At a Glance
Embrace a marvellous odyssey through the picturesque Oulanka National Park in Finland, where your most fantastical winter visions spring to life. Allow yourself to be whisked away in bliss to a thrilling and enchanting 8-day active winter adventure from skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing amidst a magnificent winter wonderland all from your Basecamp Oulanka.
Begin your snow-capped winter holiday expedition at the wild and remote location of Basecamp Oulanka. Nestled amongst rustic, wooden structures in a serene, secluded corner overlooking the glimmering Juuma Lake, you'll feel like you've stepped into a winter wonderland. Don your snowshoes, and prepare for a thrilling ice-trekking escapade, navigating through the breathtakingly beautiful forests along the cascading Kitka River. Marvel in awe at the remnants of an ancient flour mill, nestled beside the heart-stoppingly dramatic Myllykoski ...
Trip Highlights
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What's Included
- All breakfast, 5x lunch, 7x dinner
- 7 nights at Basecamp, Oulanka on a twin share basis
- All transport and listed activities
- Local tour leaders throughout
- All specialist equipment
- All Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
Itinerary
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Your adventure begins at your cosy lodge set in the majestic beauty of Juuma Lake while taking pleasure in the expansive vistas of Oulanka National Park. You will be lodged at Basecamp, Oulanka a postcard-perfect refuge tucked away in the Oulanka National Park in North Eastern Finland. Settle in an unpack se this will serve as your accommodation for the next 8 days. Enjoy luxe amenities such as comfortable beds, heating systems, shared bathroom facilities, spacious rooms with en-suite bathrooms, and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. Lounge in communal areas, soak in the hot tub and sauna and indulge in traditional Finnish cuisine at the on-site restaurant. As night descends, gather around for a warm welcome briefing and acquaint yourself with your fellow explorers, while quenching your curiosity with any inquiries that may arise. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the otherworldly atmosphere of our location. |
Basecamp, Oulanka
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As the sun creeps over the Arctic tundra, an enchanting promise of adventure is born. With snowshoes strapped firmly in place, we venture out into the wilds of the Oulanka National Park. Here, you'll learn the essential skills needed to navigate this frozen wonderland, and be stunned by the captivating natural beauty that surrounds you. Sparkling snow-capped trees, the peaceful Kitka River and the magnificent Myllykoski rapids all compete for your attention. As though from a storybook, an ancient flour mill towers in the distance, completing this picture-perfect scene. Our invigorating expedition soon leads us to a restful lunch break, where you'll have the freedom to choose your own adventure. For some, the allure of self-guided snowshoeing through the pristine landscape is irresistible, while others prefer to sink into the healing waters of the hot tub or sauna. This precious downtime is a chance for the group to recharge and prepare for whatever breathtaking adventure the rest of the day might hold. Truly, it's an experience that will leave you feeling enchanted and awe-struck-beyond compare. |
Basecamp, OulankaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Get lost in the enchantment of the winter sport of cross-country skiing, a thrill-seeking activity that originated in the countries of Scandinavia. Your knowledgeable guide will walk you through the subtleties of this one-of-a-kind experience as you embark on an odyssey of snow-covered adventures beside the shimmering lake. Expect to make a few mistakes and stumbles along the way, but use these obstacles as opportunities to hone your abilities and improve your performance on the icy terrain. As your sense of self-assurance grows with each step, push yourself farther with the option of unguided skiing into the huge expanse of the winter wonderland and take in the breathtaking vistas of the imposing environment as you do so. Your voyage into the unknown does not end there; Basecamp is where unyielding enthusiasts are free to seize the reins of their own journeys and create their own track in this snowy wonderland. Kick sledding is an equally amazing way to enjoy the winter season, and those who are looking for a unique form of bliss should fasten their seat belts and prepare to take on the kick sledding challenge. |
Basecamp, OulankaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
After breakfast, an exciting bus ride awaits as the day begins, taking you to a stunning husky farm not far from Riisitunturi National Park. As soon as you arrive, your dogsledding guide will give you a brief lesson on how to ride the sled and care for the huskies. Everyone will amble out into the woods to meet their waiting husky teams. Embark on a thrilling 10-kilometre (8-mile) journey through the snow-covered woods. The gently sloping terrain provides a breathtaking view of the pristine environment and its heavenly calm. Enjoy the crisp. pure air se you and your companion (only two per sled) glide through this winter paradise. |
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After a delicious meal, Basecamp tempts you with a variety of extracurricular activities. Skiing and snowmobiling are just two of the many winter sports that provide thrilling and unforgettable experiences. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime snowshoeing adventure as night falls. An illusive display of the awe- inspiring Aurora Borealis, the Northern Lights, is what you seek in this stunning snowy expanse. Be mesmerised by the uncommon sight of colourful ribbons dancing across the night sky. |
Basecamp, OulankaBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
The day begins with the marvels of the lovely Ruka ski resort, where you will spend the day reveling in the myriad of exhilarating activities that are at your disposal. Your guide will take care of all the transfers and allow you to participate in jaw-dropping activities without having to lift a finger. This enchanted bundle includes group transfers, which may be arranged to go to certain locations and are timed to occur at particular intervals. Before you book any of the wonderful activities, ask at the reception desk first. Skiing fans may enjoy gliding and sliding to their heart's content on the powdery snow slopes, while those looking for an adrenaline rush can go on a thrilling snowmobile safari. There are a plethora of exciting extra excursions to investigate and exciting new experiences to have to the maximum extent possible. To make things easier, please keep in mind that reservations for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday at the latest due to logistical considerations. |
Basecamp, OulankaBreakfast, Dinner |
Today, we are going to learn about quinzee construction, an ancient art, so get ready to go back in time with us! We are crafting our very own quinzee out of snow with the help of shovels and spades. The construction of snow mounds may seem like a straightforward task, but the true fun comes when we hollow down our snow pile to make cosy sleeping accommodations for two or three people. Imagine the excitement of being able to retreat inside your very own hand-crafted igloo, which is hidden away beneath a warm blanket of snow. If you're not quite prepared to spend the night outside in the elements. Our warm and inviting lodge is only a few steps away, and it can't wait to enfold you in its comforting embrace. |
Basecamp, Oulanka Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
When the first light of day breaks through the darkness and the sun begins to peak over the horizon, Finland transforms into a port of entry for exciting new experiences. To everyone interested in venturing out into the great outdoors, the world is their oyster and the door is always open. Go cross-country skiing and glide gracefully across the undulating landscape. Feel the winter wonderland under your feet as you walk through the woodland and take in the tranquility of the surrounding environment. Exploring the wild outdoors on snowshoes is another option for individuals looking for a more authentic and primitive experience. Dog sledding and snowmobile safaris are two activities that will leave those who want a rush of excitement out of their lungs. Glide over the snowy terrain, pulled by a team of excited sled doge and discover uncharted territories while travelling through at a breakneck speed and testing the boundaries of your experience. Returning to Basecamp for a goodbye meal is the best way to celebrate as these great experiences come to a close; there is no other way to do it that is more fitting. Reminisce over the wonderful experiences that have left an indelible mark on your memory while indulging in a delectable meal consisting of all four courses. |
Basecamp. Qulanka Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Savour a relaxing breakfast, a perfect time to reflect on your incredible journey before you bid farewell and begin your return journey to the airport for your onward travel. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only-prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
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Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure and finish point is Basecamp Oulanka
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Oulanka National Park. Kuusamo Airport is the international airport which is closest to Oulanka.
- Airport transfers are not included. Joining location starts in your accommodation in Oulanka National Park making your own arrangements there. Alternatively, airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost, please contact us.
In the regions close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from -30C to 5C (-22F to 41F). Christmas will normally be the coldest (usually below -20C/-4), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early April can see temperatures around -10C to 5C (14F to 41F). Recent years have seen massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40C (-40F) and highs of 7C (47F) just a few days apart. If the thought of such temperatures scares you, then think again. When dressed in the Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) can feel very pleasant. The Arctic cold is a dry cold, there is usually no wind, and we will keep you active.
Daylight hours
At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So while in mid-winter (December/January) the sun remains just below the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the midnight sun is only weeks away. Even in midwinter, it is not dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light reflected off the snow.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are visible from September to late April on most clear nights at latitudes close to and above the Arctic Circle. They can be seen further south but will be less spectacular and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September and March), and at lower latitudes, this can be the best time to see them. At Basecamp, you need to have a clear window of weather with no clouds, and then your chances of seeing them are quite good as there is hardly any light pollution. With most Northern Lights tours starting from Arctic cities such as Tromeo and Reykjavik, you have to drive a bit of a distance to go and see the lights. The benefit of Basecamp is that if the conditions are good, all you need to do is go outside and look up.
The walking level on this trip is rated Level 3 Moderate.
Level 1 Leisurely: Experience is not necessary, anyone fit and healthy enough to complete a weekend walk will thrive. Walks are often optional. Trails are seldom flat, so expect a reasonable number of ascents and descents. You normally walk for two to five hours per day, daily sacents will likely be around 885ft to 1,840ft (300m to 500m), perhaps with the odd day around 1,870ft (800m).
Level 3 Moderate: Expect easy, medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. Some experience is useful, but not essential. Good health and reasonable fitness are important. There will be walks at higher altitudes and some longer, harder days. Generally, though, the underfoot conditions will be fair. A walking day is
normally five to seven hours; daily ascents will likely be around 1,840ft to 2,825ft (500m to 800m), perhaps with the odd day around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (800m to 1,000m).
Level 5 Challenging: Fitness is vital with extended walking in mountainous terrain. You might also experience high altitude, challenging climates and remote locations. Trekking experience is desirable, but not vital if you are confident in your physical condition. Walking days are usually between six and eight hours, although they may be longer for passes or peska. Daily ascents can be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (800m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,610ft to 3,840ft (1.100m to 1,200m).
Level 7 Tough: Trekking experience is essential and preferably at altitude. You need complete confidence in your ability to trek for many days over difficult terrain. You may encounter extreme sititude and weather conditions and may need to use ice axes and crampons. Stamina is essential as walking daye last six to nine hours (sometimes more on occasions). Daily ascents will likely be around 2,955ft to 3,280ft (800m to 1,000m), perhaps with the odd day around 3,810ft to 3,940ft (1,100m to 1,200m).
Split and optional grades: Where a trip falls between two grades, an intermediate or 'split' grade is used. For example, Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate). Occasionally there are optional sacenta available; in this case, the grade will be highlighted.
The following clothing is issued on arrival and are yours to use throughout the week:
• Full winter outfit including jacket and trousers
• Fleece jacket and trousers x 2 (one thin, one thick)
• Winter hat and mittens
• Gloves
• Boots
• Thermos flask
• Backpack and head torch
• You do not need to bring any winter clothing with you sa it is all supplied locally but we recommend you bring enough clothes for evening wear
• More insulated snowmobiling overall and helmet for the optional snowmobile excursion
• Tight-fitting base layer
• Normal daily clothes
• Several pairs of thick socksTube scarf/buff
• Swimming costume and sandals (for sauna)
• Sunglasses (from the beginning of February or year-round if you're sensitive to bright light)
• Sunscreen
Basecamp Oulanka is a superb self-sustaining wooden complex inspired by its wild, remote location. Twin rooms are in two separate buildings. The third building is a cosy restaurant and bar, with a log fire, asuna and outdoor hot tub. The heating system used throughout the complex relies totally on nature, using special wood pellets for fuel.
Please be aware, multiple tripe are running at Basecamp at the same time and you might share the room with a member of a different group. Please note, there are family groupe at Basecamp during the school holidays.
Single supplement from AUD $717
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 90 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 90 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 90 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 90 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. The tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The walks take place in very special wilderness settings. The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a walk with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the walk has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any walk up to 60 days prior to departure if a minimum of 4 walkers are unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the walk or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
