Break new trails in the wintery wilds of Oulanka National Park
In the heart of the Finnish wilderness is the beautiful Oulanka National Park, a vast expanse of snow-laden pine trees, frozen lakes and waterfalls. There is no better way to explore this stunning setting in Finland than by strapping on a pair of snowshoes and heading out to break new trails. In the company of our expert leader, we take varied day tours in the surrounding area, including a visit to the spectacular Riisitunturi National Park.
Highlights
Break new trails on a snowshoeing adventure in Finland’s remote north
Journey through a winter wonderland: frozen lakes, waterfalls and fjells
Take riverside trails to experience the wild landscape of Oulanka National Park
Discover snow-laden ‘monster’ trees in Riisitunturi National Park
Warm up in the sauna and outdoor hot tub at our welcoming accommodation
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
Our trip starts at Basecamp Oulanka, a complex of cosy wooden buildings in a remote location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing into Oulanka National Park.
Meals included: Dinner
Day
2
Introduction to snowshoeing with an easy hike in the national park
In the morning, we are provided with all the equipment needed for a week of snowshoeing. We then head onto the frozen Juuma Lake for an easy walk to get used to our new form of transport. Our route leads us through snow-caked trees and along the Kitka River, 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 in the sauna or hot tub.
Activity hours: 2hr 30min
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
3
Snowshoe walk over suspension bridge around Lake Jyravajarvi and Castle Rocks
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 experience snowshoeing in total silence. This brings us to Pyöreälampi, where we stop for a snack. After the rest, we walk across a secluded area to Linnakallio Castle Rocks, a beautiful wall of rock isolated on the riverbanks. Then we pass Jyrävä, the biggest waterfall in the national park, and the Aallokko rapids. Along the path, you can also admire beautiful lichens hanging from the trees.
On our return to Basecamp, we cross a second suspension bridge over the Myllykoski rapids.
Activity hours: 3.5-4
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4
Transfer to Riisitunturi National Park; walk through a unique landscape to a viewpoint
We transfer to the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. Although geographically they are not far apart, the differences between the two national parks are evident. What makes this area so special is the incredible effect the heavy snow has on the trees as you climb higher into the clearings of the fjell. They’re twisted, bent and covered in thick white powder, appearing like 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
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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; check at reception before booking your activities. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See Optional Excursions in the Trip Notes for more.
Please note, due to operational reasons, bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day
6
Long snowshoe tour in Oulanka National Park following the Little Bear Trail
Today is the longest day of snowshoeing as we head deep into Oulanka National Park. Our guide takes us along the Little Bear Trail, which encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in the park. It takes us to the south side of the Kitka River and then up to the Kallioportti viewpoint, where we survey the vast snowy landscape. On return to Basecamp, we head over another suspension bridge in Harrisuvanto before taking a well-earned rest in the sauna or hot tub.
Activity hours: 5
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
7
Optional activities including cross-country skiing; farewell dinner
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 unguided snowshoeing and dogsledding. As a farewell celebration, we enjoy a four-course farewell dinner at Basecamp.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
End Basecamp Oulanka
Trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka. Those on the group flight transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
End Basecamp Oulanka
The trip ends at Basecamp Oulanka (which may feel a bit like home by now) and we begin our return journey.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
It 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 climb to viewpoints. Expect to be snowshoeing between three and six hours a day at a moderate pace. Variables such as snow depth can (and do) affect this.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Basecamp Oulanka, Myllykoskentie 30, 93900 Kuusamo, Finland Phone: +358 40 0509741 Recommended arrival time: Check-in is from 4pm. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Kuusamo Airport (KAO)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 45 to 60 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Oulanka Location end: Oulanka
Vaccinations and Health
Finland
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, rabies (bat lyssavirus) and tick-borne encephalitis. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Finland
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce (Finnish food) all prepared on site by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three or four 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. 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 options.
Weather
In the regions close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from -30C (-22F) to 5C (41F). December will normally be the coldest (usually below -20C/-4F), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early April can see temperatures around -10C to 5C (14F to 41F). Recent years have seen massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40C (-40F) and highs of 7C (45F) just a few days apart.
If the thought of such temperatures scares you, think again. When dressed in the Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) 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
At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So while in midwinter (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 Northern Lights 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.
Basecamp Oulanka
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
Never having done snowshoeing before we were not sure how easy it would be but if you can walk you can snowshoe! It was a wonderful novel way of exploring the woodlands around the basecamp with plenty of time to chill in the sauna at the end of the afternoon.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were no particular highlights but the scenary was lovely
Thoughts on Group Leader
Anton was a very good tour leader and gave us some interesting insights into the local nature and reindeer herders.
Advice for Potential Travellers
They really do provide all the clothes you need to snowshoe so it would be possible to travel on hand luggage only.
John Cartwright
Reviewed January 2022
True Wilderness Experience
You really are in the middle of nowhere. The silence was deafening. The Northern Lights obligingly came out at least a couple of nights during the week – they look better through a lens I discovered. The rooms are basic and surprisingly warm – underfloor heating seems to work for the most part even though the temperature outside remained stubbornly well below zero for the majority of the week.
The scenery was breathtaking, not exactly mountainous but with so much snow around there were plenty of picture postcard moments. Winter clothing is provided, but the fashion conscious snowshoer (is there such a thing) might be disappointed. It works, that’s all you need to know. There are many prepared trails in the area and walking solely on them could have proven to be a bit boring, but thankfully our leader, let’s call him M, was happy to go ‘off piste’. The walks were a little shorter than I would have liked and the current itinerary is definitely aimed at the beginner. However the last walk of the week – along and around the Little Bear Trail was simply stunning. Sitting around a campfire at lunchtime slurping some piping hot soup from a flask definitely was a plus in my books.
There are optional activities on offer – snowmobiling is a definite must for any boy(or girl) racers out there. The visit to the reindeer farm lacked a certain something . . . speed. The reindeer ride was definitely underwhelming – if they’d gone any slower we’d have been travelling backwards. Just as well then that the course was very short indeed. Ruka is the closest urban centre which offers limited but floodlit downhill skiing and a host of winter activities including cross country skiing (it’s compulsory in Finland), ice karting and fat biking.
Back at basecamp the sauna and hot tub is a good place to unwind at the end of the day, and rub snow all over yourself in between – you’ll only do that once! Food in the evening is excellent and there’s plenty of it. Drinks are pricey, but this is Scandinavia.
Overall a relaxing week away from the hectic life back home. No masks (within basecamp) and if you can leave that phone or tablet alone you really can forget about all that ‘covid stuff’. Anybody can snowshoe – only your stamina dictates how far you’ll want to go. Enjoy.
Mark Green
Reviewed March 2019
Fantastic fun in the snow
I was looking for a trip that I could go on with my wife who is not happy with camping and wishes to have some degree of comfort. This trip seemed to tick all the boxes with a great balance of activity, plenty downtime and a relative degree of comfort compared to a freezing tent and basic toilet facilities at over 5000 metres up a mountain.
The area of Oulanka National Park is one of outstanding beauty, peace and cleanliness with zero pollution. The easy snowshoe walks mainly in pristine forests were enchanting and did not require much in terms of effort or bravery. All instruction and a safety briefing was given and we all felt very secure. Our group of 12 mixed well staying in the comfortable and well heated logging cabin after Exodus changed the accommodation due to an issue at Basecamp Oulanka.
Our guides Ismo and Mary Louise were absolutely fantastic. They conveyed their enthusiasm for the beautiful environment and we learnt so much from them in such a short space of time. There was much raucous laughter as our group got to know each other all encouraged by Ismo’s gentle humour. Everything to make us comfortable in the cold in the way of clothing and hot food and drink was provided and the food was tasty, plentiful and varied during the week. The cabin was really warm even when the outdoor temeperature dropped to -26C, hot water for showers was unending, the sauna and an outside roll in the snow was invigorating and the WiFi was good enough to catch up with the news back home and watch content on Netflix when relaxing in the room.
Snowshoeing requires no special skills and is a wonderful way to spend a fun week in this enchanting place. We also experienced other optional activities on the 2 free days, including a visit to a reindeer farm, snowmobiling and husky riding, however these are an expensive add on but worth trying. Everything was so well organised that we found our week both relaxing and refreshing. We even ventured out to walk at night on a number of occasions under the light of the moon, hearing the amazing forest sounds and saw the Northern Lights.
I can not recommend this trip highly enough…. really great fun!
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in such beautiful surroundings surrounded by nature.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ismo was funny, helpful and worked tirelessly to ensure that we all had a great time. He was funny and interesting with a great sense of humour and it was such a pleasure to have spent a few days with him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Yes.... just go without any preconceptions, appreciate the amazing environment and enjoy every minute. Oh, and be prepared to spend some more money on the optional activities.
Eric Fleming
Reviewed February 2019
Snowshoeing from Basecamp in Oulanka National Park
5 days very easy snowshoeing over well walked trails.
The optional trips were good in particular the hire of a snowmobile in Ruka plus the short dog sledding experience at the Arctic Circle.
Accommodation was basic but found that the underfloor heating in the bedroom section was not up to it as the room temperature dropped to +10 with warmest being +14.
Would have rated it as Excellent if there had been more chance to walk in virgin snow instead of keeping to previously walked trails. Also lack of fresh fruit at Basecamp.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing local men using fishing nets below ice on frozen lake...a rare chance to see them.
The heavily snowed forests and the peace and quiet.
Seeing the Aurora Borealis from the frozen lake a few minutes walk down from Basecamp locale
Thoughts on Group Leader
Else our Finnish guide was excellent throughout, friendly, informative, caring and thoughtful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ensure you hydrate sufficiently with warm drinks during outings.
Basecamp food was good but is completely lacking in supply of fruit such as apples, oranges or bananas. I’d advise people to take dried fruit with them.
Nicholas Hooke
Reviewed March 2017
Delightful trip to a peaceful place
The remote forests of Finland are a very peaceful place, and tramping through them in snowshoes is an ideal way to immerse yourself in their tranquillity. The trees are laden with snow and you cannot hear a thing. It feels like a scene from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – you half expect to come across a lamppost and a fawn.
The centre is well run, and the guides are absolute enthusiasts and keen to pass one their passion for the trees and the wildlife. At night the stars are bright, and the Northern Lights make an eerie appearance.
All in all, a magical place. The UK seems very busy when you get home.
Most Inspirational Moment
The completely monochromatic appearance of the trees, lakes and snow on cloudy days.
Rolling in the snow after the sauna
Thoughts on Group Leader
Heli was lovely - she had real enthusiasm for the environment. I have never before hugged a tree, but now know we need to say thank you to them!
She was also very organised and kept a subtle eye on all the party, to make sure no one got left behind or had difficulty.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Trust the gear provided - we did take our own base layers, socks and buff - but that was all you needed. Their gear was all fine - 3 layers for top and bottom / gloves and mitts / hat / backpack / torch etc.
Stella Zealand
Reviewed April 2016
Snowshoeing in Finland
This was an excellent holiday at the cosy and warm Oulanka Basecamp. We were provided with clothing that kept us toasty and boots that were very comfortable. The food was locally sourced as much as possible, tasty and filling.
Overall, I cannot fault this holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
There are many - lunch at a camp fire, the peace out on the fjell, dog sledding, and meeting a friendly group of people. All wonderful!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tessa Kokkonen was a brilliant leader. She gave us info about Finland, it's history, and about the wildlife. Tessa was full of enthusiasm, helpful and had a great sense of humour. Nothing was too much trouble for her. Excellent!
Advice for Potential Travellers
The outdoor clothing provided is very good so save the space in your cases.
Paul Zealand
Reviewed April 2016
Snow Shoeing and Much More
Finland is beautiful and Oulanka Basecamp a superb place to spend an active week. The facilities, equipment, food, activities and above all the staff – for whom nothing was too much trouble and who all clearly loved their work – were first-rate. The room accommodation was comfortable and the communal lounge, bar, sauna, hot tub and dining area in a separate building a few seconds walk away. We wanted and expected cold weather – which we got – but were never cold because everywhere was well heated and the winter clothing and boots provided were of the best quality (and all in with the price). The Basecamp is in the middle of nowhere – again, wanted and expected – in an area of forest, lakes, rivers (aka Finland!) but also unexpected hills and, at times, steep climbs.
What I liked best? Pretty much everything and there were not enough hours in a day to do all I wanted. Also being wonderfully tired every evening after a hard day of snow shoe walking, cross-country skiing, snowmobile and/or dog sledding were a great aid to a good night/s sleep.
Highlights major and minor – in no particular order – were:
1. The food. Loads of it and delicious, including the packed lunches and special energy bars. (We burned a lot of calories).
2. Eating lunch around camp fires at wilderness shelters in a gentle snowfall.
3. My first time on skis. (We haven’t laughed so much in ages).
4. Falling a lot. (Yes, I’m serious. I fell off everything – snow shoes, skis – level and downhill – snowmobile and dog sled), and once nearly ended up in a river, but only hurt myself a bit a couple of times.)
5. Dog sled day. A marvellous experience and enough to turn this dog-phobe into a husky fan.
6.The company of like-minded strangers to add to wife and two good friends.
Lowlights:
Not a thing, other than we didn’t get the Northern Lights, but that’s beyond the Basecamp’s control, and I couldn’t do everything. We’ll have to go back!
The rooms are of two types. The upper rooms are a bit bigger, have a small mezzanine for storage or to sleep in and a balcony.
All heating and hot water comes from a wood pellet-burning boiler and a wood-burning fire in the lounge. All clothing and gear is provided to reduce luggage weight – a small detail ,but a nice idea – and almost all food provided sustainable and locally sourced.
Most Inspirational Moment
There were so many. Probably the dog sled day, but sitting round a crackling fire outdoor in an light snowfall whilst toasting packed lunch sandwiches and drinking hot chocolate (laced with a shot of whisky) was hard to beat.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide, Tessa Kokkonen, led us with confident knowledge and expertise, breaking up the long walks with frequent halts to talk about Finland and its wildlife, forest, history and folklore. She included traditional stories and identified the animal tracks we found in the snow.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Save your luggage space by not taking outdoor clothing, skis, boots, etc that you think you will need as everything is provided. On the other hand, if you think you might need to replace something you run out of or break, require medicines, another book, etc. take these as there is not much in the way of shops outside the airports.
Sally Ann Nortcliffe
Reviewed March 2016
snow shoeing in finland
this was a great week in the finnish wilderness at a very comfortable lodge with great food, the clothing we got was great quality and kept us warm. there was a huge range of things to do dog sleding , night snow shoeing which was quite an experience and sauna yoga to mention a few.
Most Inspirational Moment
going to the fairy land like riisitunturin kansallispuisto national park with the most amazing snowy trees and great lake views
Thoughts on Group Leader
one of the best i have had - effiencent , polite ,nothing was too much trouble and he was very enthusisatic
Advice for Potential Travellers
do go , it was a lovely trip
Caroline Simmonds
Reviewed March 2016
Snowshoeing in Finland
A fabulous week in a wonderful place. We were lucky enough to have sunshine and clear skies, so good views of the Northern Lights several nights running. The accommodation is warm and cosy and the food almost too good!
Most Inspirational Moment
Two things stick in my mind - the realisation on the first evening that we were actually going to get to see the Northern Lights. That had almost everyone jumping up and down with excitement. And the optional husky sledding on the last day - swooshing along through the beautiful landscape with a team of enthusiastic and friendly dogs. Wonderful!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Martti is a great guy with an endearing sense of humour. He spent 15 minutes on the first day earnestly describing how we should behave if we came across a hibernating bear in the forest, only then to confess that he had never actually seen one himself. He also managed to get the whole group hugging trees...! I also felt by the end of the week that I had learned a lot about Finland.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As previous reviewers have mentioned, the physical activity side of this holiday was a little less intensive than we have previously experienced on snowshoeing holidays, so go prepared either to strike out on your own or just chill at Base Camp. Having said that, the walks undertaken were varied and very scenic, so well worthwhile. There are also a number of optional activities (see above re Husky Sledding) that can really be recommended, even though they are on the expensive side!
Deborah French
Reviewed March 2016
Snowshoeing in Finland
A relaxing week spent in glorious Finland. If you like snow to feature in a holiday then you cannot beat Finland. The people are lovely, the venues calm and relaxing and the activities can be as full on as you want them to be. This trip can be very relaxing and had less guided walks than I had anticipated but you can participate in many optional extras or take as many unguided walks as you like. If that doesn’t appeal then sit and relax by the fire and eat plentiful and delicious food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the northern lights four times in one week.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Martti was a charming host and a great advert for Finland. He clearly shares the ecological ethos of Basecamp Oulanka.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want a very active week be prepared to take unguided walks or optional extras. Don't forget your driving licence if you want to snowmobile.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and is now fully booked, although we may have people holding spaces without payment. Please contact our Sales team for further information.
AvailabilityGuaranteed (On Request)
Only 4 spaces left!
Land Only Trip Price£ 2449£ 2949
Optional Single Supplement+£ 400
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Guaranteed flights from London available for this departure
Availability
This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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