Finland hiking vacation
“A guided hut-to-hut hiking tour into the unspoiled nature of the Finnish 'Taiga' forest, this is a summer vacation of culture, of wildlife and of beautiful wilderness.”
Highlights
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre | Arola farm | Kovavaara | Hossa National Park | Full day canoeing | Julma-Olkky canyon lake | 'Colour Rock' ancient rock paintings
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.com
Check dates, prices & availability
Date
Price per adult
Basis
Status
26 Jul 2020
€1020
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
02 Aug 2020
€1020
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
09 Aug 2020
€1020
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
16 Aug 2020
€1020
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
23 Aug 2020
€1020
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
Our top tip:
Good walking boots are essential.
Trip type:
Small group, 2-12 people.
Activity level:
Moderate. 6-7 hours hiking daily.
Accomm:
7 nights cosy log cabins and local guesthouses.
Solos:
Solo travelers welcome. Single rooms unavailable.
Meals:
Full board. All meals included.
Included:
Accommodation with shared facilities, transfers, English-speaking guide, daily sauna, canoe rental on day 6.
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
Our company has the environmental policy which we follow. The land where we walk is mostly owned by government. We have the cooperation agreement with Forest and Park Service of Finland and we follow their principles of sustainable tourism. We only use marked hiking trails and designed spots for the campfires. We are paying a compensation for each visitor to the Forest and Park Service, which is responsible for the nature conservation and hiking areas visited.We carry all the waste with us, nothing is left in the forest. The participants are told to carry the waste back and they are advised the recycling rules at the lodges. Disposable products are avoided as far as possible.
On the picnic lunch the coffee is brewed by the open fire which is a very natural and traditional way to prepare coffee in the country which is full of wood. Coffee is served in wooden cups instead of disposable coffee cups. Plates are usually re-usable plastic plates. Cutlery is disposable but eg. tea spoons are wooden which is eco-friendlier choice as plastic ones. Tap water is drinkable throughout Finland and we recommend participants to bring re-fillable water bottles. Then there is no need to buy bottled water which on the other hand is not even available in all the lodges.
This is not mass tourism. All the accommodation places are small with limited number of beds available and during walks we seldom see other hikers. On these tours the maximum group size is 13 persons. The departures are international and we often have a great mixture of different nationalities. "The record" is 8 different nationalities in a group of 13 persons. The small group size gives the participants the possibility to get know each other pretty well and the good group spirit is one of the things people usually mention in the feed-back.
We also believe that the small group size minimizes the environmental impact.
The Impacts of this Trip
By participating in any of our trips you will bring much needed work and income to the people in the rural area where the job opportunities are not so many. On our tours all the money goes straight to the area. We have many partners and they are all small local companies.
The role of the tourism as an extra source of income is important for many people in this area. A good example is a small reindeer farm that we visit during the tour. Reindeer herding has become very difficult to keep mainly because of the predators killing so much wild roaming reindeers. The reindeer farm we visit, started a few years ago to offer services for tourists - meals, reindeer sleigh rides and reindeer souvenirs. They are now getting most of their income from the travelers who visit the farm and therefore are able to keep up the traditional reindeer herding culture in the area.
Environment
Our company has the environmental policy which we follow. The land where we walk is mostly owned by government. We have the cooperation agreement with Forest and Park Service of Finland and we follow their principles of sustainable tourism. We only use marked hiking trails and designed spots for the campfires. We are paying a compensation for each visitor to the Forest and Park Service, which is responsible for the nature conservation and hiking areas visited.We carry all the waste with us, nothing is left in the forest. The participants are told to carry the waste back and they are advised the recycling rules at the lodges. Disposable products are avoided as far as possible.
On the picnic lunch the coffee is brewed by the open fire which is a very natural and traditional way to prepare coffee in the country which is full of wood. Coffee is served in wooden cups instead of disposable coffee cups. Plates are usually re-usable plastic plates. Cutlery is disposable but eg. tea spoons are wooden which is eco-friendlier choice as plastic ones. Tap water is drinkable throughout Finland and we recommend participants to bring re-fillable water bottles. Then there is no need to buy bottled water which on the other hand is not even available in all the lodges.
This is not mass tourism. All the accommodation places are small with limited number of beds available and during walks we seldom see other hikers. On these tours the maximum group size is 13 persons. The departures are international and we often have a great mixture of different nationalities. "The record" is 8 different nationalities in a group of 13 persons. The small group size gives the participants the possibility to get know each other pretty well and the good group spirit is one of the things people usually mention in the feed-back.
We also believe that the small group size minimizes the environmental impact.
Community
The Impacts of this Trip
By participating in any of our trips you will bring much needed work and income to the people in the rural area where the job opportunities are not so many. On our tours all the money goes straight to the area. We have many partners and they are all small local companies.
The role of the tourism as an extra source of income is important for many people in this area. A good example is a small reindeer farm that we visit during the tour. Reindeer herding has become very difficult to keep mainly because of the predators killing so much wild roaming reindeers. The reindeer farm we visit, started a few years ago to offer services for tourists - meals, reindeer sleigh rides and reindeer souvenirs. They are now getting most of their income from the travelers who visit the farm and therefore are able to keep up the traditional reindeer herding culture in the area.
Climate
12 Reviews of Finland hiking vacation
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 20 Aug 2019 by Alyson Bianchi
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
After long walks having a hot shower and then jumping into the cold lakes.
Super. Having lunch around the camp fire was also memorable.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Have very good waterproof shoes and a spare pair too! Be prepared to walk 6-8
hours everyday on rough and slippery routes.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. Totally reached and surpassed my expectations.
Reviewed on 06 Aug 2019 by Pam Park
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Seeing the bears, and the canoeing day, were highlights for me, but all of it was very enjoyable.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Sometimes the pace of walking is quite fast; be aware that you need reasonable agility to keep up, especially when navigating difficult terrain. Not a problem, but something to be aware of. Also the temperature was a bit cooler than I expected; I recommend you take warmer clothes, as you are going quite far north.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed in cabins run by local people, many of which were ecologically sound. We visited a reindeer center, and Arola is a working farm as well as protecting the Finnish wilderness and wildlife.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It is an excellent trip and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Peace, tranquility and lots of fresh air, as well as wildlife, a lovely group of people, and an excellent guide who worked really hard to look after us. I would thoroughly recommend this trip.
Reviewed on 27 Aug 2019 by Shalini Menon Venugopal
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Nature, the stillness.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Go for it.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic experience
Reviewed on 30 Jul 2018 by Sarah Hilling
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It is too difficult to choose just one thing that made this trip so special! Of course the scenery, forests and lakes, was amazing, it seemed that each day the views got better and better. We were fortunate to have great weather, the sunshine made the colours of the landscape even more beautiful. The places we stayed were simple but this just added to the atmosphere, superb food too and a sauna each evening followed by swimming in the lake on five nights. The walks are not difficult, don't expect anything other than to switch off and get away from it all!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared for all weathers, when we were there is was unusually hot except for one overcast day. Make the most of the trip by using the saunas and lake swimming opportunities, it all makes for a better experience. Don't be too fussy, it is a group vacation so muck in if needed. We were a very mixed group in terms of nationalities, most spoke great English but not all - this wasn't an issue. Finland is expensive, take what you can with you, although you do not have to spend anything once the trip starts.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The trip made us feel Finnish! We had stories from local people telling us about the history of Finland, they were really interesting. The food was local and amazing. Hossa National Park was set up last year to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finland, we were made to feel very welcome.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic overall experience. Perhaps some of the walks could have been longer or more challenging but, when there's a sauna and lake waiting at the end of the day, it's not a problem. You really feel as though you're getting back to nature and to a simpler way of life.
Reviewed on 31 Aug 2017 by Vincent Murphy
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Great walking. Sauna and swim in lake after walk. Everything went well.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There will be mosquitos, bring repellent. Bags are carried forward to each accommodation so pack for all weather.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we stayed in local accommodation along the way. Arola Farm very interesting. Also reindeer farm.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Everyone in our group enjoyed the vacation.
Reviewed on 26 Aug 2017 by Sandrine Le Roch
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything ! :) Especially saunas and last hiking day with so amazing landscapes !
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It is a resourceful trip, closed to Finnish culture and nature, in a so pleasant atmosphere ! :)
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes !
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a wonderful trip ! Thanks :) I would recommend it to my friends :)
Reviewed on 13 Jun 2017 by Alain Mayer
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful landscapes! Possibility to have a sauna after hiking and to jump in a lake. Wild nature. Possibility to have coffee and sausages at fire places.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Wild and authentic nature. Beautiful landscapes , lakes, rivers, bogs... To enjoy this, better to go outside the period of mosquitos.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The Kainuu region is very sparsely populated....the benefit for them is low....except for the food bought by the guide for the group. It is an opportunity to let others know this beautiful region.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It is a shame that this region is not better developed especially in the domains of folklore, music, fauna, flora, crafts and local products. E.g. quite impossible to see reindeers, bery liqueurs and other local specialities.
Read the operator's response here:
Dear Alain,
Thank you for your comments and it's nice to here you enjoyed the landscapes and nature here. I'd like to clarify a couple of things.
Regards to question 3, it's not just buying food that benefits local people but you also stayed in private, locally owned accommodations throughout the tour. Also transfer companies were local. In this case the guide came from outside the area, but most of our guides are local. Each time that our group has a lunch break at a fire place we pay Metsähallitus ("Finnish Forests and Park Service") a fee, which helps them to maintain the infrastructure in national parks and other recreation areas.
Regards to question - yes, the area is sparsely populated but also rich in culture, traditions and history. Area's touristic programs related to music, food, traditions and wildlife watching are highly appreciated both nationally and internationally and have been awarded several times during the past years. We have world famous music festivals - Kuhmo chamber music festival and Ethno music festival Sommelo, that are organized annually in July.
The area is one of the best in Europe to spot brown bears, wolves and wolverines in their natural habitat. In museums you can learn about winter war history and along the border area you can visit authentic battle sites. This is also the area where the Finnish national epic Kalevala was born, still reflected in the architecture, events, museums and the food in the area.
However, a hiking tour is not the best option the get most out of the culture as you mostly just walk from place to place in the forest. And yes, it's a pity that you couldn't see reindeer, usually that's not a problem and you can see them not just in the park, but also roaming freely on the road-sides and forests.
Thank you for your comments and it's nice to here you enjoyed the landscapes and nature here. I'd like to clarify a couple of things.
Regards to question 3, it's not just buying food that benefits local people but you also stayed in private, locally owned accommodations throughout the tour. Also transfer companies were local. In this case the guide came from outside the area, but most of our guides are local. Each time that our group has a lunch break at a fire place we pay Metsähallitus ("Finnish Forests and Park Service") a fee, which helps them to maintain the infrastructure in national parks and other recreation areas.
Regards to question - yes, the area is sparsely populated but also rich in culture, traditions and history. Area's touristic programs related to music, food, traditions and wildlife watching are highly appreciated both nationally and internationally and have been awarded several times during the past years. We have world famous music festivals - Kuhmo chamber music festival and Ethno music festival Sommelo, that are organized annually in July.
The area is one of the best in Europe to spot brown bears, wolves and wolverines in their natural habitat. In museums you can learn about winter war history and along the border area you can visit authentic battle sites. This is also the area where the Finnish national epic Kalevala was born, still reflected in the architecture, events, museums and the food in the area.
However, a hiking tour is not the best option the get most out of the culture as you mostly just walk from place to place in the forest. And yes, it's a pity that you couldn't see reindeer, usually that's not a problem and you can see them not just in the park, but also roaming freely on the road-sides and forests.
Reviewed on 09 Aug 2016 by Mark Twyman
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The difference in the scenery and terrain
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring good boots and try sock liners to avoid getting blisters
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, the whole group we were with hit it off from the start including
our guide
Reviewed on 30 Dec 2016 by Matt Spraggs
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hiding with the huskies and 'attempting' to sleep in an igloo!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
it's very active in the day...and very relaxing in the evening!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It was very environmentally friendly. Guides were nature lovers, recycling was a big element and no impact was made to the detriment of the environment,
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect in every way - exactly what was advertised, and what I expected.
Reviewed on 08 Sep 2015 by Evelyn Vickery
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Walking in pristine forest and seeing reindeer. Peace and tranquillity. Feeling my every need was considered by the enthusiastic and friendly guide, Kimmo.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trip notes accurately reflect remoteness of trip so be prepared! Great if you want to escape the pressures of every day life.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes definitely. Stayed in local accommodation with locally produced food, luggage transported by road but walked with minimal vehicle transfers.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Exceeded expectation. I have taken previous vacations with larger tour operators and have felt more of a number. On this trip I felt it was important to the company that I enjoyed my experience. All communications with company were professional and efficient and happy to provide support with finding additional accommodation etc.
Reviewed on 24 Aug 2015 by Loli Rodriguez
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Staying a night in Kovavaara. There is no running water there so we had to wash ourselves in the sauna with the help of some buckets full of water. It was a great experience. Apart from this, the trip was brilliant. It exceeded our expectations and we can't recommend it enough!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you are not into luxury and appreciate simple things, this is definitely the tour for you. However, bring 2 bottles of insect repellent, you will need them!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I am positive this trip benefited local people. There are few sources of income in this part of Finland. Tours like this one definitely help people in the area make a living.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Perfect vacation. We could not have wished for more!
Read the operator's response here:
Thanks for the nice comments!
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2015 by Almira Bartolome
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Beautiful landscapes. Really nice people and the guide was great. I love the Finnish Sauna too
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Mosquito repellent is a must
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The travel company is located in the area and work closely with people that have been living in the areas for several generations (Arola farm). Finnish people in general are very enviromentally aware and this travel was an example of that.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a great experience! I loved the hiking ( a little bit demanding the first day but after that was more easy), the landscape, the
people and our guide, Joose.
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