Finland winter activity vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Guests can arrive in Joensuu by train, and transfers between Joensuu railway station and Koli are available. Airport and railway station transfers are organised for the group rather than separately for each guest. Human-powered activities form a central part of the programme: the vacation includes winter hiking on days 2 and 6, snowshoeing on day 3, and walking and kick sledding on day 4. Koli National Park and the services of Koli village are also within walking distance of the accommodation. Kolin Runo uses organic and locally produced ingredients whenever possible.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

The guided excursions are led by local guides who know Koli National Park, its wildlife, winter conditions and cultural history. Routes and equipment are selected according to the snow, ice and weather conditions, helping guests remain on suitable trails and avoid unnecessary damage to the natural environment. Guests learn about the national park and responsible behaviour in nature from their guides and during their visit to Ukko Nature Centre. Kolin Runo is a Sustainable Travel Finland certified accommodation where respect for nature is one of its core values. The maximum group size is four, reducing pressure on trails and allowing the guide to supervise the group carefully.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Guests stay for seven nights at Kolin Runo, a locally owned and family-run bed and breakfast in Koli village. The hosts welcome guests personally and provide homemade meals, packed lunches and a private sauna. The programme also supports local guides, restaurants and activity providers. Guests have lunch at the locally operated Satamatuva lakeside restaurant, visit a local guesthouse in the village of Vuonislahti and take part in a husky safari in Juuka. Free evenings encourage guests to use restaurants and other services in Koli village. This keeps a significant share of the vacation income within Koli and the surrounding North Karelian communities.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

The guides, accommodation hosts and activity providers delivering this vacation are Finnish, and most are based in Koli or nearby North Karelian villages. The trip creates income for small local businesses during the winter season, including guides, guesthouses, restaurants, transport providers and the husky company. The vacation welcomes couples, solo travelers and small groups. No previous experience of winter activities is required. The group is limited to two to four guests, allowing the guides to provide individual support. Hiking routes, equipment and the pace of the activities are adapted to the participants’ fitness levels, wishes and the prevailing conditions.