Fat biking in Finland

8 days
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Small Group Tour
Take on the wilderness in an entirely new way on this new fat biking trip. This is mountain biking turned up to the max – chunky, extra grip tyres allow you to ride your bike through the snow like never before. You’ll be out on the incredible Finnish taiga, cycling through primordial forests, along frozen lakes and towards spectacular snow-covered horizon...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Cycle through the remote Finnish Wilderness
    • Cross snow-laden forests and fells
    • Chance to see the Northern Lights

What's this trip about?

    Take on the wilderness in an entirely new way on this new fat biking trip. This is mountain biking turned up to the max – chunky, extra grip tyres allow you to ride your bike through the snow like never before. You’ll be out on the incredible Finnish taiga, cycling through primordial forests, along frozen lakes and towards spectacular snow-covered horizons. Pre-prepared tracks in the snow allow you to ride with relative ease, whilst seeing the best of arctic Finland from the saddle. As if that isn’t enough, you’ll stay in remote wilderness cabins with traditional saunas and authentic cuisine to keep you cosy when the daylight fades, and if you’re lucky, the chance to watch the dance of the Northern Lights. This is the ultimate winter biking adventure, a truly unique experience!Explore the Finnish winter wilderness on two wheels

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 14 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBasecamp Oulanka
End CityLogging Lodge

Travel Themes

  • Cycling & Biking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Finland

Activities

  • Cycling
  • Nature
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Aurora Borealis

Trip includes

    • Rental of fat bikes
    • Return flight from either Gatwick or Heathrow to Kuusamo, airport transfers (for group flight only)
    • Local tour leaders throughout

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Logging Lodge in Oulanka National Park.

Fly to Kuusamo, upon arrival we are transferred to Basecamp Oulanka for the first briefing and to visit the kit room to collect all the clothing needed for a week of fat biking in arctic conditions. Depending on the arrival time we may have dinner here or later wh...

Day 2 An introduction to fat biking on snow.

Our first day is spent acquainting ourselves with fat biking. Before starting we get an introduction from the leader about what to expect fat biking in the wilderness. We spend the day not far from the Logging Lodge, either practising on circuits cut for us in the...

Day 3 Cycle over frozen rivers and along the Russian border to a remote wilderness lodge.

Once packed we get on the bikes and ride east following the River Oulanka, there are some small ascents and fun descents. After our break we have a short ride to the Russia border, we follow this all the way to our cabin which is situated on the River Oulanka. Onc...

Day 4 Fat bike exploration along the Russian border; climb to a viewpoint for spectacular views over Lake Paanajärvi.

After breakfast, we have a loop ride south following the River Oulanka and the Russian/Finnish border to the beautiful viewpoint which overlooks Lake Paanajärvi on the Russian side, a wonderful spot from which to admire the natural surroundings. Our ride back take...

Day 5 Ride across a vast pine trees forest back to the Logging Lodge.

Today we pack up our kit for the return journey to the Logging Lodge, we ride through the biggest destructed area by elks in Europe. We then stop at the reindeer roundup before rejoining the same route as day three in reverse. Once back at the Logging Lodge we have lunch followed by a free afternoon for relaxing in the sauna or heading out on a self-guided ride. 

Day 6 Free day optional activities.

Free day to enjoy a variety of optional activities on offer including unguided snowshoeing in the surrounding area. An introduction to snowshoeing is required if you wish to do this today to explain how to use the equipment (if you do night snowshoeing earlier on ...

Day 7 Cycle along the Juhtivaara Fell

Today we set off into the wilderness for our longest day of the trip. Our route starts by heading north on forest tracks following a trail beneath the Juhtivaara fell. There are some undulations on this route and a few short sections which you may need to push the...

Day 8 Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.

Transfer to Kuusamo; fly Kuusamo to London. 

Land Only

Day 1 Start Logging Lodge by Basecamp Oulanka

Start at Basecamp Oulanka for the first briefing and to visit the kit room to collect all the clothing needed for a week of fat biking in arctic conditions. Depending on the arrival time we may have dinner here or later when we arrive at the Logging Lodge in Oulanka National Park.

Day 2 An introduction to fat biking on snow.

Our first day is spent acquainting ourselves with fat biking. Before starting we get an introduction from the leader about what to expect fat biking in the wilderness. We spend the day not far from the Logging Lodge, either practising on circuits cut for us in the...

Day 3 Cycle over frozen rivers and along the Russian border to a remote wilderness lodge.

Once packed we get on the bikes and ride east following the River Oulanka, there are some small ascents and fun descents. After our break we have a short ride to the Russia border, we follow this all the way to our cabin which is situated on the River Oulanka. Onc...

Day 4 Fat bike exploration along the Russian border; climb to a viewpoint for spectacular views over Lake Paanajärvi.

After breakfast, we have a loop ride south following the River Oulanka and the Russian/Finnish border to the beautiful viewpoint which overlooks Lake Paanajärvi on the Russian side, a wonderful spot from which to admire the natural surroundings. Our ride back take...

Day 5 Ride across a vast pine trees forest back to the Logging Lodge.

Today we pack up our kit for the return journey to the Logging Lodge, we ride through the biggest destructed area by elks in Europe. We then stop at the reindeer roundup before rejoining the same route as day three in reverse. Once back at the Logging Lodge we have lunch followed by a free afternoon for relaxing in the sauna or heading out on a self-guided ride. 

Day 6 Free day optional activities.

Free day to enjoy a variety of optional activities on offer including unguided snowshoeing in the surrounding area. An introduction to snowshoeing is required if you wish to do this today to explain how to use the equipment (if you do night snowshoeing earlier on ...

Day 7 Cycle along the Juhtivaara Fell

Today we set off into the wilderness for our longest day of the trip. Our route starts by heading north on forest tracks following a trail beneath the Juhtivaara fell. There are some undulations on this route and a few short sections which you may need to push the...

Day 8 End Logging Lodge

Our trip ends at the Logging Lodge. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,579
Price per day$322
Last Updated: 3/19/2020

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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Average
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Disappointing
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Terrible
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A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fat biking in Finland

This was a really great trip and quite challenging even for hardy mountain bikers! The snow conditions made a huge difference the ease of the ride! Cycling in deep...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Wow!!!

Wow, wow, wow is all I can say. This trip exceeded my expectations in every way. This was my first trip with a Exodus and needless to say I immediately booked my n...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Biking in a winter wonderland

A really well run week of fat biking - a good introductory day, fun times at the Russian end lodge, never short on food or humour. I loved the biking - my favourite...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Fat biking Finland

A great adventure immense fun The isolation of the Russian End peace quiet and wonderful night skies including the Northern Lights. Learning a new skill with confid...

A

Anonymous

Jul 2017

Provided byExodus Travels

Fun, Scenery, Saunas and Northern Lights too

the most fun I have had in the snow with my clothes on. Accommodation was great, the log cabin at the Russian end was amazing. Having to cut a hole in the frozen r...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

R

Ruth Long

Aug 2024

Written on

great activities perfectly planned

great activities perfectly planned, good support and guiding.

C

Catherine Newbold

Aug 2024

Written on

Very easy process.

Very easy process.

A

Annabel Church Smith

Aug 2024

Written on

Helpful alternative choice

We had to cancel our trip to Jordon due to the troubles in the Middle East. The person at Exodus was very helpful in suggesting an alternative holiday for us. Howeve...

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

Accommodation

5 days guided fat biking Prepared trails in the Oulanka National Park area 5 nights wilderness lodge, 2 nights simple lodge All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners included,
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners are included. The food provided covers a variety of traditional Finnish dishes going back 50 years using recipes from forestry camps. You can expect hearty warming meals using local ingredients and cooked by the cabin host. Breakfast will be continental style, with bread, cheese, turkey, porridge, muesli and yoghurt. Lunch will consist of warm soup and bread; the soup ingredients change daily and you can expect a wide range of local produce like Elk, vegetables and Salmon. The evening dinner will consist of traditional meat and fish dishes with vegetables, fresh salad and dessert. A vegetarian option is also available. Between 8am – 6pm there will be hot tea and coffee available at the logging lodge and at Russian End. 
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • 5 nights wilderness lodge, 2 nights simple lodge with shared facilities
  • 5 days guided fat biking
  • Group normally 5‐14, plus leader. Min age 16 years
  • Prepared trails in the Oulanka National Park area
Trip ID
exodus-MEF

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