8-day adventure
Finland Multi Activity
Finland
- Kandoo Multi-activity
- Kandoo Winter
- Kandoo Arctic
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£1,599
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Kandoo's view
Discover the serene landscapes of Finland, exploring one of the most stunning and isolated parts of Europe by foot, sled and snowmobile. This multi activity trip sees you embarking on a series of mini adventures; trying your hand at dog sledding journey on a traditional Finnish sled, snowshoeing through the tranquil, Taiga Forest, getting the adrenaline pumping on a snowmobile safari and drilling through the frozen lakes to learn the art of ice fishing. Relax and warm up each evening in the beautiful surroundings of our lakeside cabin accommodation or take a more authentic approach by stepping into the sauna and if you're lucky, catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights. A jam packed trip for those wanting to try out new skills in a picturesque landscape.
Trip highlights
- Head out into the wild Taiga driving your own dog sled
- Embark on a thrilling snow mobile safari into the heart of the Hossa National Park
- Become a trapper; follow tracks, try your hand at ice fishing and build an igloo
- Catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights as they dance across the dark skies
Experiences
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Kandoo Multi-activity
Kandoo Adventures' trips with different activities to enjoy each day -
Kandoo Winter
Our experiences in snow, ice or winter conditions -
Kandoo Arctic
Join us on an arctic expedition
Gallery
Itinerary
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Day 1
Welcome to Finland
A member of our team will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your accommodation in Hossa National Park. This evening, the guides and team will meet you at the restaurant for a welcome dinner and briefing.
- Transport: Private transfer (1 hour)
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Dinner
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Day 2
Dogsledding
This morning, after breakfast, we meet our musher guides and dogs and prepare to head out on an excursion into the wild Taiga forest on dog sleds. After an introduction to the dogs and some basic mushing techniques, we will set off, two per sled, across the serene, frozen lakes and into the remote woodland of the Hossa National Park. The only sound for miles will be the patter and snuffles of the dogs as they forge their way across this vast landscape.
- Activity time: 4 - 5 hours
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 3
Snowmobile Safari
This morning we embark on a thrilling adventure by snowmobile, away from civilisation into the heart of the wilderness. We fly along the tracks, cruising over the open spaces where all you can see for miles is crisp, white snow before delving into the forest and weaving through the dense boreal trees. We have lunch amidst the pines, before returning through the beautiful Finnish scenery to our base, cheeks flushed from the exhilaration of the ride.
- Activity time: 4 - 5 hours
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 4
Snowshoeing in the Taiga
Harnessed to a friendly husky and with a pair of snowshoes strapped to our feet, today's activity takes a steadier pace, allowing us to fully explore our wild, snowy surroundings and be engulfed by the silence of the forest. With the endless energy of the dogs to encourage us along, we venture deep into the wilderness, discovering hidden ridgelines and drooping spruces, keeping our eyes peeled for signs of beavers, moose and reindeer that are native to these parts.
- Activity time: 4 - 5 hours
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 5
Survival Skills
Discover the art of the Inuit trapper lifestyle today, practising ancient techniques that were essential for native survival. Learn how to follow tracks and test your ice fishing skills; drilling your own hole into the ice to attempt a catch of one of the many perch that inhabit these waters. Then smoke your catch over the fire, before mastering the skill of igloo building. This afternoon we will also get the chance to visit a local reindeer farm and say hello to our faithful, mushing companions at the kennels.
- Activity time: 5 hours
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 6
Navigation Day
With the help of your guide, an Arctic specialist, today you will try your hand at navigating. Once again donning your snowshoes and armed with a map and compass you will have the opportunity to lead your team deeper into the wild Taiga forest. In the late season, if you are lucky, you may encounter some of the local wildlife as it steps out of hibernation.
- Activity time: 4 - 5 hours
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
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Day 7
Free Day
Today is a day to relax, indulge in your surroundings, enjoy the sauna or perhaps have a go at Nordic Skiing. If you would like to repeat any of the weeks activities this is also another option for today. For dinner this evening, we join together to enjoy a traditional Lappish meal of Kӓristys, or sautéed reindeer with cranberries.
- Accomodation: Lodge, Cottage
- Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
-
Day 8
Departure
This morning we say goodbye and transfer you to the airport in time for your flight.
- Transport: Private transfer (1 hour)
- Meals included: Breakfast
- See more
Please note
Please note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the programme may be made.
Details
Trip information
Difficulty
This Finnish adventure is rated as easy. There will be
active excursions everyday but these can be altered to fit the group's needs.
Trekking through snow can be very tiring, and the cold weather conditions can
also make hiking feel much more challenging. In general, however, the routes have
little ascent and descent so anybody with a good level of fitness should find
them well within their capabilities. We would recommend heading out into your
local hills in the months leading up to your trip to get used to being out for
6-7 hours per day.
The weather in Finland can be extremely cold in winter with temperatures
in Hossa rarely exceeding 0°C and dropping to as low as -30°C. Having a
more continental climate than the rest of Scandinavia, means that there is less
chance of rain, hard wind and unstable weather so generally expect cold but
calm conditions. We provide outer clothing for arctic conditions to help keep
you warm but with the right layers and proper equipment this trip is achievable
for anyone. If you are unsure about your suitability for this adventure, please
feel free to contact us.
Food & drink
This trip is full board from your dinner on Day 1 to your breakfast on
Day 8.
You will have the opportunity to try traditional Finnish meals like
smoked fish, salmon soup, reindeer stew and traditional cakes. Please be aware
that due to the isolated nature of our accommodation, fresh fruit and
vegetables aren't always available. Breakfasts and dinners at the
accommodation will be in a buffet style and provide a range of options for you
to choose from. A picnic lunch will be provided each day including hot food
that will be cooked over a fire.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements when you book so that we
can cater to your needs.
Accommodation
Our accommodation is located on our basecamp in the heart of the Hossa
National Park, more than 60 miles from the nearest village or shops. There are
23 inhabitants in and around Hossa, most of whom are reindeer farmers. Here we
work closely with the authorities to protect and preserve the stunning beauty
of this National Park. During your stay you may cross pass with local ice
fishers or Nordic skiers.
The lodges and cottages we stay in consist of a double or twin room with lake views,
private bathrooms and sauna access. Sheets, blankets and bath towels are all
provided although we recommend you bring a second towel to use in the
sauna.
Luggage
You will need two bags for this trip. One main luggage bag
(70-90L) for your clothes, toiletries and other personal items which will stay
at your accommodation each day. Please do not bring a rigid suitcase - a
flexible duffel bag / holdall is easier to transport. You will also need a
30-40L daysack that you will carry during the day. You will carry your
own personal equipment (spare warm clothes, waterproofs, water bottle, camera
and sun screen) as well as your packed lunch in this bag.
How do I get there?
You will need to arrive into Kuusamo airport on Day 1 of your itinerary.
From the UK, there are direct flights to Kuusamo from London Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham with TUI or Finnair and Air France offer flights with a layover in Helsinki. Flights from Scotland and London Heathrow all go via Helsinki.
If you're coming from the US, Finnair offer flights with a stopover in Helsinki from New York, Los Angeles and Dallas . From Atlanta and Miami you will need to fly via one of the other US airports or have a stopover in Europe and Helsinki.
Travelling Responsibly
Alternatively if you wish to travel more responsibly, then there are other ways to reach Kuusamo. The journey from London to Kuusamo takes around 3 days by train and bus. Taking the Eurostar to Brussels, stay the night in Brussels then get on the InterCity Express or ICE train to Hamburg where you change to a sleeper train to Stockholm. From Stockholm a very luxurious overnight ferry called the Silja Line will take you direct to Helsinki. From here, the Onni M5-SKI bus leaves late night on a Friday, arriving into Kuusamo mid morning the next day. This option isn't cheap or fast, expect to pay somewhere in the range of £500 for your journey. However, it is great value for money, a greener alternative to flying and means you can start your adventure early!
Pre-trek briefing
Your pre-trip briefing will be held in the restaurant on the
evening of Day 1.
Budget & change
The currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR). For the latest exchange
rates please see www.xe.com.
Foreign money can be exchanged at the Forex in Kuusamo airport on
arrival or you can bring money already exchanged with you, as the Euro is an
open currency. We would recommend the latter as we will be heading to a
remote area of Finland, so you may find it difficult to exchange your money
after leaving the airport.
The simplest way to pay for things in Hossa and Kuusamo is to use an
international credit card or debit card. Visa and Mastercard are
accepted everywhere alongside standard travel cards such as Monzo and
Revolut. You may wish to have some Euros to hand, to pay for drinks or
personal expenses from our basecamp. As with
most of Scandinavia, Finland is not a cheap place to be, although it is cheaper than it's Scandinavian neighbours. In Kuusamo, a meal for 2 in a mid range restaurant will cost around 80 Euros ($86/ £68) and a taxi starting price will be around 7 Euros ($7.50/£6). As this trip
is Full Board from dinner on the first night to breakfast on the last day, you
only need spending money for souvenirs and drinks.
Please be aware that to take part in the snowmobiling, a €2000
deposit per snowmobile will need to be held on a credit card.
This is completely refunded upon safe return of the snowmobile.
Tips
Tipping customs vary all over the world and can be very
confusing when travelling to a new country. There is not a strong culture for
tipping in Finland, tips are not a substitute for good wages: our guides are
all well paid and well looked after. Tipping is completely voluntary, and at
your discretion. If you are unsure of how much to tip, a general guide
of €10 per person for the entire trip should suffice. On the other hand,
if you receive bad service or have not been treated well, you would not be
expected to tip at all.
Formalities & health
Passport
Most travellers will require a passport valid for at least 3 months after your return date. It is your responsibility to confirm your specific requirements and please be aware that proof of onward travel may be required.
Visa
Travelling to Finland is visa free for up to 90 days, for UK and US citizens.
Vaccinations
The following vaccination guide is an information resource only. You should not rely on it for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. You should always speak with your GP or other health care professional about any vaccinations or other medicines you are considering taking. They will have more information about your specific health needs, and can make much more specific, reliable recommendations for you. In general, we recommend the following vaccinations
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - We recommend a double dose for anyone born after 1956, unless they have already been given this vaccination
- Tetanus & Diphtheria - This vaccination should be renewed every 10 years
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) - We recommend a double dose for anyone born after 1956, unless they have already been given this vaccination
- Tetanus & Diphtheria - This vaccination should be renewed every 10 years
Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully and adequately insured for the duration of your trip. Please ensure that all activities, excursions and destinations in your itinerary are included in your travel insurance policy, in addition to your regular cover for cancellation and medical expenses.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
We ask that you keep a copy of your policy summary (containing policy number and the emergency contact number for your insurer) in your day sack at all times, so that we can access this information should we need to contact the insurer on your behalf.
Minimum age limit
Please be aware that only those over the age of 18 and holding a full drivers license are allowed to drive the snowmobiles.
Equipment & clothing
Equipment supplied by Kandoo Adventures
- Warm snow boots (please let us know if your shoe size is below 34 or above 50 in European sizing)
- Warm jacket for extreme temperatures
- Warm protective overalls for activities
- Waterproof over mittens
- A balaclava
- Helmet (for snowmobiling)
Please be aware that upon booking you will be asked your size, height and weight in order to reserve the appropriate equipment in advance.
Clothing to bring
HEADGEAR
- Warm beanie style hat – knitted or fleece
- Neck gaiter or scarf - a warm layer for your neck / face!
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses – high UV protection
UPPER BODY
- Thermal or fleece base layer
- Long sleeve shirt/t-shirts
- Short sleeved shirt/t-shirts
- Fleece or soft shell jacket
- Warm jumpers
- Insulated jacket – down or primaloft
- Water/windproof hard shell outer jacket
- Gloves – lightweight, fleece or quick drying fabric
- Gloves or mittens – heavyweight, insulated, preferably water resistant
- Swimwear
LEGS
- Leggings – thermal or fleece base layer
- Warm trekking trousers
- Waterproof hard shell trousers – ski pants work fine
- Gaiters – optional but they can be useful for keeping snow out of your boots
FEET
- Trekking boots – mid weight with good ankle support
- Training shoe or similar – to wear in the evenings
- Thick, warm trekking socks
Equipment to bring
- Small Rucksack or Daypack (30-40 litres) to carry water and personal items
- Waterproof duffle bag (approx 70-90 litres)
- Water bottle or hydration bag – wide-mouthed bottle (minimum 1.0L) is preferable in freezing temperatures
- Headlamp (plus extra batteries)
- Drivers license and credit card (for snowmobile deposit)
OTHER ACCESSORIES
- Sunscreen and lip balm - high SPF
- Toiletries
- Extra towel for sauna
- Camera and spare batteries
- Personal medication and first aid kit
- Personal snacks and energy bars – dried fruit and nuts are also a good source of energy
- Ear plugs, if you are a light sleeper
- Dry bag (to keep items in your daysack dry)
Dates & prices
| From | To | Price | Availability | Book | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/12/2024 | 15/12/2024 | £1,599 $2,075 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 22/12/2024 | 29/12/2024 | £2,149 $2,795 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 05/01/2025 | 12/01/2025 | £1,599 $2,075 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 26/01/2025 | 02/02/2025 | £1,599 $2,075 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 09/02/2025 | 16/02/2025 | £1,979 $2,575 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 23/02/2025 | 02/03/2025 | £1,979 $2,575 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 09/03/2025 | 16/03/2025 | £1,729 $2,245 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
| 23/03/2025 | 30/03/2025 | £1,729 $2,245 |
Available
|
Book now | Enquire now |
Want to ask us a question or book a private trip? Don't hesitate to contact us!
Contact usPrice includes
- Airport transfers
- 7 nights accommodation in comfortable, heated woodland cabin
- All meals for duration of trip
- Full supervision by our professional, English speaking guides
- Equipment including: dog sleds, snow shoes, snowmobiles, cold weather clothing
Price does not include
- Flights to Kuusamo (KAO)
- Visas (if necessary)
- Travel Insurance
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
Options
The following optional extras can be added to your booking. Please speak to a member of our team if you would like to include any of these.
- Reindeer farm visit - £12/$15
- Nordic skiing excursion - prices vary
- Single supplement
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