi and stop for a snack at Pyöreälampi.
Afterwards, walk to Linnakallio Castle Rocks, a wall of rock standing isolated on the riverbanks. Then pass Jyrävä, the largest waterfall in the park. Upon returning to Basecamp, cross another suspension bridge to reach the Myllykoski rapids.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Riisitunturi National Park
Transfer to Riisitunturi National Park, which was established in 1982 and covers about 77 square kilometers of land.
The park is unique for the thick coating of dense snow that covers the trees, creating a dense white forest landscape. The trees also become bent and out of shape due to the heaviness of the snow, further adding to their distinct appearance.
During your visit, you will go on a memorable walking trail, which culminates with a hike to the top of the fjell and gorgeous views.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Ruka
Enjoy a free day of leisure in the ski resort of Ruka. Optional activities available to you include downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris. Talk to your tour leader about arranging these activities for you.
(B, D)
Day 6: Oulanka National Park – Little Bear Trail
Prepare for a long day of snowshoeing in Oulanka National Park. Your guide will take you to an area known as the ‘Little Bear Trail.’ The trail will take you to the southern part of the River Kitka and the Kallioportti viewpoint.
Your return to Basecamp will take you across a suspension bridge. Enjoy free leisure for the rest of the day upon returning.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Optional Activities
Take advantage of the last day to enjoy optional activities. You can do cross-country skiing, un-guided snowshoeing, and dogsledding. In the evening, enjoy a 4-course farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Kuusamo – London
Bid farewell to your tour leader and group. Head to Kuusamo airport and fly back to London.
(B)
