RING OSS: +47 22413030 
Vi leter nå etter din drømmereise
SØK
8
16 759
5 days snowshoeing in the stunning wilderness of Finland
Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cozy wooden buldings located in a remote, unspoiled location overlooking the Juuma lake and backing into Oulanka National Park.
In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of snowshoeing in arctic conditions, before heading straight out onto the frozen Juuma Lake for an easy walk as an introduction to snowshoeing. Our route will lead us through snow-caked trees and along the river Kitka, passing an old flour mill by the Myllykoski rapids. The afternoon is free for a self-guided snowshoeing trip or just to relax at Basecamp with the sauna or hot-tub. This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search for the Northern Lights.
Activity Hours: 2,5
Today's walk begins over a long suspension bridge that hangs across the Niskakoski rapids. We then head to the pristine frozen lake of Jyravajarvi where we can have the real snow showing experience in an atmosphere of total silence. This brings us to Pyöreälampi where we will stop for a snack. After the rest we walk across the secluded area to Linnakallio Castle Rocks, a beautiful wall of rock standing isolated on the banks of the river. Then we will be passing by Jyrävä, the biggest waterfall of the national park and the Aallokko rapids. Along the path you can also admire beautiful lichens hanging from the trees when we snowshoe across the powder snow. On our return to Basecamp we cross a second suspension bridge over the Myllykoski rapids.
Activity Hours: 3.5-4
We transfer to the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. Although geographically they are not far apart, the differences between the two national parks are highly noticeable. What makes this area so special is the incredible effect that the heavy snow has on the trees as you climb higher into the clearings of the fjell. Twisted, bent and covered in thick white powder, it is almost as if you are passing by hundreds of snow creatures. This memorable walk then culminates in a hike to the top of the fjell for a fantastic view of this wonderful alien landscape.
Activity Hours: 3
In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round an open fire. We spend the rest of 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 making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See the 'Optional excursions' section below. Please note that due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Today is the longest day of snowshoeing as we head deep into Oulanka National Park. Our guide takes us on what is known in the area as the 'Little Bear Trail', which encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. The trail takes us to the south side of the River Kitka and then up to the Kallioportti viewpoint, where we survey the vast snow-covered surroundings. On the return to Basecamp we head over another suspension bridge in Harrisuvanto before taking a well-earned rest in the sauna or the outdoor hot tub.
Activity Hours: 5
Today we have several options to make the most of the magical Finland wilderness. Some of the activities available are: an introduction to cross-country skiing and un-guided snowshoeing and dogsledding. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner around a campfire on the edge of the National Park.
Trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.
* 7 nights Basecamp Oulanka: rooms with en suite bathrooms in two separate
buildings
* 5 walks snowshoeing
* No previous experience necessary
* Reasonable level of fitness is required
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce (Finnish food)
that is all prepared on site by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a
salad buffet with 3-4 different choices. The main courses consist of
chicken, salmon and wild game such as elk. Dessert consists of
lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries that have often been picked by
the chef herself. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd,
cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of a hot soup
with elk, salmon or vegetarian option.
* 7 nights Basecamp Oulanka: rooms with en suite bathrooms in two separate
buildings
* 5 walks snowshoeing
* No previous experience necessary
* Reasonable level of fitness is required
*Level 3 - Moderate*
This trip involves snowshoeing over flat or undulating terrain. There are no
big-drops and very steep terrain is rare. No snowshoeing experience is
necessary however a good level of fitness is required as we do climb to
viewpoints and you can expect to be snowshoeing between 3 and 6 hours a day
at a moderate pace. Variables such as depth of snow can and do affect this.
Basecamp Oulanka
Basecamp Oulanka is a superb self-sustaining wooden complex that takes
immediate inspiration from its wilderness location. Twin rooms are in two
separate buildings. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a
log fire, sauna, and outdoor hot tub. The heating system used throughout the
complex relies totally on nature using special wood pellets for fuel. Winners
for outstanding accommodation in the VESTAS 2011 awards is proof of
Basecamp's dedication towards quality.
Please be aware that multiple Exodus trips are running at Basecamp at the
same time and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
Please note that there are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during the school
holidays.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce (Finnish food)
that is all prepared on site by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a
salad buffet with 3-4 different choices. The main courses consist of
chicken, salmon and wild game such as elk. Dessert consists of
lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries that have often been picked by
the chef herself. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd,
cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of a hot soup
with elk, salmon or vegetarian option.
Transfer to and from the airport is by heated minibus or taxi. All other
transport is as per the itinerary.
*Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 days*
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the
itinerary.
*Flights from London*
We normally use the scheduled services of Thomson Airways or Finnair
(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings.
Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until
approximately two weeks before departure.
*Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in Kuusamo or Rovaniemi*
Your trip normally starts at Kuusamo Airport on Day 1 of the itinerary.
Details of how to reach the start point are provided in the Final Joining
Instructions ‐ sent approximately two weeks before departure.
*Check-in: 4pm*
*Check-out: 10am*
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights.
Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any
other flight, even if Exodus has booked it.
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only) be
able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide with the
arrival time of the group flight ‐ please check the group flight details 2
weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or miss it, you
must make your own way to the joining point at your own expense.
In the regions close to the Arctic Circle temperatures during the season
range from -30ºC to +5ºC. Christmas will normally be the coldest (usually
below -20ºC), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early
April can see temperatures around -10ºC to +5ºC. Recent years have seen
massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40ºC and
highs of +7ºC just a few days apart.
If the thought of such temperatures scares you, then think again. When
dressed in the Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and
large mittens, -20ºC can actually feel very pleasant. The Arctic cold is a
dry cold, there is usually no wind, and remember, we will keep you active.
*Daylight hours*
Remember that at extreme latitudes the days shorten and lengthen much faster.
So while in mid-winter (December/January) the sun remains just below the
horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the
midnight sun is only a matter of weeks away. Even in midwinter it is not
dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light
reflected off the snow.
*Northern Lights*
The breathtaking Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are visible from September
to late April on most clear nights at latitudes close to, and above the
Arctic Circle. They can be seen further south, but will be less spectacular
and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September
and April), and at lower latitudes this can be the best time to see them.
Inside the Arctic Circle, they tend to be just as good in any winter month,
and on a seven-night trip you would be unlucky not to see the Northern Lights
at all.
*Equipment Provided:*
Full winter outfit including jacket and trousers
Fleece jacket and trousers x2 (one thin, one thick)
Woollen hat and mittens
Gloves
Boots
Thermos flask
A backpack and head torch are provided for your use during the week at
Basecamp. You do not need to bring any winter clothing with you as it is all
supplied locally but we recommend you bring enough clothes for evening wear.
For the optional snowmobile excursion, a more insulated snowmobiling overall
and helmet will be provided.
*You will need the following:*
Tight-fitting base layer
Normal daily clothes
Several pairs of thick socks
Tube scarf/Buff
Swimming costume and Flip flops (for sauna)
From the beginning of February sunglasses and sun cream are advisable.
Earlier than this, sunglasses may be needed for those with a sensitivity to
bright light due to the reflection of light off the snow.
You should allow some Euros for drinks with meals and at the bar, however it
is also possible to have a tab (associated to your room) and pay for your
purchases at the end of the week using your credit card or cash. Please note
they accept Visa, Eurocard and Mastercard locally.
*Optional Excursions*
There are a number of extra excursions available in the area: exact prices
and details will be confirmed locally, but the following provides a guide to
what is normally available. As some of the excursions can be very popular we
strongly suggest you pre-book them with the staff at Basecamp at your
earliest convenience.
*Ice climbing tower at Basecamp*: allow €59 per person for 2½ hours basic
course. (/typically available between Christmas and March)/
*Full day husky safari*: for 6-9 hour trip (the duration depends upon the
weather conditions), includes a hot snack by an open fire. Allow €345 per
person for a single or € 285 per person if sharing a sledge.
*Downhill skiing:* starting from €80 (equipment and ski pass).
*Snowmobile safari*: allow €89 per person (2 per machine) or €129 (solo
use) for a 1½ hour scenic safari around Ruka using eco-friendly 4-stroke
snowmobiles. Important note on snowmobiling: all drivers must be over 17 and
have a valid (car) driving licence and carry this with you whilst driving.
You will be liable to pay for any damage to snowmobiles up to the excess on
the insurance policy, which is approx. €1000 per machine. You will be asked
to sign a form agreeing to the above. This means, that in the unlikely event
that you damage a snowmobile in a major way, you will only be charged the
excess and not the full cost of repair. Snowmobiles are not for everyone and
can be difficult to master, however damage is very rare if the drivers are
alert and considerate.
/On Saturdays if you wish to snowmobile or downhill ski, a return transfer to
Ruka is €120./
* Travel insurance
* Single accommodation (available on request)
* Visas or vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.
-812.png)
-8.png)
Download PDF 
