Uutiset
Upitrek received Travelife partner award
This week we have received some very good news - we have reached Travelife Partner level!
The award recognizes our efforts regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. To receive Travelife Partner level we had to comply with more than 100 criteria, related to office management, product range, international business partners and customer information
We are very happy with the achievement and full of enthusiasm to work towards further improvements!
About Travelife (www.travelife.org)
Travelife is a certification system, dedicated to achieving sustainable practices within the tourism industry. It provides companies with realistic sustainability goals, tools and solutions to implement positive change within their businesses and supply chains. Travelife is managed by ABTA – The Travel Association in the UK - and by ECEAT Projects - a not-for-profit organisation based in The Netherlands. Travelife has two key focuses:
Travelife for Tour operators and Travel agents: the scheme provides online training and practical tools for sustainability management and certification. The training and online tools are suitable for tour operators and travel agencies of any size and cover all management aspects of the travel company business including office operations, the supply chain, destinations and consumers. Upon submitting a report in compliance with the Travelife standard (based on an independent onsite audit), the company can obtain the “Travelife Certified” status.
The Travelife standard for Tour operators and Travel agencies is based upon the full Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including labour conditions, human rights, environment, biodiversity and fair business practices. The management requirements are compatible with EMAS and ISO 14001. The system is supported by more than 35 national travel associations to further its implementation among members.
25.12.2022
Upitrek selected to participate in SUSTOUR project
We are pleased to announce to have been admitted into the EU-funded SUSTOUR project
that supports over 600 small and medium-sized tour operators and travel agents from 35 European countries in improving their sustainability performance.
Sustainability is a core value of the tourism experiences that we want to provide for our customers. Therefore, we are happy to participate in this one-year support programme running from mid 2022 to mid 2023 and we commit to using this opportunity and actively improving our sustainability management and performance.
Further information on the project can be found here.
Updated 18.7.
No summer tours 2022
We are sorry to inform but we will NOT organize any summer tours in 2022 - no scheduled group tours nor any private departures. We will inform about the summer 2023 later in autumn.
Most tours for the winter 2022-23 have been published on our website and the missing ones will be updated in the coming weeks.
Updated 19.4.
Finland entry requirements
Entry without restrictions to Finland is possible from any country in the world for persons who have received the full COVID-19 vaccines (EU approved vaccines). The entry is free also for people arriving from low-risk countries. Find more information about the low-risk countries on the Finnish Border Guards website, chapter 3.1.
Leisure travel to Finland is possible for travelers from EU and Schengen countries who meet the following health requirements:
* You can present a certificate of having received the full COVID-19 vaccines 14 days prior to arriving in Finland
* You can present a certificate showing that you have recovered from the COVID-19 disease within 6 months prior to arriving in Finland.
* You have received one COVID-19 vaccine shot at least a 14 days prior to arriving in Finland. In this case, you must also take a COVID-19 test 35 days after arriving in Finland.
* You can present a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken before entering Finland. In this case, you must also take a COVID-19 test 35 days after arriving in Finland.
* Children aged 15 or under do not have to take part in any health security measures.
For more detailed information please visit Visit Finland's website.
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Are you travelling to Finland? The FINENTRY web service ensures a smooth arrival and coronavirus testing. Go to finentry.fi.
Updated 29.10.2021
Book with flexibility
Booking with us doesnt mean you are locked in. At these uncertain times things can change and with flexible booking conditions we want to offer you some extra peace of mind. The following amendments are valid during the winter season 2021-22.
Free cancellation
Winter tours can be cancelled free of cost until 31.12.2021 except December departures until 15.11.2021.
Change booking dates
We allow you to choose a different booking date once, as long as places are available and the change is done 2 weeks prior to arrival at latest.
You can postpone your booking also to the next winter season. If you cant pick your new dates at the time of cancellation, we offer a full credit towards a future trip with us. Eg. if you have booked a tour for the winter 2021-22 which you cant make, well give you a credit which can be used until the end of the winter season 2022-23.
Choose a different tour
In case your new dates and your previous tour no longer work out you can choose a different tour with us. The tour price will be updated accordingly.
Note
In case you have to cancel your booking and you dont want to change the date/tour or receive the credit for a future booking, our standard cancellation conditions apply (excluding the above mentioned free cancellation policy). Standard cancellation conditions are applied if you want to cancel the tour due to cancelled flights.
See full terms&conditions here.
Updated 13.10.2021
New ski tour departures available
Due to high demand we have opened new ski tour departures for sale.
The new dates are:
Ski tour on the Russian border 27.02.-05.03.2022
Kalevala ski tour 03.03.-09.03.2022
These departures are guaranteed to run as our scheduled departures always are. Max 12 persons.
Please see our tour itineraries for further details.
Updated 6.10.2021
Covid 19 updates
Travelling to Finland is still very restricted due to coronavirus pandemic. At the moment (19 May 2021) leisure travel is only possible from 7 countries: the Vatican, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand South Korea and Rwanda.
There is no mandatory testing or quarantine for residents from the above mentioned countries on arrival in Finland.
Read more here.
If you are travelling to Finland, please refer to Finentry which is a useful digital service for managing travel to Finland.
Covid-19 updates
At the moment (4.9.) leisure travel to Finland is only possible from the following countries:
Estonia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Slovakia, the Vatican, China (based on EU guidance on reciprocity), Georgia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.
The Finnish government will monitor the situation in about every two weeks. More information for visitors at www.visitfinland.com.
Reopening borders
As of 13 July leisure travel is possible between Finland and Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Lichtenstein, Malta, the Netherlands, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Switzerland and the Vatican. Leisure travel to Finland has already been possible from Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia.
There is no border control for travelers from these countries and they do not need to self-isolate on arrival in Finland.
The Government will review its decisions on border traffic restrictions in two weeks time and, if necessary, make new decisions. The next changes in border traffic are scheduled to enter into force on 27 July.
Places available on 9 Aug hiking tour
Finnish border hiking tour on 9-16 Aug will run normally so if you want to enjoy a guided Finland hiking this summer, hurry up and book your place! Further details here.
Entry to Finland is still very restricted, at the moment only the citizens of Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the Baltic countries are allowed to enter Finland. The Government will update the new list countries by 10 July.
Based on the current development of the epidemic, internal border control could be lifted for the following Schengen countries as of 13 July: Germany, Italy, Austria, Greece, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Hungary and Liechtenstein. In addition, travel to Finland from Croatia, Cyprus and Ireland, which are EU Member States but not part of the Schengen area, would be allowed.
Hiking tours in August
Finland is opening up one step at a time after declaring a nationwide state of emergency due to the Covid-19/Coronavirus outbreak. However, it's not known yet when borders will be opened for leisure travel.
In case leisure travel becomes possible and borders are re-opened we will run some of our hiking tours in August. Tours will be on 9.-16.8. and 23.-30.8., both available at the moment. We offer possibility to postpone your booking to the next year if you finally couldn't travel due to travel restrictions or other pandemia reasons.
Further information about travel at Visit Finland's website
Winter 2021
Due to corona virus, our winter season unfortunately ended at the moment when the sunniest spring weeks were supposed to be ahead. All upcoming departures have been cancelled now (20.3.2020).
Even if you can't travel at the moment, you can always dream about travels! Dates for the winter season 2021 are published and until further notice our cross-country skiing (Russian border and Kalevala) and Off the trails snowshoeing tours can be booked at this year's prices. Please note that we offer free cancellation by Aug 31st. See all our winter tours here.
Merry Christmas!
We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year full of joy and happiness!
New ski tour departure
Most of Russian border ski tour departures are fully booked already but we have now opened a new departure date on 11.-17.03.2020.
See the itinerary and details here.
On Kalevala ski tour there are few places available on most departure dates.
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Begin the New Year with an unforgettable husky safari!
Drive your own husky sled through the winter wonderland, while enjoying the silence and breathtaking landscapes! The highlight of this trip is overnighting in an original, rustic, wilderness cabin.
Guaranteed departure from 6 to 10 January, 2020. Maximum group size 5 persons.
Read more and book here.
Book your winter tour online!
First snow has fallen and its time to think about your winter holidays! You can now book online all tours with guaranteed departure dates at our regional web shop.
Link to the online booking can be found on each product page.
Tours that can be booked online are:
Ski tour on the Russian border
Kalevala Ski tour
Off the trails snowshoeing tour
Winter fun in Finland -multiactivity
Wilderness husky adventure -multiactivity
UKK national park ski expedition
Backcountry skiing and winter camping
Summer tours 2020 published
Summer tours 2020 have been published on our website. We have guaranteed departures for Finnish border hiking tour and all other tours are available on request.
See all Finland summer tours here.
Places available on July-August hiking tours
Finnish border hiking tours are filling up quickly now but there are still places available on each date, however limited availability on 28.07., 04.08. and 11.08. tours.
Check out the program here and book soon!
Online booking is possible at our regional web shop, see here.
Book your hiking tour now!
Finnish border hiking tour is a great way to explore the Finnish wilderness safely with a guide and accompanied by an international group. We have 5 guaranteed departure dates in July - August 2019, all still available. Tours are ideal for solo travellers as well, no single supplement is charged.
Have a look at the itinerary and further details here and book your place soon!
Winter tours 2020 published
Programs for the next winter 2020 have been published on our website. We have guaranteed departures for the following tours:
Ski tour on the Russian border
Kalevala ski tour
Off the trails snowshoeing tour
Winter fun in Finland -multiactivity tour - guaranteed New Year departure!
Wilderness husky adventure - new multiactivity tour!
Backcountry skiing and winter camping - dates will be informed later
See all winter tours here.
All above mentioned tours are bookable online at the regional webshop at www.wildtaiga.fi, click here.
Last minute places
Due to cancellations we have now place/s available on Russian border ski tour departures that have been earlier fully-booked (24.02., 03.03. and 17.03.) See all departures and further details about the program here.
On Off the trails -snowshoeing tour we have 1 last minute place available on 24.02. tour and additionally availability on 03.03. and 10.03. Read more here.
New departure date for Russian border ski tour
Due to high demand we have opened a new departure for Russian border ski tour. The departure will be from 18 to 24 March and tour is guaranteed to run.
See tour program and further details here.
Merry Christmas
Team Upitrek wishes Merry Christmas and all the best for New Year!
New Husky Safari available
Have you ever dreamed about driving your own husky sled through the winter wonderland, while enjoying the silence and breathtaking landscapes? On this 3 day tour you will enjoy the outdoor life and have the chance to participate in daily life at the husky farm. The highlight of the tour will be an overnight husky safari with accommodation in wilderness cabin.
Read more and book online here.
Book your winter tour now!
Its time to book your winter tour now! Most of the guaranteed departure dates for our cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter multiactivity holidays are still available.
Please remember that the earlier you book, the better flight rates you may get. Have a look at the tour options here and don't hesitate to contact us for any further information at sales@upitrek.com.
New departure date on Kalevala ski tour
We have opened a new departure date for the new Kalevala ski tour, 23.02.-01.03. The tour is guaranteed to run and maximum group size 12 participants.
This ski tour is suitable for skiers with moderate physical condition and good skiing skills.
See tour program here.
New Year in Finland
Looking for a wintry New Year escape? Join our multiactivity holiday "Winter fun" and enjoy a mixture of activities on the snow.
Departures:
29.12.2018-05.01.2019 (guaranteed)
05.01.-12.01.2019
See the program here. Minimum age 10 years.
Summer tours 2019 published
Programs for the next summer 2019 have been published on our website. We have guaranteed departures for Finnish border hiking tour and all other tours are available on request.
For groups we offer a new 10-day hiking tour combining three wonderful northern national parks, Hossa, Oulanka and Urho Kekkonen. Read more here and ask for a quotation for your group!
See all Finland summer tours here.
Places available on Finnish border hiking tours
Come and join us on a guided hut-to-hut hiking week along the Finnish-Russian border and in new Hossa national park!
We have places available on all departure dates at the moment:
22 July, 29 July, 5 Aug, 12 Aug, 19 Aug, 26 Aug
Groups are international and maximum group size is 13 participants. All dates are guaranteed to run.
For further details have a look at the program here.
Tours for winter 2019 published
Programs for the next winter 2019 have been published on our website. We have guaranteed departures for the following tours:
Ski tour on the Russian border
Kalevala ski tour - revised program!
Off the trails snowshoeing tour
Winter fun in Finland -multiactivity tour
Dates for Backcountry skiing and winter camping tour will be informed later.
Private tours are available on request but please note that during high season (from mid-Feb to mid-March) the availability is pretty limited. If you wish to travel with your own group, please contact us soon!
Extra departure for Ski tour on the Russian border
We have added one more departure date for the Ski tour on the Russian border for Easter Week. New dates are 26.03.-01.04.2018 and tour is guaranteed to run.
Have a look at the itinerary here and book your Finland ski tour soon!
Single-time group airport transfers will be from Kuusamo airport and to Kajaani airport coinciding with these Finnair flights:
26.03. HEL-KAO AY487 20.15-21.30
01.04. KAJ-HEL AY414 11.10-12.25
A few places available on snowshoeing tours
There are places available on February and March guided "Off the trails" snowshoeing tours as follows:
17/02 - 2 places
24/02 - 1 place
03/03 - 2 places
10/03 - 6 places
Have a look at the program here and book soon!
Places available on winter multiactivity weeks
Dreaming of a winter activity holiday in the real winter landscape?
Our "Winter fun in Finland" tour takes place in remote Kylmluoma hiking area in eastern Finland. You'll accommodate in a cosy log cabin surrounded by beautiful snow-covered forest and daily activities take you to the forests and ridges and over the frozen lakes.
Guaranteed departure dates on Feb 3 and Mar 17 are both guaranteed to run and available.
Check out the program here and book soon!
Merry Christmas!
And all good wishes for New Year!
Skiing groups getting full quickly
Our ski tour groups are getting full quickly.
On the Russian border ski tour there are places available on 18, 25 and 27 March tours. The first 4 departure dates are whether fully booked or with limited availability (1-2 places available).
Kalevala ski tour of 3 March is fully booked but on 10 March tour there are still places available.
Book soon to secure the place on your preferred departure date!
Book your winter tour now
The first snow has fallen in Finland and the winter season is around the corner. It's time to book your winter holidays! All guaranteed departure dates (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, multiactivity weeks) are still available. Check out our programs and remember that if you are travelling with a group we can tailor a private tour for you!
New tour: Guided fatbike tour with guaranteed departure date
Next summer we will offer a brand new week-long fatbiking tour through stunning wilderness of northeast Finland.
The guided tour goes on some of the best mountain biking trails in Finland - in Taivalkoski, Kylmluoma hiking area and Hossa national park.
The departure from Aug 22 to 29 is guaranteed to run.
Find out more here.
Backcountry skiing in Urho Kekkonen national park
Next March there will be again a unique opportunity to join our backcountry skiing tour in Urho Kekkonen National Park.
The dates are from Arpil 3 to 9 and the tour is guaranteed to run.
Once you book, you'll be going!
Read more: http://www.upitrek.com/english/backcountry-skiing-and-winter-camping/
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Can I see Northern Lights on an Upitrek tour?
People keep asking us whether its possible to see Northern Lights on an Upitrek tour. Yes, its possible, but, no guarantee - you are at the complete mercy of nature.
Read here more about Northern Lights and observing them on our tours: http://www.upitrek.com/english/themes/northern-lights/
Christmas in Finland
Spend an unforgettable Christmas in Finnish wilderness! Join our active Christmas holiday from Dec 23 to 30, 2017. The departure is guaranteed - if you are booked, you are going!
We highly recommend bookings in time for the limited availability of flights.
Read more here.
Group size max. 14 persons.
September tours
Have a holidays in September? Check-out our offers for the end of the summer season. We have many interesting self-drive tours available until the end of September and cycling and canoeing tours still running as well.
Welcome to enjoy the autumn in Finland!
Self-drive holidays:
Finnish national parks, 8 days
Silence in the heart of nature, 7 days
The North Circular Tour, self-drive for families, 9 days
Karelian Beauty, 4 days
Read more here.
Lakes and Forests -cycling tour, 7 or 8 days
Read more: here.
Canoe adventure in Finnish wilderness, 8 days
Read more here.
Hiking tour reviews
"Its my first trekking trip and it has been a wonderful and magical Finnish experience. Certainly enjoyed the interesting farmstay, the daily sauna and dips in the lake." - Han, Singapore
"Represented very good value. Showcased Central Finland and its woodland and swampland very well. We unreservedly recommend this trip." - Tony, New Zealand
More reviews for our Finland hiking tour can be read on the Feedback page: http://www.upitrek.com/english/info/feedback/
A new self-drive tour
Enjoy Silence in the heart of nature on our new self-drive tour along the Eastern border area. Short driving distances on quiet roads are effortless and you will have plenty of time for activities and relaxation in the nature.
Check-out the full itinerary here.
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Backcountry skiing
Next March there will be again an unique opportunity to join our back-country skiing tour, this time in Eastern Lapland next to Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Check out the program here.
The departutre March 28-April 4 is guaranteed to run, ideal for solo travellers as well!
Summer tours 2017
Our summer tours with departure dates have been published now on our website. For the Finnish border hiking tour there will be totally 6 guaranteed departure dates in July-August.
Have a look at all summer tours here.
Winter feedback summary published
As usual, we have collected client feedback also during the past winter season. Take a look at the feedback summary (based on 147 answers) below.
Winter tours 2017 published
Our programs for winter 2017 have been published. You find the tours with dates and rates on this website and for any furhter information we stay at your disposal at sales@upitrek.com.
We'll have again more guaranteed departure dates than ever, up to 7 on "Off the trails" -snowshoeing tour. For the multiactivity week "Winter fun in Finland" guaranteed Christmas and New Year departures are available.
See you in Finland next winter?
Last minutes to book a skiing holiday for this winter
Our Finland cross-country ski tours have sold well this winter and most groups are fully-booked already. But we still have some places available on Kalevala ski tours. Kalevala tour is our most demanding ski tour covering approx. 240 km in 6 skiing days.
Departures March 12-19 (1 place available) and March 19-20.
Read more here and book your place soon!
Additional airport transfers
Due to restricted availability of flights on some of our guaranteed departure dates we have decided to offer a few extra transfers from/to Kajaani airport (in addition to transfers from/to Kuusamo airport).
Additional transfers are organized on following tours:
* Russian border ski tour: Feb 13 and Feb 20
* Off the trails -snowshoeing tour: Feb 6, Feb 13 and Feb 20
* Winter fun in Finland multiactivity week: Feb 13
Please contact us for further details at sales@upitrek.com.
New tour 2016: A guided and self-supported ski tour with sledges
Our new program "Backwoods skiing & winter camping" is a guided and self-supported ski tour through frontier forests. The tour is ideal for those who want to get off the trails and are a bit adventurous by heart.
You'll ski on unprepared trails through forests, swamps and lakes pulling your own sledge. Together with other group members and guide, you set up the tents, collect firewood and prepare meals around an open fire. Nights will be spent in heated tiipee-tents, before and after the wilderness-tour in nice cabins.
A guaranteed depature on March 23-30. The maximum group size is 8 persons so hurry up to book if you're interested!
Read more: Backwoods skiing & winter camping
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Book your winter holiday now!
"Ruska" - the autumn colors are here now but in a few weeks Finland will be covered by new, white snow. Then it's time for all the fun that snow and ice enable - cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, husky sledding, igloo building, ice-fishing, snowmobiling - among many other exciting activities.
Our winter tours start to run just before Christmas and this season we will have more guaranteed departures than ever before!
Check out the program details on our website and book your place soon! See you in Finland!
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Summer feedback summary published
We have collected client feedback again this summer. Take a look at the feedback summary (based on 45 answers) below.
We have also added some new clients testimonials on the website. Read the comments for:
*Finnish border hiking tour
*The varied faces of Finland bus tour and
*Finnish forests & lakes cycling tour
here.
Guided ski tours
Winter is coming sooner than we realize! Book now a guided Finland ski tour and you'll have a great adventure waiting for you in a few months!
For full itinerary, dates and rates click here.
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Hiking tours 2016
Finland hiking tour departure dates for next summer have been published now. There are more departures than ever, totally 5 weeks. All guaranteed to run and bookable now!
For full itinerary click here.
Places available for summer multiactivity week
Take a walk on the wild side! In August we offer guaranteed departure dates for our interesting multiactivity week called "Take a walk on the wild side."
During the week you'll walk, cycle and canoe in the wilderness and spend an unforgettable camping night on an island.
Some trekking with huskies is included as well.
Lear more about Finland summer multiactivity program here.
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Book now Finland hiking tour
A walking holiday is just not about the walking but it is a great way to learn about the country you visit. On our guided walking tours you'll be accompanied by a local, professional guide who, during the week will provide you with plenty of information about the culture, nature and traditions in Finland.
Check out our guided hiking tour programme here and book your place soon!
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Winter feedback summary 2015
Again this winter we have collected client feedback on our skiing, snowshoieng and multiactivity tours.
You can take a look at the feedback summary below.
We are happy to see that our guides were again high valued and the average of all questions was as high as 4,77 (max. 5).
Finland bus round trip
See the varied faces of Finland! Join our guided 11-day Finland bus round tour from Helsinki. We provide a guranteed departure on Aug 1, ideal for solo travelers and small groups.
Read more about our guided Finland bus tour here
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Tours for winter 2016 published
We have updated the programs and departure dates for the winter season 2015-16 on our website.
There will be more guaranteed departures than ever before - eg. 6 guaranteed dates for the Off the trails -snowshoeing tour and 5 dates for the Ski tour on the Russian border.
Take a look at the programs on the web and contact us for further details!
New Wild Taiga brochure
Check out the new brochure of Wild Taiga area and learn about many possibilities our area has to offer! There's plenty of different activities available throughout out the year as well as cultural programs and high-class events.
You find the brochure here.
New website
Welcome to our new website! You will find all our programmes under the categories "summer" and "winter". Should you need any further information please don't hesitate to contact us.
Other languages - Finnish, German, French, Spanish and Italian - will be published within a few weeks.
