Travel program

Day 1: Arrival– Kuusamo

After the airport transfer (1 hour), you will arrive in the afternoon in Hossa, the national park that we will explore extensively this week. We move into our group accommodation and also meet Tomasz, professional chef and wilderness guide who spoils us with local and fresh meals this week. We also enjoy our first Finnish sauna, and we get ready for a fresh start of our adventure.

Day 2: Slow walk: picking wild edibles and opportunity to fish

Today we get to know the boreal forest better. We learn about its species richness with a focus on edible nature, mainly berries and mushrooms. What we find is prepared in the evening. Can’t be any fresher! In the evening we learn about fishing techniques and of course you can also fish. You can end the day with a sauna again.

Day 3: Canoe trip along the lakes

With 187 888 lakes, Finland is also known as the land of a thousand lakes. No wonder that the canoe is an ideal way to further explore Finnish nature. After an extensive canoe instruction on safety and paddling techniques, we go out on the water. The trip is suitable for beginners and we mainly paddle over picturesque lakes with only a few narrow streams. 

You can also use the canoes at your own initiative in the evening. Enjoy the sunset or try fishing from the canoe.

Day 4: Wilderness Tour (Day 1)

Today we leave our accommodation and start our wilderness tour. We spend the next 2 nights in a simple wilderness hut, without electricity or running water. There is, however, the warmth of a wood fire, pleasant candlelight and of course the sauna as the traditional Finnish bathroom.

Our walking tour goes through ancient forest, with beautiful pines and spruces. We climb some eskers and enjoy the beautiful views. Where possible we go off the trails and make it a real adventure.

Day 5: Wilderness Tour (Day 2)

Today we enjoy a longer walking day (+- 20 km), where we may meet some more hikers. We visit Värikallio, a cliff with one of the oldest rock paintings in Finland with shamanic symbols. After this we walk on to Julma-Ölkky, a deeply cut ravine filled with water. We only get a true impression of the size when we are on the suspension bridge. You read it, a day of superlatives. 

Along rolling hiking trails we return to our wilderness hut.

Day 6: Wilderness Tour (Day 3) – back to base camp

Today we walk back to our accommodation in half a day where we give our muscles some well-deserved rest. We enjoy a quiet afternoon where you can opt to further discover Finnish nature. Feel free to do some foraging or fishing.

Day 7: Visit to Hossa visitor center and optional activities

In the morning we visit the visitor center of Hossa where there is also a souvenir shop. After lunch you can choose to do an optional activity: an extra hike, fat biking or paddling (either kayak, canoe or SUP) on one of the lakes. Or perhaps you prefer to say goodbye in peace to the beautiful nature? In the evening we enjoy a celebratory meal, and of course, the Finnish sauna.

The additional cost of the optional activities is explained in the practical information.

Day 8: Departure

We enjoy our breakfast after which we head home. Expected arrival in home country: in the evening

Price

Price: from €1250 p.p.

Pre-registration by contacting: info@sisutrek.com, to be confirmed afterwards by a deposit of €300. The remaining amount must be paid at least 8 weeks before the departure. 

This price includes: 

• All overnight stays
• Airport transfer
• All meals (7x breakfast, 7x lunch and 7x dinner)
• All listed activities guided by a professional guide in English
• Daily possibility of the sauna

This price does not include: 

• Transport to Finland, Kuusamo (flight ticket, transport to local airport,…). From €600. (Please contact us before booking the flight ticket, we wait until the minimum number of participants is reached)
• Personal travel insurance (recommended)
• Extra drinks and snacks (soda, alcohol, chips,…)
• Optional activities, see day 7 and below.

Supplments:

• Fishing license casting rod (1 week): €15 (We also provide a ‘fixed rod’ which is part of everyman’s right)
• Cost of optional activities (3h):
  • Paddling: canoe (€30), kayak (€20) or SUP (€35)
  • Cycling: fat bike (€30)

These are the prices at the time of writing, the actual prices will be confirmed on site. 

Special cancellation conditions: 

1. In case of cancellation up to 8 calendar weeks before the start of the trip, the advance will be charged (€300).
2. In case of cancellation between 8 and 4 calendar weeks before the start of the trip, 50% of the travel costs will be charged. 
3. In case of cancellation less than 4 calendar weeks before the start, we are forced to charge 100% of the travel costs. 

We have a minimum of 6, and a maximum of 10 participants. We guarantee small groups with a personal approach. 
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the advance will always be refunded free of charge.

Flight schedule: 

We will organise a singly timed group transfer coinciding with the best possible flight schedule to Kuusamo. If this trip is part of a bigger holiday plan or if you prefer a different flight schedule, than you must travel to the starting point on your own. We will of course help you on your way, so please contact us about this.

Please contact us before booking the flight ticket, we wait until the minimum number of participants is reached.

FAQ

Who is this trip for? 

This trip is for anyone who wants to recharge their batteries in nature. You want more than just an active physical holiday, but you also want to learn about wild foraging, knowledge of nature and bushcraft. When possible we consciously choose slow travel.

What fitness level do I need? 

Anyone with an average level of fitness can participate in this trip. We walk an average of 15km (10km-20km), but of course take the group into account. It is important that you do not have any injuries that prevent you from walking.

You don’t have to carry a heavy backpack, there is the possibility of luggage transport on the trip to the wilderness hut.

What is the comfort level? 

This trip always offers overnight stays in a shared group accommodation where a soft bed ensures a good night’s sleep. Our main accommodation has bedrooms per 2 persons and shared sanitary facilities. The wilderness cabin has bunk beds, an outdoor toilet and the sauna as the traditional Finnish bathroom. 

Is there any chance to see the northern lights?

Yes, late August/early September means the return of the dark nights, so there is a chance to see the northern nights. Often there are even less clouds during this period, which means that the chance is higher than, for example, in December or January. 

Any other questions?

We are very happy to help you. So don’t hesitate to contact us at info@sisutrek.com

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