When to go
July – August
Price
From £3,099 pp (including flights)
Flight time
3hrs 22mins
Introduction
Marvel at the beautiful wilderness of Finland with a memorable 6-day journey to the many wildlife reserves and national parks in the region. Observe the native Brown bears in their natural habitat, go for a pleasant yet exhilarating nature raft, and soak up the tranquility of Oulanka National Park.
Good For
At a Glance
Duration
6 days & 5 nights
Guide price
Group: £3,099pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Kuusamo | Basecamp Oulanka | Oulanka National Park | Riisitunturi National Park | River Kitka | Brown Bear Hide | Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear) Trail | Kuusamo
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
Age Range
18+
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 14
Start/Finish
Kuusamo – Kuusamo
Highlights
Visit the Brown Bear Hide
Inside the Oulanka National Park is the Brown Bear Wide, where the native brown bears are very active and often come out to search for food, explore, and even play. The hide has large windows and openings for cameras, offering plenty of photograph opportunities. You’ll also stay until late at night, anticipating the arrival of these special creatures.
Enjoy Comfortable and Cozy Accommodation at Basecamp Oulanka
Made up of wooden buildings that provide comfortable and cozy accommodation, Basecamp Oulanka will be your primary home base for the entire duration of your Wilderness of Finland trip. You’ll enjoy modern amenities and comfortable bedding, including plenty of dining opportunities and spectacular views of the snowy surroundings.
Soak Up the Tranquility of Oulanka National Park
Situated in the rugged landscape of the Karhunkierros Trail, Oulanka National Park is a beautiful site to visit. It features impressive waterfalls, snowy forests, and a wide variety of marine and land wildlife, most notably the Brown Bears; of which, there are said to be around 1,500 brown bears in Finland.
Recommended Hotels
Basecamp Oulanka
Sample Itinerary
Wilderness of Finland
In this sample itinerary, you will travel deep into the wilderness of Finland, embarking on a memorable journey to Oulanka National Park and the surrounding region. Along the way, you will spot precious native wildlife, including the majestic Brown Bears, lynx, seals, and whooper swan. Not to mention, you will enjoy traditional Finnish cuisine, which includes fresh ingredients such as elk meat, salmon, chicken, and also dishes to cater to special dietary requirements.
Day 1: Fly to Kuusamo | Basecamp Oulanka
Fly from London to the small town of Kuusamo in far-east Finland. Then transfer to Basecamp Oulanka, located in the Oulanka National Park. Enjoy a fresh, warm dinner and go for a late evening walk to the nearby lake.
Spend the entire duration of the trip at Basecamp Oulanka.
(D)
Day 2: Oulanka National Park | Brown Bear Hide
After a delicious breakfast, go for a short walk in the park. Throughout the duration of your walk, you will visit the Old Mill overlooking the Mullkoski rapids. Your tour guide will also introduce you to some basic survival skills, such as how to prepare a fire and provide basic first aid care.
In the late afternoon, head to the Brown Bear Hide, where you will stay to wait for the arrival of the brown bear’s and stay overnight in comfortable accommodation. There are an estimated 1,5000 brown bears in Finland, and the Brown Bear Hide is a popular destination for the species.
The hide itself is very warm, comfortable, and spacious. It includes kitchen amenities, a compost toilet, and up to 10 beds with sleeping bags if you wish to rest. Your stay will conclude at around 11pm to 12am, where you will quietly return to Basecamp Oulanka.
(B, L, D)
Day 3: Husky Walk Through Riisitunturi National Park
Head to Riisitunturi National Park. The park has a wide array of sloping bogs, trees with a thick coating of condensed frost (in winter), and enduring trails that will equally please veteran hikers and casual walkers.
Today, you will participate in a husky walk, where you’ll be harnessed in pairs to one husky that will lead the way. These dogs are strong enough to harness two people at once, and they make for excellent companions when hiking through the wilderness.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Nature Rafting on River Kitka | Guided Walk Through of Taiga Forest
In the morning, you’ll be equipped with rafting gear at Basecamp Oulanka (provided free of charge by the camp).
You will then walk to the Jyrävä waterfall and participate in a nature rafting excursion on the River Kitka. This spectacular windy river will take you through the border zone of the park, passing by dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and mesmerizing views of the scotch pine.
Upon completion, you’ll walk to Vihvilänlamminkangas, which is the largest elk destruction area in the whole of Europe. While here you will learn about the importance of conservation, the forest itself, and the unique ecosystem that keeps this beautiful land thriving.
After returning to basecamp, either enjoy free leisure or take an optional excursion back to the Brown Bear Hide. There are other hides in the area, so it is possible to view the same area at different angles and perspectives; perfect for photographers wanting more creative snapshots.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear) Trail
The Pieni Karhunkierros trail is one of the most iconic trails in Finland. Comprised of a 12km loop, the trail will take you across death-defying suspension bridges, large rapids and waterfalls, and around 136,000 hectares of taiga forest. The walk is a moderate grade walk with some steep sections, so a moderate level of physical fitness and confidence is required.
Return to Basecampe and enjoy free leisure in the afternoon. Soak up a traditional sauna or take advantage of one last visit to the Brown Bear Hide (at an extra cost).
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Kuusamo | Fly to London
Depart the Oulanka National Park and head to Kuusamo. Then fly back to London.
(B)
