My friends suggested this trip to me and although it sounded amazing I was a little cautious but... Steven Toon, 2019 See more reviews
What a great week, despite the unusual cold for late January (reaching below -30), the still... Iain Maclean, 2019 See more reviews
Thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic week at base camp. Scenery is absolutely stunning and activities... Jo Luckhurst, 2019 See more reviews
We had a fantastic time in the Finnish Wilderness. Basecamp was great, the staff were all lovely... Abby Willcox, 2019 See more reviews
This is a trip every Exodus traveller should do! So many different activities in a week based at... Johnny Corn, 2019 See more reviews
Whats not to like? Dog sledding on a snowy christmas morning, the fabulous walk we took just the... Elizabeth Gladin, 2019 See more reviews
The experience overall was very good on many lelvels. The basecamp was not luxorious but the... Claudia Radaelli, 2019 See more reviews
A wonderful week in beautiful surroundings and well organised activites by the team at basecamp. ... Dina Stylianou, 2019 See more reviews
Just returned from a fantastic week in Finland, a country I've always wanted to visit. I... Pru Goudie, 2019 See more reviews
One of the best trips I have ever been on! Superb location, excellent accommodation with amazing... Caryn Long , 2018 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all London to London Day 1 Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45mins). Fly from Gatwick to Kuusamo, transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx 45 mins). Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Snowshoe hike in Oulanka National park walking through snow-caked trees and the Kitka River In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week of activities in arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes we head straight out into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary skills for this activity. Our route today will take us through forests and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill that sits adjacent to the dramatic Myllykoski rapids (approx 2½ hours). At the end of the walk, depending on timing, there will be the chance to do some further exploration of the surrounding area or relax in the sauna or hot tub. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Cross-country skiing in the morning heading down to the Juuma lake; free afternoon. Today we experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby JuumaLake, our instructor will literally walk us through the basics of how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to start with, but in the softsnow this is half the fun! After becoming more confident on the skis we then head out onto the lake, gliding through the virgin powder. In the afternoon, keep hold of your skis as there is the option of further unguided skiing in the area. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal frame sled you can use on your own and venture out around Basecamp. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Half day dogsledding instruction and tour (about 10km) in Riisitunturi National Park; optional ice climbing. After breakfast, we take a bus transfer to Jaksamo on the edge of the Riisintunturi National Park where we meet up with our dogsledding guide. The day begins with tuition on how to ride on the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then head off into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. Our route follows a gently undulating forested trail into the wilderness. Travelling on your own sled, you are able to really appreciate the serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape. The afternoon is free to experience some of the optional activities that Basecamp has to offer such as ice climbing (min 4 persons). This evening we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search for the Northern Lights. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Free day in Ruka; morning optional visit to reindeer farm; afternoon option of snowmobiling or downhill skiing/snowboarding. We spend the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide will take care of transfers and can book activities for you. 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. Otherwise, there's the option to stay at Basecamp, having the equipment, snowshoes, cross-country skis etc. at your disposal, with accessible routes to explore. Meals included: Breakfast Dinner 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. Issued with shovels and spades and in groups of four, we create a mound of snow, which is later hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (2-3 persons 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. Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 7 Optional activities including ice climbing and dogsledding; dinner around a campfire. Today we have a free day with several options on offer to make the most of the magical Finland Wilderness. Some of the activities available include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have the option of eating dinner around a campfire on the edge of the National Park. Day 8 Transfer to Kuusamo; fly to London. Lunch is included for clients booked on the group flights for departures from Dec. 24th to Feb. 17th (inclusive) due to a later flight time. Meals included: Breakfast
Basecamp Oulanka Basecamp Oulanka is a superb self-sustaining wooden complex that takes immediate inspiration from its wilderness location. Twin rooms with en suite bathrooms 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 school holidays.
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Reviewed February 2019 Steven Toon Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Wonderful wilderness week My friends suggested this trip to me and although it sounded amazing I was a little cautious but went for it and I am so glad I did! The whole trip is just one fantastic experience after another. The weather was incdredible especially the -32 that warmed up to only -7! The scenery is stunning without exception and thats just the start. Ignore the neigh sayers about the accomodation and food. The chalets are lovely, cosy, comfortable and very warm. It's so serene in the morning its wonderful, I woke up to that amazing woodland view, peace and quiet and the occasional squirrel coming for food. The food is great and plentiful and filling just with a big grpup like ours (32 people) you sometimes have to queue to get it. Try not to be too British expecting a hot cup of tea each morning. I took my own kettle and onlu used it twice. The kit is great and does the job perfectly and the room floor dries things out very well. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to name just one but the husky experience is unforgettable. Being driven by those beautiful dogs across the amazing landscape under an epic clear blue sky was just jaw dropping especially when they turn around and look at you if you dare apply the brake to slow them down. Actually getting to see the northern lights was truly memorable. Standing on that frozen lake in the middle of the night just watching the display in awe inspiring. What did you think of your group leader? Elina was wonderful. She explained everything well and really encouraged you to want to try that bit harder to get the hang of things. She mixed with us and seemed to really enjoy her time with us as much as we did with her. Special mention to Andrea who came to Riisilntunturi National Park with us. It was her day off and she had never been so came as back stop guide and was lumbered with the daft set messing about, she laughed so much I hope she enjoyyed it. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Throw yourself into it, and you really should give the sleeping out in the quinzee a try its crazy but fun. As with other advice you don't need much so dont overpack. If you wear glasses and want to keep your face warm, try to find something tight fitting over your nose becasue as you breath the moisture in your breath feezes on your lenses. If you like a drink perhaps pick up a bottle or two up before you get there it is quite expensive at the camp. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go and enjoy it, we went as 3 friends but made great ones when we got there, we even had people wishing they were in our group we had that much fun. Falling over is fantastic, getting back up again is hilarious!
Reviewed February 2019 Iain Maclean Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week A real doze of Fresh Air ! What a great week, despite the unusual cold for late January (reaching below -30), the still fresh air was envigorating. Great mix of activities, in a stunning landscape, especially under the sun with its relative low point in the sky. And to top it off, we saw the aurora, never guaranteed, but on a clear night, a genuinely spectacular show of colour. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Really enjoyed the dog-sledding, a 10km spin through the forests and over the lakes. Even on a cloudy day, spectacular scenery, under deep powder snow, with hot soup in a teepee around a roaring fire to finish (ahem) it off, hosted by Lauri, whose sharp wit had us all at ease and in great humour. And of course, seeing the aurora, never guaranteed, but on a clear night, a genuinely spectacular show of colour. What did you think of your group leader? The team were first rate, whether out on activities or at base camp in the kitchen, helpful, friendly and informative. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Except for skin layer thermals, all the winter gear is provided, from hats to socks and base, mid and outer layers, and worked for us even in temperatures just under -30, so no need to overpack, though hand and foot warmers might be welcome ! And sensible to have some shampoo with you too. Accommodation is as you would expect for base camp, simple and functional, with underfloor heating and plenty hot water. The communal area is large, and on really cold nights (there that means below -30) a warm jumper or fleece is needed despite the roaring fire. If you don't fancy the free day, the Little Bear snow trail (12km/5hrs) is very worthwhile. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thursday was the least satisfying day for us. The reindeer trip was interesting, but the one short circuit we did on the sleigh was well short of the fun we had had with the dogs the day before. And Ruka, while an impressive winter resort, was such a contrast to the wilderness feel at Base Camp we so enjoyed. We hiked the Little Bear on Friday, it was a great day out, it would be a good addition/alternative to the programme if it could be fitted in, but it is a full 5hr outing ...
Reviewed February 2019 Jo Luckhurst Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Magical week in a snowy wonderland Thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic week at base camp. Scenery is absolutely stunning and activities are varied and fun. At the end of January/ early Feb there was plenty of daylight to make the most of everything on offer. There are superb snowshoe walks right from the front door, the little bear trail in particular. Accommodation is comfortable with plentiful tasty food and good variety. All staff work hard to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible. Although the clothes provided are perfectly acceptable, if you already own your own cold weather gear ( ski jacket / fleeces) you can wear these too. Lucky to share our holiday with a friendly bunch of fellow travellers who helped make it extra memorable. We would highly recommend this holiday to anyone thinking of going. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to say - so many but the scenery and tranquility was splendid. What did you think of your group leader? All base camp staff were friendly and helpful. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you live near Birmingham airport do enquire about the Birmingham flight (we found out about it after we arrived) Take plenty of warm woolen socks, not necessarily all thick ones you will probably need to wear 2 or 3 pairs at a time. If you like downhill skiing the slopes in Ruka looked very quiet. Is there anything else you would like to add? As others have said before if you are thinking of booking this trip then do......you will not regret it.
Reviewed February 2019 Abby Willcox Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Amazing trip in a beautiful country We had a fantastic time in the Finnish Wilderness. Basecamp was great, the staff were all lovely and really helpful. We enjoyed trying out a wide range of activities and then being free most afternoons to do the activities on our own or just relax or have a wander around the forest. Having the marked trails was really handy for independent exploring. The food was varied and we always had plenty to eat. The constant availability of free teas, coffee and juice was nice, as was the lovely log fire in the main lodge for warming us up after a chilly day out. The equipment and clothing provided was excellent, much better than I'd expected. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? For me it was husky dog sledding, without a doubt one of my favourite activities ever. My partner enjoyed seeing the northern lights twice and having an endless number of photography opportunities, albeit very cold ones! What did you think of your group leader? Elina was great, our favourite exodus guide so far. She was so friendly and approachable with a really good humour. The only down side is your guide is not with you every day as you go off to do different activities. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? As with other reviews, you don't need to take many of your own clothes. We washed our quick dry base layers in the sink every other day. Be prepared to pay a lot for the optional activities, of which there were many more available than those listed in the trip notes. Is there anything else you would like to add? Go, enjoy yourself. Spend a week in another world doing fun activities, meeting nice people and eating lots of food. Nothing not to love about this trip.
Reviewed January 2019 Johnny Corn Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Should be on everyone’s bucket list This is a trip every Exodus traveller should do! So many different activities in a week based at the wonderful Oulanka Basecamp with its great facilities, gear and staff. The day light is short but you sure make the most of it and have plenty of time to unwind and relax. Laugh at yourself as to try and tackle most things that you would have never tried before but after a taster would want to do most of them as holidays in themselves- husky sledging, snow shoe walking, cross country skiing and driving a skidoo. The final day in the enchanted snow covered National Park of Riisitunturi is one I will never forget as one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to! Did not see the Northern Lights which would have put the icing on the cake but will just mean I will have to come again! Everyone seems to do the Petra trip but I suggest this is a most do trip too. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The Husky sledging and the snow shoe walk in Riisitunturi. What did you think of your group leader? Elena was a brilliant guide and leader and supported by all the team at the camp! They were all so enthusiastic, professional and fun and clearly love what they do. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If you do the river floating do not wear your glasses as they like the clothes you are provided with freeze! You hardly need to take a thing as the gear they provide is better than the gear I have and I am a real wimp in the cold! Take plenty of good socks, hipflask, buy duty free as my bar bill was horrendous ( my own fault but enjoyed it all!), if your clothes get wet of sweaty dry them out on the floor of your room with underfloor heating! No soaps etc in rooms so take your own! Is there anything else you would like to add? Did not get time as day light short but try and do Bear walks from Basecamp!
Reviewed January 2019 Elizabeth Gladin Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week A happy time with new friends, lots to do in a glorious place. Very special week. Whats not to like? Dog sledding on a snowy christmas morning, the fabulous walk we took just the two of us on the Bear Trail, the group snow shoe hike up in the Riisitunturi National Park or the laughing tumbles practicing our cross country skiiing, or the group dinners with lots of joyful tales of our days, and a sip or two of Cloudberry Liquer? Elina always ready with a grin, a story or some good advice. The Oulanka Basecamp staff with their smiles at all times of the day, and hearty offerings of food and drink. We will return! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? What to choose? All of it, really. What did you think of your group leader? Everyone of our guides were brilliant - helpful, friendly, informative and professional. Elina especially was great and contributed to making our activities such fun. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just do it. A brilliant way to spend a snowy unchristmasy but very special Christmas Is there anything else you would like to add? Nothing to add except we want to go back. Or do another Exodus trip......
Reviewed January 2019 Claudia Radaelli Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Wilderness Adventure The experience overall was very good on many lelvels. The basecamp was not luxorious but the people are very welcoming and it is very clean. My only criticism is about the food, I cannot understand how it one can serve frozen berries with ice cream as dessert when it is -20 outside! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Northern Lights and the Husky sledging What did you think of your group leader? very nice indeed, lovely person Do you have any advice for potential travellers? yes, bring warm undergarments!! the rest they provide. Is there anything else you would like to add? Not at this stage, just better food please and more warm choices.
Reviewed January 2019 Dina Stylianou Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Enjoyable week of snowy activities A wonderful week in beautiful surroundings and well organised activites by the team at basecamp. An opportunity to experience the full beauty of Finland and try a variety of snowy activities. Comfortable warm lodge, varied and plentiful wholesome food, a welcoming and client-oriented basecamp team and a great mixiture of snow sports and actiivites. One of my favourite Exodus holidays. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I love everything, but in particular the dogsledding. It was very unexpectd to walk into someone's home and be so welcomed. A great experience all round. The dogs are so well looked after and well behaved. The owners were adorable. What did you think of your group leader? Fab. The Exodus leader was great. Our team leader at Basecamp was brilliant. She did all the right things and ensured that everyone had equal experince of activities regardless of level and experience. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do it. It's a great experience, and take a dressing gown to get you from your apartment to the sauna. Is there anything else you would like to add? Thank you to Millie Reeves for answering all my questions (even the silly ones) and taking time out to talk me through (on email) the itinerary. It really helped.
Reviewed January 2019 Pru Goudie Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week A Fantastic Finnish Wilderness Adventure! Just returned from a fantastic week in Finland, a country I've always wanted to visit. I travelled over Xmas and it really was a snowy wilderness with very limited daylight hours. However the tour was very well balanced between outdoor activities and downtime and we made the most of the daylight hours. We stayed in a comfortable and cosy lodge called Basecamp Oulanka set in truly stunning surroundings. The food was fantastic and they kitted us all out with all the outdoor gear and all our equipment which we got to keep for the week. We tried our hands at husky sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and went on many wonderful walks throughout National Parks. The trees were laden with snow, we had many campfires along the way, the guiding was excellent and the food & wine was gorgeous! I totally recommend this week away, I felt so refreshened and invigorated by the time I returned! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The natural environment we were in, all the snow and the activities were great fun - I loved all of them! What did you think of your group leader? We had a local leader called Eleni and she was wonderful, very friendly and knowledgable and passionate about her country. Couldn't have asked for a better group leader! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Just do it! Is there anything else you would like to add? Thanks for a great trip, it's my first trip with Exodus and I wouldn't hesitate to do another one. Maybe Japan or Argentina .... two more bucket list destinations for me!!
Reviewed December 2018 Caryn Long Trip: Finnish Wilderness Week Awesome Finnish Wilderness Week One of the best trips I have ever been on! Superb location, excellent accommodation with amazing food, well hosted by friendly guides. Choice of activities was brilliant and the trip was relaxing as well as moderately active. Would recommend!! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Husky sledging, river floating, quinzee building and the night time walk with the peaceful moment for reflection. What did you think of your group leader? Very knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, good English. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't over pack. All clothing and equipment provided of good quality. Is there anything else you would like to add? Book it!!
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