Overview
See the Northern Lights in Finland
Oulanka is always a popular family destination, this is definitely a winter
trip with a difference. The whole family can enjoy lots of exciting
activities and wholesome home-cooked food rustled up by our small team of
expert staff. Discover the beautiful wilderness of Finnish Lapland on
snowshoes, cross-country skis, dogsled and reindeer sleigh. Our wilderness
base is located at the edge of Oulanka National Park in a truly spectacular
setting, perfect for this fun-filled winter holiday and with the very best
conditions for seeing the Northern Lights, natures most spectacular light
show!
Highlights
Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dogsledding
Beautifully remote wilderness location
Chance to see the Northern Lights
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka (approx. 45 mins).
Fly to Kuusamo; transfer to Basecamp Oulanka.
**
Day 2
Gentle half day snowshoe walk, exploring the park; free use of snowshoes in
the afternoon
After sorting out all of your equipment needed for a week in arctic
conditions therewe explore the Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day
snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. There is
a free afternoon for further snowshoeing, sauna or hot-tub.Alternatively,
you might wish to try kick sledging; a metal framesledyou can use on your
own or with your children and venture out around Basecamp.
Day 3
Dogsledding instruction and tour of approx 10km (approx.)
This morning, we head off to ahusky farm on the edge of the neighbouring
Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive on
the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then
continue into the woods where our teams of dogs eagerly await our arrival,
ready to take us on our 10km mushing adventure. With the adults driving and
the children sitting in the sled, you are able to really appreciate the
serenity of this beautiful snow-laden landscape.
Day 4
Morning cross-country ski lesson. Free use of skis after thelesson
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down
to the nearby Juuma Lake, our instructor will walk us through the basics of
how to cross-country ski. There may be a few tumbles to start with, but in
the soft snow, 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 will be further opportunities
to practise what you have learnt in the morning and have more fun.
Day 5
Morningvisit reindeer farm and museum with a ride on a reindeer sleigh;
free afternoonin Ruka for optional activities.
In the morning, we visit the reindeer farm and museum where everyone will
have the chance to ride on a reindeer sleigh. The visit then draws to a close
with some hot drinks and some reindeer sausages round an open fire. We spend
the rest of 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, 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.
Day 6
Free morning; afternoon children’s snow games: sledging, building snow forts
and snowmen
This morning we have the chance to sleep longer and start the day at a more
relaxed pace. After lunch, the afternoon is spent in the children’s snow
park, which is supervised by the Basecamp guides. Amongst other activities,
here children have the opportunity to learn how to build a snow fort followed
by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow
sculpture.
Day 7
Free day. Optional activities include ice-climbing, dogsledding or snowmobile
tours
Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided
cross-country skiing and snowshoeing having all Basecamp facilities at your
disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, you can enrol in
one of the several optional activities available; downhill skiing at nearby
Ruka (transport and skiing not included); or further dogsledding and
snowmobile safaris. There is also a possibility to take on the challenge and
exhilaration of ice wall climbing, suitable for all ages. Alternatively, kick
sledging can keep you entertained.
For the farewell celebration, we will eat dinner around a campfire.
Day 8
Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.
Transfer to Kuusamo and fly to London.
Lunch is included for clients booked on the group flights for departures from
Dec. 15th to Feb. 16th (included) due to a lunchtime arrival inbound flight.
