The Spirit of Finland Walking Week

Detailed program

Day 1 Arrival

Arrival at Kajaani Airport. A 10-minute bus transfer to the hotel, followed by check-in and accommodation.

Day 2 Hiking in Akkovaara 10 km and Walking Tour of Kajaani

Located close to the town of Kajaani, the Akkovaara area with its easy hiking trails is a popular outdoor destination among locals, offering scenery with a touch of Lapland. The area was inhabited by the Sámi people around 500 years ago, and Akkovaara is known as an ancient Sámi sacred site. From the highest point of our route, panoramic views open out across Lake Oulujärvi all the way to Ärjä Island – tomorrow's excursion destination.

In the afternoon, we'll take a walking tour near Kajaani town centre, exploring the best-known sights and the surroundings of the Kajaani River.
Bus transfer: 20 min one-way.

Day 3 Ärjä Island and Lake Oulujärvi, 10 km

Located on Lake Oulujärvi, about a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland, Ärjä Island is a unique hiking destination even on a national scale in Finland. The island is famous for its long sandy beaches and high sand dunes. In contrast to the barren esker forests in the interior, there are also lush groves where many southern plant species thrive. The hiking trail circling the island is approximately 10 km long and offers magnificent views across Finland's fifth-largest lake. Before returning to the mainland, we'll stop for lunch on the sandy beach while soaking in the peaceful scenery.
Transfers: Bus 20 min one-way, boat 10–15 min one-way.

Day 4 Meet the reindeer and The Musical Forest

This morning, we leave Kajaani behind and travel 200 km north to the Kylmäluoma Hiking Area. Our first stop is a reindeer farm, where you’ll meet these semi-wild arctic animals, feed them, and learn about their life in the north. Along the way, we will also visit the unique Musical Forest, an interactive nature trail where art, sound, and nature come together. As we walk through a beautiful pine forest, you can try a variety of large handcrafted wooden instruments and create your own music.

We then continue to the Silent People art installation, featuring nearly a thousand peat-headed figures standing silently in a field. This thought-provoking work of art has become one of Finland’s most distinctive roadside attractions.

For the final four nights of the tour, we'll stay in the Kylmäluoma Hiking Area, renowned for its lake-studded landscapes and forested ridges. Accommodation is in cosy log cabins surrounded by nature. Each evening, you can unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna and, if you wish, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear lake nearby.

Day 5 Kylmäluoma Hiking Area, 15 km

Kylmäluoma hiking area has over 50 kilometres of marked hiking trails. Today’s hike takes us through peaceful pine forests and along lakeshores. Along the way, we’ll learn about the local wildlife – including elk, reindeer, bears, and wolverines. Around midday, we'll stop at a scenic campfire site for a traditional Finnish picnic lunch, with sausages grilled over the flames and coffee brewed in a large pot.

Day 6 Hossa National Park, Värikallio rock paintings, 16 km

A 45-minute transfer takes us to Hossa National Park, where we embark on a journey back in time. We'll hike to the Värikallio Cliffs to see ancient shamanistic rock paintings dating back around 4,000 years. These are the largest prehistoric rock paintings in Finland, portraying life in a time when spirits and natural forces were believed to be present everywhere. After enjoying a picnic lunch around an open fire, we continue through pine and spruce forests before returning to our accommodation by bus.
Bus transfer: 45 min one-way. 

Day 7 Julma-Ölkky canyon lake, xx km

A short transfer brings us to Julma-Ölkky, Finland's largest canyon lake, formed in a dramatic fracture valley several kilometres long. Today's hike follows a trail around the lake, passing cliffs that rise up to 50 metres above the water. Along the way, we'll stop at viewpoints overlooking the canyon lake and cross a suspension bridge, one of the highlights of the hike. In the afternoon, we'll return to Kylmäluoma to enjoy one last sauna, perhaps with a refreshing dip in the lake, before gathering for a farewell dinner.
Bus transfer: xx min one-way.

Day 8 Departure

Breakfast, check-out and a 45-minute transfer to Kuusamo Airport.

Good to know

DURATION
8 days / 7 nights

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES
07.02.–13.02.2027

PRICE
xx

GROUP SIZE
The tour is guaranteed to run without minimum number of participants. Max. 14 people.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY
The tour follows mainly easy forest trails. On days 6 and 7, some sections are narrower and have exposed roots and rocks, requiring careful footing. There are no significant ascents on most hiking days, although day 7 includes some steeper climbs and descents on rocky terrain.
Total ascent: Days  2, 3 and 5 approx. 30-80 m, day 6 approx. 120 m and day 7 approx. 280 m.

The longest hiking day takes approximately 5–6 hours, including a lunch break and shorter stops. A reasonable level of fitness is required, and the tour is not suitable for people with health conditions or injuries that affect their ability to hike. You only need to carry a daypack during the hikes.

MAP
See a rough route map here.

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is provided in a hotel and in log cabins on a twin-sharing basis. Solo travellers will share with a fellow traveller of the same gender. Single rooms are available for the first three nights. For the remaining four nights in the log cabins, single accommodation is subject to availability.

TRAVEL
Flights are not included in the tour price.
If you have any questions regarding pick-up & drop-off, please contact us before booking your flights.

Arrival information
The joining point for this trip is Kajaani airport.
A scheduled group transfer from Kajaani airport is organized to meet the following Finnair flight from Helsinki:
HEL-KAJ AY415 17.25-18.45

Departure information
At the end of the tour, a scheduled group transfer is organized back to Kuusamo airport to connect with the following Finnair flight to Helsinki: KAO-HEL AY490 12.15-13.55

Travel by bus/train
Upon arrival, it is possible to take a train from Helsinki to Kajaani. Kajaani railway station is located approximately 1 km from your hotel. At the end of the tour, you can take a bus from Kuusamo to Oulu, followed by a train from Oulu to Helsinki. Please ensure that the bus and train schedules align with the transfer times mentioned above.

PAYMENT
Deposit: 20 % of total amount will be charged at the time of booking.
Full payment: The full tour price is due 14 days prior to departure. An invoice or a link to pay online by credit card will be sent by email.

NOTES
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes cancellation coverage.
The tour is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. 

What do I need to bring?

• hiking clothing 
• hiking boots or trail running shoes
• rain clothing
• leisure time clothing
• rucksack (15-20 l)
• water bottle

The full packing list will be provided after booking.