Most days we will set off on the excursions from our cosy base Jatkonsalmi cabin situated on the shores of lake Jatkonjärvi but two exciting camp nights in the tents are also included. During the camping the food will be made over the open fire and the only place to wash oneself will be the lake! A bit of adventure – but not too much. Camp fire, silence and beautiful nature offer perfect circumstances for a total break from the rush of modern life. For children this week in the northern taiga gives a great opportunity to learn about the life and nature of this northern area.
The programme is suitable for children of aprox. 12 years and older. Some efforts are needed to go through the activities but generally they are quite light and can be adapted according to the each group.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival.
Arrival to Kuusamo airport and transfer to Hossa (approx. 1 hour). Accommodation in the Jatkonsalmi cabin.
Day 2: Learn wilderness skills.
To begin the adventure we will learn some important wilderness skills which we will need in the coming days like fire making, orienteering and fishing. Canoes will be available in the afternoon and a short lesson about the technique and safety will be provided. Canoeing skills will be needed in the end of the week.
Day 3: Start of hiking.
The morning starts with a good, versatile Finnish breakfast. We will hike 4 km to Hossa Visitor Center where we can have a look at the exhibition which tells about the nature and history of the area. We will have lunch at the Visitor Center and after that we will carry on walking 6 km back to the Jatkonsalmi cabin. During the hiking the guide tells about the nature, animals and seasons in Finland. In the evening we can relax in the genuine Finnish sauna and go swimming in the lake straight from the sauna. Hiking 10 km.
Day 4: Canyon lake and camping.
Today we will see the Julma-Ölkky canyon lake and some ancient rock paintings. The trip begins with a short transfer and then we take a half an hour boat trip to look at the cliffs. From there it is a 4 km hike to the rock paintings dating back 4000 years. Picnic lunch will be enjoyed by the fire and after that we will go on hiking until our next camping spot on the shores of a shimmering lake. We will set up the tents and enjoy the light summer night. Hiking 12 km.
Day 5: Hiking along the ridges.
For breakfast we will make some typical Finnish porridge and hot drinks by the fire. When the rucksacks are packed, we will continue the tour towards the Jatkonsalmi cabin. The route goes on the top of the ridge and there are lakes on both sides; the area is one of the most beautiful in the Hossa hiking area. In the afternoon we can try fishing with a hook and line. Any catch we get can be fried over the open fire. Hiking 7 km.
Day 6: Meet the reindeer and bears.
After breakfast we will take a short drive to a reindeer farm where we will get to know better the semi-wild animals inhabiting the northern area of Finland. We can try our skills at lassoing or just feed them. From the reindeer farm we will continue by car to Arola farm situated in a tiny village of Juntusranta. Arola is a former dairy farm and well-known for its delicious local food that we can also enjoy at lunch. The farm is surrounded by remote woodland inhabited by European brown bears. In the evening it is possible to take part in a exciting bear safari and observe and photograph these majestic animals from the purpose-built log cabins (extra charge). (During this day it is also possible to visit a working frontier guard station on the Russian border.)
Day 7: Start of canoeing.
Today it is time to take the paddles and set off for a great canoeing trip on the small lakes and rivers of the Hossa area. Having packed our rucksacks for a 2-day journey we will start with a short minibus drive until the eastern tip of lake Iso-Kukkuri. We will paddle mostly on still waters but also go through a couple of easy rapids. Short breaks will be held now and then to rest and to take some snacks. When we find a nice camping spot (there are plenty of them) we can go ashore and set up the tents. In the evening we will cook together and chat by the campfire enjoying the extreme tranquility – what else one can wish?
Day 8: Canoeing back “home.”
After breakfast by the fire we will we pack our kit and canoe back to Jatkonsalmi. There will be one big rapid on the way and that will be passed by pulling the canoes on land. Upon arrival “home” to the Jatkonsalmi cabin, it is time for shower, sauna and rest. In the evening the delicious final dinner will be enjoyed.
Day 9: Return.
Breakfast and transfer to Kuusamo airport. If there is time before the flight, we can visit the Kuusamo Large carnivor center where it is possible to see the brown bear, lynx and wolverine.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- Accommodation:
* In 2 - 6 persons’ rooms in at Jatkonsalmi cabin on days 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8. There are no private facilities – showers and toilets are located in the corridor.
* In tents on days 4 and 7
- Meals:
* Breakfast daily (outdoors on days 5 and 8)
* Picnic lunch daily except on days 2, 3 and 6 indoors
* Dinner daily (outdoors on days 4 and 7)
- Transfers to/from Kuusamo airport
- English speaking guide
- Sauna available in Jatkonsalmi
- Canoe rentals according to the programme
- Tents and mattresses on camping nights
- Bed linen for the nights at Jatkonsalmi
Price Excludes:
- Sleeping bag for the camping nights.
- Entrance fee to the Large carnivore center on day 9
- Bear safari
- Travel insurance
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Finland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Multi-activity
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