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Finnish Wilderness Week

Tripcode: CFA

Countries visited: Finland

Adult Group Holidays Moderate Winter Activities
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Our Clients’ Reviews


Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: 4.6 from 86 reviews.

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  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    This was both the first winter holiday and the first Exodus holiday we have been on.  Both exceeded all our expectations!  The only downside?  The difficulty we now face trying to decide which Exodus trip to go on next. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    The first thing that strikes you about Basecamp Oulanka is the incredible peace and solitude.  You have been transported to an truely idyllic hideaway. 

    The breathtaking scenery of the Oulanka National Park as you crunch your way around the Little Bear Trail in your snowshoes or as you glide across the frozen lake on your cross country skies.

    The most spectacular snowmobile trip, winding your way through the wilderness to the top of the hill for stunning views and incredible hospitality.

    What did you think of your group leader?
    We had the pleasure of Ellu as our group leader.  She was relaxed and attentive and good homoured.  She really ensured that we had great fun, she was simply fantastic.  It was good to know that we were in safe, capable hands.  Nothing was too much trouble, she even came to tow the minibus out the snow on her day off!
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    As this was our first winter holiday, it seemed natural to be a little worried about subjecting our bodies to minus 20 degrees, but I can honestly say that apart from just a few minutes during the entire week, we were warmer than back home.  When else will you sleep out under the stars at minus 18?  Don't miss the opportunity, it's a once in a lifetime moment.

    The activities are very well organised, most days you have the opportunity to join in for half the day and you can then do your own thing for the rest, be it ice climbing, or simply strapping the snowshoes or skies on for a wander in the park.   

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    What are the chances of seeing the Northern Lights?  They show for fifteen minutes on a clear night throughout the winter months.  We thought we had no chance, as the first clear night passed and the clouds rolled in, but we were wrong.  After a little time invested in looking skyward, we were rewarded with natures greatest lightshow.  Amazing!

    Everyone we were in contact with, from Basecamp Oulanka staff to the snowmobile guide, from the minibus driver to the Husky Farm workers, were all so friendly and accomodating.  Leaving us with great memories of an incredible country - we'll be back!  What are you waiting for, book it now.

     
  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    Very goodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

    Written

    A week full of winter 'action' for people that do not have a lot of experience in wintersports but love the outdoors! An amazing setting in arctic finland! 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    the longer walk with the snowshoes was great, a little more strenous than average but very rewarding!

    other highlight; the husky safari, the dogs really have a desire to go!!! Gliding through the forest, over frozen lakes,... great way to travel in an amazing landscape!

    and last but not least; after a day spending outside in the cold.... the hottub and sauna! Relax, enjoy, chat about the adventures of the day,....

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Erkki was perfect; friendly, relaxed and always cheerfull, helpfull and full of knowledge about history, nature, local costumes.

    And then there were also Thoumas, Elou, Rika,... they were all wonderfull!

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    Ruka is just a small resort, too small to spend the whole day, better to book an activity or/and go skiing (the slopes are well maintained!), also a good skischool (even its for just a few hours!)

    The equipment you get is good but some extra layers of clothing (of your own) is very usefull.

     
  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    Very goodVery goodVery goodVery goodVery good

    Written

    A great week! Exactly what we'd hoped for in terms of a mix of activities in a lovely snowy setting. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
    By the old watermill at the start of the 10km trail - the spray from the river has coated the trees in ice - a real winter wonderland sight! And of course, the northern lights - just a taster so will have to go back...
    What did you think of your group leader?
    Martti is a lovely patient guy. He knew all our names by the end of day 2!
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
    If you like a drink in the evening, buy alcohol at the airport before you leave the UK. We took snacks so didn't need lunch (9 Euros) - food options are limited as you can't walk to a shop & taxis are expensive.
    Is there anything else you would like to add?
    We were a little apprehensive about coping with minus 20 degrees & the limited number of daylight hours, but feeling ice crystals forming in your nose is something to be experienced & the dawn/dusk hours are very atmospheric. Go for it!
     
  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    A wonderfully refreshing and invigorating week in a superb location. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Everything!

    The beauty and tranquility of the wilderness.

    The comfort and cosiness at Basecamp Oulanka.

    The chance to try so many fantastic new activities - husky sledding, cross country skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, quincy building, skiing at night under the Northern Lights...

    What did you think of your group leader?
    Maarti and all the staff at Basecamp Oulanka are superb - very welcoming, helpful and cheerful. Their enthusiasm for their surrounding environment is infectious and they did everything they could to make our stay enjoyable and memorable. 
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    The equipment provided is excellent and will keep you very warm and dry. The trip notes recommend taking a Thermos flask - there is no need to as Basecamp provide one for the week.

    If you are a total beginner to downhill skiing and go for a day in Ruka, you DON'T need to buy a ski pass. Our instructor at the ski school told us that the nursery slope and a blue run behind it are accessible without a pass. So I had wasted 32 euros on a pass!

    Be aware that if you go during the school holidays you may be sharing Basecamp Oulanka with an Exodus family group. We sometimes found that the peace and quiet were somewhat disturbed!

    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    It was the first time I had done an activity holiday and I am definitely converted!

     
  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    A great experience of lots of different activities. Staff always pleasant, helpful and motivating.Met a great group of likeminded people. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
    Views and northern lights
    What did you think of your group leader?

    Eki was an excellent leader; very helpful and encouraging; enthusiastic and genuinely believed in ecology of the wilderness.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
    You do not need to take lots of clothes etc, as the gear provided was excellent.
    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    The only negative part of the holiday was the airline services (AstreusAirlines) but the rest of the holiday more than made up for it.

    Anyone doubting their ability to go on this activity holiday shouldn't, the help and encouragement they receive will ensure they will cope with an unforgetable holiday.

     
  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    This trip was planned a year in advance for my 40th birthday, we were careful to book a trip that gave us lots to do. We had a wonderful time. The balance between group activity and free time was great, we enjoyed being with the group, just as much as we enjoyed doing our own thing. I would highly recommend this trip. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Standing on a frozen lake, arm in arm with my best friend watching the Northern Lights dancing over our heads was awesome.

    The huskie dog ride was truely amazing, it was great racing through the countryside in control (mostly in control!) of a team of dogs.

    Base camp was special too, sledging down the hill, laughing lots, and forgetting that we had other lives, which involved work and responsibilities, it was good to be a child again. The sauna and hot tub helped ease the aching muscles.

    What did you think of your group leader?
    Ekki was great, as were all the staff at base camp.
    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

    The clothing provided is more than sufficient, we brought clothes for the trip that we didn't wear. In the evening the dining room is very warm, so we wore jeans and light tops, we took far too much clothing with us. Base camps snow boots were great, so we only actually wore our boots for travelling  to camp and home again. Rucksacks, flasks, head torches are all provided.

    Base camps bar was rather expensive, as is Finland, so if you like a drink, consider bringing a bottle with you. Or if chocolates your thing, take some of your clothes out of your case, and fill the gap with goodies :-))

    Is there anything else you would like to add?
    Both our taxi drivers said the flights were always late, so be prepared with food, drinks and something to do, if like us, you have delayed flights.
     
  • FINNISH WILDERNESS WEEK

    ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

    Written

    We both had a wonderfully  peaceful, tranquil stay at Basecamp. Food was exellent all week with variety thoughout. We love it at Basecamp and will be going back soon. 

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    What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

    Just being there is inspiration enough it is just a beautiful place to be at one with nature  

    What did you think of your group leader?

    Our group leader Martti was fantastic, we enjoyed many a chat with him. The talks he had with a group on the snow shoe walk was great and gave an insight on some of the wildlife around. The wilderness skills day along with the quincy building was fantastic and not a day anyone should miss -

    p.s. the man makes great coffee.

    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
    Just go and enjoy it, get up early don't miss a thing be prepared to have a great time. maybe take a game for the evening. 
    Is there anything else you would like to add?

    I have a couple of suggestions though. For the smoke sauna it should be outlined it is a cost and maybe a notice sent ahead of joining wher we could pre book as it takes a while to get it organised

    Possibly an organised walk on the bears trail with a sausage or two and a bear beer would be great 

     
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This trip is featured in the Winter Activity Holidays brochure.


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