Tour Overview
Embark on a magical journey with the "Finland Family Winter Adventure," where you and your family can explore the enchanting winter wonderland of Sápmi beyond the Arctic Circle. This adventure offers a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility, starting with a gentle snowshoe walk past the frozen rapids of the Kitkajoki River. Learn cross-country skiing with expert guidance and experience the thrill of a dog-sledding adventure through the snow-laden landscapes of Riisitunturi National Park. Visit a reindeer farm and enjoy a ride on a reindeer-pulled sleigh. Each night, gaze at the vast sky for a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Your home for the week, Basecamp Oulanka, offers cozy twin rooms, a restaurant with a log fire, and a relaxing sauna and outdoor hot tub. With all meals, transport, and activities included, this family-friendly adventure promises an unforgettable experience in Finland's serene wilderness. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Basecamp Oulanka
Location: Oulanka National Park
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to the wintery wilds of Finland. We typically have our welcome briefing during dinner, discussing the week ahead and getting an introduction to Basecamp Oulanka and the area we will soon explore.
Day 2 : Gentle half-day snowshoe walk; free use of snowshoes in the afternoon
Location: Oulanka National Park
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After sorting out your equipment for a week in Arctic conditions, we explore Oulanka National Park with a gentle half-day snowshoe walk past frozen rapids and following the Kitkajoki River. The afternoon is free for further snowshoeing or enjoying a warm sauna or hot tub. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging, a metal-frame sled you can use on your own or with your children and venture around Basecamp.
Day 3 : Dogsledding instruction and tour in Riisitunturi National Park
Location: Riisitunturi National Park
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we head to a husky farm on the edge of the neighbouring Riisitunturi National Park. We start with tuition on how to ride and drive the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then continue into the woods where our dog teams eagerly await our arrival, ready to take us on our 6mi (10km) mushing adventure. With the adults driving and the children sitting in the sled, we appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape.
Day 4 : Morning cross-country ski lesson
Location: Juuma
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. Heading down to the nearby Juuma Lake, we learn the basics of cross-country skiing from our instructor. There may be a few tumbles in the soft snow to start, but this is half the fun. After building confidence on the skis, we head onto the lake, gliding through the fresh powder. Keep hold of your skis because we have further opportunities to test out our skills in the afternoon.
Day 5 : Morning visit to a reindeer farm and short ride on a reindeer-pulled sleigh; free afternoon in Ruka for optional activities
Location: Ruka
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
In the morning, we visit a reindeer farm and museum where everyone can ride a reindeer-pulled sleigh. The visit finishes with hot drinks and reindeer sausages around 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.
Please note, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday due to operational reasons.
Day 6 : Free morning; afternoon children’s snow games: sledging, building snow forts and snowmen
Location: Ruka
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, we can sleep in and start the day at a more relaxed pace. To kick off the afternoon, we see about making a fire and cooking our own pancakes for lunch.In the afternoon, we are busy with snow games supervised by the Basecamp guides. supervised by the Basecamp guides. Here, children can learn how to build a snow fort followed by hot chocolate and doughnuts. Families can also have a go at making a snow sculpture, among other activities.
Day 7 : Free day. Optional activities including unguided cross-country skiing or snowmobile tours
Location: Ruka, Jyrävä waterfall
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is left free to spend as you like. Options include unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with all the Basecamp facilities at your disposal and many accessible roads to explore. Otherwise, join in one of the several optional activities available: downhill skiing or snowmobile safaris at nearby Ruka (transport and skiing not included) or a walking trip to nearby Jyrävä waterfall with snacks and hot drinks by a campfire. Alternatively, unguided cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or kick sledging can keep you entertained. We then have our farewell dinner at Basecamp.
Day 8 : End Basecamp Oulanka
Location: Oulanka National Park
Accommodation Name: Basecamp Oulanka
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast. Say goodbye to Basecamp Oulanka, which may feel like a second home by now, before your return journey home.
What's Included
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Meals
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners. -
All transport and listed activities
All transport and the activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will be present throughout the trip to guide and assist you.
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers for arrival and departure are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
Food
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of local produce prepared by the in-house chef. Starters consist of a salad buffet with three to four choices. The main courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. There is also vegetarian food. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries, often picked by the chef. It is refreshing to know that what is viewed as superfoods in our supermarkets grows locally to Basecamp. These are served with a selection of quark curd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes. Lunch normally consists of hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
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Accommodation
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. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all transport and listed activities, as well as arrival and departure transfers. Group transfers are included only to designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, ensuring a seamless travel experience throughout the adventure.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities are included in the Finland Family Winter Adventure tour?
The tour includes a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, and a visit to a reindeer farm with a sleigh ride. There are also opportunities for snow games, building snow forts, and optional activities like downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris. ...more ...less
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at Basecamp Oulanka, which overlooks Lake Juuma and the national park. The complex consists of wooden structures with twin rooms, a restaurant and bar with a log fire, a sauna, and an outdoor hot tub.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes all breakfasts, five lunches, and seven dinners. The meals feature local produce with options such as wild game, chicken, salmon, and vegetarian dishes, along with desserts made from local berries.
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Is there a tour leader present during the trip?
Yes, a tour leader is present throughout the trip to guide and assist participants.
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What should I know about the transport arrangements for the tour?
The tour includes all transport and listed activities, as well as arrival and departure transfers. Group transfers are included only to designated areas and are scheduled at specific times.
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What optional activities are available during the free day?
During the free day, you can choose from activities such as unguided cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowmobile safaris, or a walking trip to Jyrävä waterfall with snacks and hot drinks by a campfire.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Finland Family Winter Adventure
8 Days Starting and ending in Oulanka, Finland
Visiting: Oulanka National Park, Riisitunturi National Park, Juuma, Ruka, Jyrävä waterfall
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FVB
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 18
Age range:
9-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
