Guaranteed international departures 2010 (without minimum number of participants):
28.05. - 04.06.2010 (Friday - Friday)
15.08. - 22.08.2010 (Sunday - Sunday)
22.08. - 29.08.2010 (Sunday - Sunday)
Other departure dates on request.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kajaani airport where you’ll meet your local guide. Transfer (approx. 2 hours) to Martinselkonen Wilds Centre for dinner and accommodation.
Day 2 Martinselkonen Wilds Centre - Arola 16 km
After a hearty breakfast we begin the tour by hiking through the
Martinselkonen nature reserve towards Arola farm where we will be welcomed by friendly hosts. The nature reserve has been set up to protect Finnish wilderness, especially swamp areas. This area is important for many birds and insects as the normal Finnish forest industry does not reach these nature reserve areas. Martinselkonen has watery mires and small lakes, old growth forests and spruce trees draped in beard lichen. A special dinner made of local ingredients will be enjoyed after sauna.
Day 3: Arola – Kovajärvi 19 km
Today we head northwards along the Russian border. The close proximity of the Russian border adds something rather mysterious and exotic to the atmosphere of the area. The border guard towers, the border zone, and the view over the Russian side is an experience in itself. We stop for a picnic at one of the wilderness huts operated by the Finnish Forest and Park Service. An open fire will be made, and hot coffee brewed. Accommodation is in tents on the shore of Lake Kovajärvi.
Day 4: Kovajärvi – Hossa 24 km
Today's wild landscape is home to a healthy wolverine population, and although these secretive predators are seldom seen, we may come across their tracks. Swans and cranes can be spotted on the lakes and mires we pass by. There are many swamp areas, but they are easily crossed by using wooden planks. The surrounding forest has an abundance of vegetation such as blueberries, lingonberries and mushrooms. The blueberry season is at its best in August and can provide fresh snacks for hikers. Accommodation in Hotel Hossan Lomakeskus in twin rooms.
Day 5: Hossa 13 km
After the longest hiking day we take it easy and have a wake-up call later than usual. The trek continues along the paths of the Hossa recreational area. Hossa is known for its crystal-clear lakes and handsome pine heathland. It is also known locally as a "fisherman's paradise". We will stop for the lunch at the visitor center and have a look at the exhibition which tells about the nature and history of the surrounding area. Accommodation for the remaining three nights is at Tolosenvirta cabin where the lakeside sauna will be heated every night.
Day 6: Canoing
For a change we make a canoing trip on the lakes and rivers near by our accommodation. We will use open Indian canoes and all necessary equipment, such as paddles and life vests will be provided. The tour will be on still water on a couple of lakes linked by small rivers. Reindeer are a common sight in Hossa and occasionally elks can also be seen. For those ones who prefer to stay on land there are plenty of well marked hiking trails to explore in the area.
Day 7: Julma-Ölkky canyon lake
On the last day of our tour we will visit Julma-Ölkky canyon lake,
including a 30 minute boat trip to look at the cliffs. From there it is a 4 km hike to the “Color Rock” with rock paintings dating back 4,000 years. After picnic lunch a final hike of between 4-14 km. Sauna and farewell dinner at the Tolosenvirta cabin.
Day 8: Return
After breakfast transfer to Kuusamo airport (100 km).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation: in 2-4 person rooms on days 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7.
There are no private facilities – showers and toilets are located
in the corridor. On day 4 accommodation is in twin/double hotel
rooms and on day 3 in tents.
- Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner daily
- Airport transfers
- Luggage transportation during the tour
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Sauna every night
- Canoe rental on day 6
- Mattresses and sleeping bags on day 3
- Bedlinen
Price valid on guaranteed departures. Group prices on request.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Finland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
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