Into the Wilds
- Tour ID: PS5
Tour Info:
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Seasons: Summer
- Travel Style: Self-Drive Tours in Scandinavia
- Countries: Finland
- Available: May - Mid August
This self-drive itinerary takes you through the sparsely populated Taiga forests of North-eastern Finland where in the three national parks and two national hiking areas, hiking, canoeing and fishing are easily accessible. Koli National Park is a firm favourite with peaks providing spectacular views of lake Pielinen. Closer to the Russian border joining a bear or wolverine observation tours gives you the chance of observing and photographing these animals in safety. Accommodation varies from hotel rooms to apartments and cosy cabins. You’ll also get to enjoy local delicacies and on most nights, the chance to have a sauna and possibly, jump in a lake to cool off.
Highlights:
- Swim in crystal clear lakes
- Venture into the Finnish countryside
- See wildlife in their natural environment
- Berry picking (dependant on season)
- Enjoy long summer days
Price Includes:
Price based on 3* hotels and twin/double share throughout.
- Accommodation in hotel, cottages or apartments
- Breakfast daily
- Five dinners
- Bear watching
- Exclusive travel documentation package including personalised maps, itinerary and driving directions
Price Excludes:
- Car rental is not included in the package price and can be confirmed at a supplementary price
Itinerary:
Arrive Joensuu airport or by train. Collect your vehicle and continue to Koli.
The view from your accommodation in Koli Park is simply spectacular. Situated right within the Park and beside the Nature Centre, this is going to be a feast of sights and nature. Keep your cameras ready – wildlife don’t always give advance notice of an Instagram moment coming up.
Enjoying the scenery on the way, take the 1.5 hour drive from Koli to Tiilikkajärvi National Park. The Park offers easy hiking route, beautiful lakeside scenery and beaches. Think about taking a picnic lunch along with you as there are no opportunities to purchase food in the Park. Early afternoon, continue to Kuhmo via Nurmes where you can make a stop and visit Karelian Bomba House and the Karelian village around it. Continue to Kuhmo for your overnight. It’s a small village with architecture events, research, museums and food clearly reflect the Kalevala. If you enjoy chamber music, the last two weeks of July when the famous Chamber Music Festival takes place, is a good time to visit Kuhmo.
The possibility exists to have an overnight in a wolverine observation centre at additional charge. In this case, you would overnight in Lieksa and and continue to Kuhmo the following day.
Before continuing your tour this morning, vist the Petola Visitor Centre which houses information on Finland’s large carnivores – bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. From Kuhmo your route takes you north through thinly populated areas close to the Russian border. You’ll pass through the beautiful village of Lentiira and cross the road leading to Kostamus and to the international frontier crossing point of Vartius. Some 25 km south of Suomussalmi is the historical area of Raate which was the stage of some heavy battles during the Second World War. The Winter War exhibition and the Raate Frontier Guard Museum in Raate is worth a visit. Your accommodation this evening will be in the tiny village of Juntusranta at Arola Holiday Farm owned by Helena and Eero’s. This former dairy farm is well-known for Helena’s delicious local food. Surrounded by remote woodland, the area is home to European brown bears and this evening, Helena will take you to a hide in the forest to observe the bears. A little patience may be needed as the bears don’t adhere to human timetables.
Heading north, you’ll arrive in Hossa, a national hiking area known for its crystal-clear lakes and handsome pine heartlands. The area offers great opportunities for hiking, canoeing and fishing. One good destination for a day hiking trip might be Värikalliot, the oldest rock paintings in northern Finland dating back some 4000 years. Hossa Visitor Centre offers information on trails and there is also an exhibition on the area’s history and present day. Hossa also had a reindeer park open to visitors. Your final destination today is Kuusamo which is one of the most important tourist destinations in Finland thanks to its magnificent nature and the vast range of activities available throughout the year. Well worth a stop on route is to see artist Reijo Kela’s ‘Silent People’. Continue to Kuusamo.
This morning you don´t need to pack your luggage because you two nights here. Head to Oulanka National Park or to Ruka which is one of the most popular skiing resort in Finland. The landscape of Oulanka National Park is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids and in the north vast marshes. The area is rich in animal and plant species. Hikers can get a general picture of the park’s nature even on day trips. There are several routes available but one very nice (though very demanding) one is the Small Bear’s Trail starting from the village of Juuma. Departing from Oulanka Visitor centre you can visit the Kiutaköngäs rapids which are some of the biggest rapids in Finland. Many safari companies organize river rafting in Oulanka National Park varying from easy family tours to speedy tours that will make your heart race! At Ruka you can climb up to some of the hills and admire the beautiful views over forests and lakes. An easier way to get to the top is the Ruka Lookout Lift that takes you up to the hill. If you are brave enough you can descend on a speedy summer sled! The safari companies of the area also offer many other activities such as canoe trips, quad safaris, mountain biking and Nordic walking tours. The night is spent again at Ollila Holiday Cottages. Recommended walks: Small Bear’s Trail 12 km, Valtavaara nature trail 8 km, Hiidenlampi nature trail 5 km Recommended canoeing route: Oulanka canoeing route 7 – 23 km
This will be your last and longest day of travelling, ending at Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. If you are still willing to do some hiking you can easily visit either Riisitunturi National Park or Korouoma Nature Reserve which both offer the opportunity of some nice day trips, though there are no circular routes available. Both destinations have their characteristics and especially the 30-km-long fracture valley in Korouoma is very special. If you take the longer southern route from Posio to Rovaniemi you will have a chance to visit a Wildlife Park situated in Ranua. There are about 50 species of arctic and northern wild animals at Ranua Zoo including bears, the only polar bears in Finland, lynxes, wolves, wolverines, moose and many more. The city of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, offers plenty to do. Santa Claus’ Village on the Arctic Circle: visit Santa in his office and send a postcard from his Post Office. The Arktikum, a science centre and museum, is also worth a visit. The exhibitions of the Arktikum lead you through the Arctic areas’ and Finnish Lapland’s history and modern day providing a unique insight into the way of life, culture and history of the North. For the last night of the tour you will stay at Chalet hotel Rovaniemi, in a well-appointed cabin with a genuine Finnish sauna where you can refresh yourself after a week full of activities. Exceptionally the dinner is not included in the price today but there are several good restaurants to choose from in Rovaniemi.
Breakfast and drive to the airport of Rovaniemi where you will leave your hire car.
Map:
Important Info:
An itinerary and quotation will be prepared for your consideration. Once accepted, a deposit is required to secure the booking.
For each traveller, we require:
- Full name exactly as shown on passport
- Date of birth
- Contact phone number
- Dietary, medical or other special requirements
No services are held at quotation stage and remain subject to availability until booked and confirmed. If a quoted service becomes unavailable, we will offer a suitable alternative where possible.
Deposit amounts vary by tour and supplier and will be advised before booking. Some accommodation, cruises, Christmas/New Year arrangements and special services may require higher deposits, full payment or non-refundable payment at booking.
Final payment is generally due 90 days before travel, unless an earlier date is required by a supplier. Your booking invoice will confirm the applicable payment schedule.
Where final supplier rates have not yet been released, provisional pricing may be provided. Any applicable conditions will be explained before booking.
Your confirmed itinerary will specify all inclusions. Unless stated otherwise, prices generally exclude:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically listed
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as soon as the deposit is paid, particularly where components are non-refundable.
Clients receive a 20% discount with GO Insurance. Please request a quotation.
Traveller names must exactly match the passport used for travel, including all given names and surnames. Incorrect details may result in fees or difficulties with travel arrangements.
Travellers are responsible for ensuring passports meet the validity and entry requirements of all countries visited. For the Schengen Area, Australian passports generally must:
-
- Be valid for at least 3 months after departure from the Schengen Area
- Have been issued within the previous 10 years
We recommend having at least 6 months’ passport validity remaining wherever possible. Travellers are responsible for obtaining required visas, travel authorisations and other entry documents. Requirements should be checked with relevant government authorities before travel.
Nordic itineraries may involve walking on snow/ice, uneven surfaces, stairs, boats, snowmobiles, carrying luggage and extended periods outdoors in cold weather. Activities may have age, height, health, mobility or licensing requirements.
Medical conditions, mobility limitations and accessibility needs should be advised at booking so suitable arrangements can be considered.
Dietary requirements and allergies should be advised at booking. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate them, but cannot guarantee this, particularly in remote or wilderness locations. Travellers with serious allergies should also confirm requirements directly with meal providers.
Travellers on self-drive itineraries are responsible for holding the appropriate licence for the destination and rental provider. A valid physical licence may also be required for activities such as snowmobiling.
Accommodation will be booked in the room category shown on your confirmed itinerary. Scandinavian rooms may be smaller than Australian equivalents and configurations can differ.
Twin rooms commonly have two single beds, sometimes positioned together. Additional beds may be sofa or rollaway beds. Double rooms may also use two single beds together, with separate doonas.
If accommodation must change due to circumstances outside our control, we will seek a similar or higher standard wherever possible.
Porterage is generally not included. Travellers should be comfortable managing their own luggage.
Some trains, flights, coaches, ferries, transfers and vehicles have luggage limits. Any applicable restrictions will be advised in your travel documents. One manageable suitcase per person is recommended. Excess luggage charges are the traveller’s responsibility.
Scandinavian and Lapland travel can involve very cold temperatures, snow, ice and rapidly changing weather. Appropriate thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, gloves, hats and suitable footwear are essential. Summer weather can also change quickly, so rain protection is recommended.
Weather, road conditions or operational issues may require activities or transport to be delayed, modified, rescheduled or replaced. Safety takes priority, and suitable alternatives will be arranged where reasonably possible.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Sightings depend on solar activity, weather, cloud cover and darkness. Tours are designed to maximise viewing opportunities but cannot guarantee a sighting.
Weather, transport schedules, supplier operations and other circumstances may require changes to accommodation, transport, activities or itinerary order. Where possible, comparable alternatives will be arranged and significant changes communicated.
Changes and cancellations are subject to supplier conditions and may incur fees. Some services are non-refundable from booking, with Christmas/New Year arrangements often having stricter conditions.
Please refer to the full Terms & Conditions and quotation for applicable cancellation conditions.
Unused services are generally non-refundable, including those missed due to late arrival, early departure or choosing not to participate. Where services are missed due to circumstances outside the traveller’s control, we will assist where reasonably possible, subject to supplier conditions.
A live digital itinerary will be provided before departure with confirmed arrangements, important information, contacts and relevant documents/vouchers. It may be updated in real time if arrangements change.
We recommend it is kept accessible and checked regularly. If an issue occurs during travel, contact the relevant supplier and our team as soon as possible so we have the best opportunity to resolve it. Delayed reporting may limit what can be done.
Travellers should provide a mobile number that will remain active while overseas. Suppliers such as hotels, transfer companies and activity providers may use this number to contact you.
WhatsApp may not be available with all suppliers, so travellers may sometimes need to make a direct local or international call. Before departure, check roaming, international calling, SIM and eSIM options with your mobile provider.
All phone, roaming, SIM and international calling costs are the traveller’s responsibility.
Price Includes:
Based on 3* twin share. Request pricing for other categories.
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