Finnish Wilderness Week

8 days
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Small Group Tour
In the heart of Finland’s Oulanka National Park is Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming huddle of wooden lodges overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, explore one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dog sled, including a nighttime excursion in search of the ethereal Northern Lights. Carving your own path through snow-caked forests, and wi...
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$4,860
From$3,600
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Go beyond the Arctic Circle to explore Finland’s remote winter wonderland
    • Snowshoe through the Oulanka landscape under the guidance of our local tour leader
    • Master the basics of cross-country skiing – the soft snow cushioning our gentle tumbles
    • Make friends with a pack of huskies on a dog-sledding adventure in Riisitunturi National Park
    • Learn the art of quinzee-building and other wilderness skills from an expert
    • Snowshoe at night with a chance of catching the dancing Northern Lights

What's this trip about?

    In the heart of Finland’s Oulanka National Park is Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming huddle of wooden lodges overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, explore one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dog sled, including a nighttime excursion in search of the ethereal Northern Lights. Carving your own path through snow-caked forests, and with the chance to sleep in a self-made quinzee, you couldn’t feel more removed from the hustle of city life. So, get back to nature this winter and head to Basecamp. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.Journey into the untamed wilderness of Oulanka National Park with a chance to see the Northern Lights

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBasecamp Oulanka
End CityBasecamp Oulanka

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • Skiing / Snowboarding

Destinations

Activities

  • Adventure & Adrenaline
  • Culture
  • Skiing, Snowboarding & Snow Sports

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Local tour leaders throughout
    • All specialist equipment

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Start Basecamp Oulanka

Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing into Oulanka National Park. There will be a welcome briefing this evening, in which you can meet the group and ask any questions you might have.

Day 2 Snowshoe hike in Oulanka National park walking through snow-caked trees and by the Kitka River

In the morning, we are provided with all the equipment needed for a week of activities in Arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes, we head straight into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary skills for this activity. Our route (approximat...

Day 3 Cross-country skiing in the morning heading down to Juuma Lake; free afternoon

Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. By the lake, our instructor will literally walk us through the basics. There may be a few tumbles to begin, but this is half the fun in the soft snow. After becoming more confident, we head onto ...

Day 4 Dogsledding instruction and tour in Riisitunturi National Park; evening Northern Lights snowshoe excursion

After breakfast, we take a bus transfer to a husky farm on the edge of Riisitunturi National Park, where we meet our dogsledding guide. The day begins with learning how to ride the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then head into the wood...

Day 5 Free day in Ruka for optional activities

We spend the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, it is advisable to check at reception before maki...

Day 6 Wilderness skills including quinzee building and fire-making; optional night in the quinzee

Today we are taught the ancient art of quinzee building. Provided shovels and spades, we create a mound of snow, which is later hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (two to three per quinzee). You have the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.

Day 7 Optional activities including cross-country skiing and dogsledding; farewell dinner

Today we have a free day with several options to make the most of the magical wilderness of Finland. Available activities include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have a wonderful four-course dinner back at Basecamp.

Day 8 End Basecamp Oulanka

The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,600
Price per day$450
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Shared Room
Single Room
Availability
29 Dec 2024
05 Jan 2025
$3,675
$4,275
29 Dec 2024
05 Jan 2025
$3,675
$4,275
12 Jan 2025
19 Jan 2025
$3,750
$4,350
26 Jan 2025
02 Feb 2025
$3,600
$4,200
02 Feb 2025
09 Feb 2025
$3,600
$4,200
02 Feb 2025
09 Feb 2025
$3,600
$4,200
23 Feb 2025
02 Mar 2025
$3,900
$4,500
02 Mar 2025
09 Mar 2025
$3,600
$4,200
02 Mar 2025
09 Mar 2025
$3,600
$4,200
16 Mar 2025
23 Mar 2025
$3,600
$4,200

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
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Superb Week in Wintry Finland

Brilliant week of deep snow, sunshine, stunning scenery, amazing activities, great food and comfortable accommodation. Dog sledding and Northern Lights, followed cl...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Fabulous Trip

Fabulous week in the snow in the Finland. The week exceeded all expectations - helped by the fact we saw the Northern Lights on night one on the way from the airpo...

A

Anonymous

Oct 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Finland wilderness week

A fantastic location, the hut was lovely cozy & warm. The staff, particularly the leader Ana were really friendly and helpful. The kit provided was of good qua...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Finish Wilderness Week - Amazing adventure. Perfect.

From start to finish this trip was a dream. If you are thinking about booking it - stop thinking and just do it. You will not regret it. The transfers, location, w...

A

Anonymous

Feb 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Finnish Wilderness Week

An absolutely spectacular trip with some of the best scenery ever. Although we did not see the Northern Lights we were not disappointed, nobody can control Mother n...

Write a Review

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Annie O'Reilly Hughes

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Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

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Tour Operator

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

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

7 nights at Basecamp Oulanka 5 days guided mixed activities No previous experience necessary
Overlooking Lake Juuma and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub. Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’. Worth knowing Multiple Exodus trips run at Basecamp Oulanka concurrently and you might share the room with a member of a different group. There are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during school holidays
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
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals are included. The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food) prepared by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three to four different choices. The main courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. Vegetarian options are also available. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries, which have often been picked by the chefs. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch is normally a hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option. If you have any dietary requirements (including the ones mentioned below), please inform your customer operations executive at the time of booking, so Basecamp can prepare for this. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets are easily catered for on this trip.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Basecamp Oulanka)
  • Five days of mixed activities
  • Group normally starting from 4, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
  • Citizen Science departures available on this trip
Trip ID
exodus-CFA

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