2 independent reviews for Finland hiking vacation
Reviews for Finland hiking vacation
Rebecca Ryan review 28 Sep 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying in the guesthouse was just very special, thanks to Minna who hosted us as family and went out of her way to make the trip memorable. We enjoyed wonderful homemade food (dishes special to the Karelia region), comfortable accommodation, the use of bicycles and canoes and felt very relaxed in this unique remote area of eastern Finland. It's a gem and an area that is full of surprises and the most unexpected scenery.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Try and visit at a time when seasons are changing. September was stunning and weather was good. Take binoculars, a flask for hot drinks, good walking boots and something to do in the evenings. I reached the region via train from Helsinki which was a nice scenic trip and also enabled me to have a few days in Helsinki - a place not to be missed.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Minna's staff are local and were lovely and the guesthouse is part of a close community. The guesthouse is very environmentally conscious and on our walks we were encouraged by the many influences around us that supported respect for the animals and the land. Much of the food we ate had been sourced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
This is just the ultimate trip to take to see a part of the world that is largely off the beaten track. The walking grade was varied but not difficult and every day the landscape changed . The week was very relaxing and simply picking mushrooms and berries in the forest, cooking sausages over a camp fire and enjoying a nightly sauna all became a way of life! The Karelia region is stunning and this walking vacation showcased it at its best.Kirsten Pihlaja review 9 Jun 2026
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking through the beautiful national parks and seeing the one humongously long lake on different days in different places! The scenery was a little different in each place… Our group was very into having a dip in the lake along the hike, and our guide took that into account and made sure we could do that every day.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The walks on this trip were usually around 6 miles… Some days, a little bit more some days a little bit less… The terrain is very walkable, but on a couple of days and a couple of sections, it was very handy to have poles to help. I went on the trip at the end of May/early June, and the bugs were just coming out, so bug spray is a great idea. The guest house also has some that you can use. I was unaware that there would be shared bathrooms at the guest house. I’m not used to sharing a bathroom, and it was fine. But that would’ve been good for me to be mentally prepared for!??3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The guest house tries to source as much of the food they use locally as they can annd employs people from the village. The whole of Finland seems to be very much more environmentally aware, and a lot of Americans might be… There is no trash thrown on the ground or on the side of the road. There are separate bins for different kinds of waste. It is a very big bicycle culture.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great experience! I love hiking in the forest, and was able to do that every day! We got information about the locations each day: the guide made sure to point out noticeable features. It is not an intense go, go, go vacation, but nicely paced and in a beautiful locationHoliday Reviews
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