Under the Northern Lights

Transformed by the snow, the remote north-eastern forests of Finland become an excellent destination for a winter adventure where groups will learn traditional wilderness skills such as igloo building and ice-fishing.

You will also set off on excursions by snowshoes and cross-country skis through the snow-white forests and beside the frozen lakes. On a visit to a local farm you will meet reindeer and learn about reindeer husbandry today. Evening sauna is available daily. 

Information

Season Jan 10-Apr 5

Departures On request

Duration 4-8 days

Persons 10-30

Place Hossa national park, Suomussalmi or Kylmäluoma hiking area, Taivalkoski

Joining point Kuusamo airport

Difficulty Easy

Price Depending on the itinerary, duration and group size

Included in the price

• Accommodation in rooms for 2-6 persons with shared facilities
• Full board
• Single-timed airport transfers
• English speaking guide
• Activities according to the programme
• Sauna daily

Supplements

• Transfers from/to Oulu airport
• Lunch on arrival/departure day

Arrival

Arrival to Kuusamo airport and transfer to Kylmäluoma (45 min) or Hossa (1 hour). Check-in in your accommodation. Briefing about the program and dinner. 

Activity days

It’s possible to build the program choosing desired activities from the from the list below.

1. Quinzee building 

To build quinzees we make a big pile of snow, which will be dug in the afternoon or on the following day when the snow has hardened enough. Group is divided in teams of 3-5 persons and each team makes an own quinzee.

2. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland and be immersed in the purity of the Finnish wilds. After a short introduction we will start straight from the accommodation. The trek takes us through snow-covered landscapes in the forests and on the frozen lakes. At the midway point you can rest and enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire.

 One or more snowshoeing days can be included in the itinerary.

3. Cross-country skiing 

Cross-country skiing is a traditional Finnish pastime and method of transport for centuries. It’s not as easy as snowshoeing but once you get the hang of it, you’ll enjoy it. You will be given some technical instruction and practise, and then you can follow the easy tracks through the flat pine forest and over the lakes.

4.  Husky sledding

Transfer (1-1,5 h) to a husky farm. On arrival at the farm, you will be greeted by the owner who will explain about the life and training of the huskies and give you a sled driving lesson, then it’s off into the wilderness! You’ll drive a 10-15 km tour through snow-white forests and frozen lakes, enjoying the pure nature and tranquility. Two people share a sledge with 4-6 dogs and can take turns to drive the sledge or simply sit back and enjoy the scenery. After the safari you will enjoy lunch at the husky farm. Duration of the visit about 2,5-3 hours.

5.  Reindeer farm visit

During the visit to the reindeer farm you will learn about reindeer’s life their adaptation to the arctic climate. (Transfer time to the farm: 10 min from Hossa accommodation, 1 hour from Kylmäluoma accommodation.)

6.  Wilderness skills

Learning wilderness skills include eg. using of axe an axe, a knife and matches. Then we will lit up a fire and heat some tea on an fire. We will also try ice-fishing on a nearby lake. 

Arrival

The joining point for this trip is Kuusamo airport. On day 8 the transfer will be organized back to Kuusamo airport. Transfers from/to other airports available with supplement.

Difficulty

The programme is suitable for children of approx. 10 years and older. Some efforts are needed to go through the activities but generally they are quite easy and can be tailored if necessary.