Finland - The Frontier Forests of Finland
10 days, Guided Groups, Fixed Departures
A hiking journey through the easternmost border area of Europe, Finnish Kainuu, right beside Russia. The route passes through wilderness areas with pristine nature reserves, crystal-clear lakes and old growth forests (on our September departure you should experience all the full autumn colours of 'Ruska').You will follow the 'blue path' of the frontier zone where the close proximity to the Russian border adds something rather mysterious and exotic to the atmosphere of the area. The border guard towers and view over into Russia is a unique experience and you will even sleep in a former frontier guard station! Along the way you pass through wild landscapes, home to a wonderful variety of birds and also a healthy wolverine and elk population. Crossing swamps on wooden walkways you continue along the paths of the Hossa recreational area known for its handsome pine heathlands and reindeer herds to your cosy lakeside cabin - with sauna of course!
As a contrast a day will be spent canoeing on the rivers nearby and you will also visit the Julma-Olkky canyon lake to hike to the 'Colour Rock' covered in rock paintings dating back 4000 years. The trip culminates in an overnight stay in Helsinki, one of Europe's most attractive cultural cities.
A peaceful trek through a beautifully untouched part of Finland where nature and history combine amidst an unspoiled environment and you can enjoy local hospitality and delicious traditional food in homely forest cottages.
- Bear Safari Extension
- Please contact us about our exciting two night bear and beaver safaris available from historic Arola Farm (15 August departure only). Helena and Eero have created a wonderfully warm and friendly atmosphere at their working farm, where you can enjoy a traditional smoke sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the secluded lake. The farm is surrounded by remote woodland perfect for roaming elk, reindeer and wolverine and Eero has built several log hides from where you can observe various birds of prey as well as the majestic European Brown Bear at close range - enticed by the smell of carefully placed fresh fish!
- Day 1. To Finland
- Depart London and fly via Helsinki to northeast Finland.
- Days 2 to 4. Martinselkonen Nature Reserve
- Transfer to the heavily forested Suomussalmi area and begin your hike walking straight along the top of a ridge to the frontier zone. Hike through the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve to Arola Farm, a working farm renowned for its delicious local food. The reserve protects many birds and insects and is full of spruce trees draped in beard lichen. Head northwards along the border with constant views into the mysterious lands beyond. Enjoy an evening camping on the shores of beautiful Lake Kovajarvi around an open fire.
- Days 5 and 6. Hossa
- The landscape becomes increasingly wild and wolf tracks may be spotted along the way. Swans and cranes nest on the mires and lakes you pass and the forest is brimming with berry bushes including blueberries and lingonberries. Cross through the Hossa recreational area known locally as a fisherman's paradise. Your cabins here are utterly secluded in the middle of the forest with fireplace, intimate dining area and sauna.
- Days 7 and 8. Lake Adventures
- Try your hand at some gentle canoeing along some small rivers near your cabins. Elk and reindeer frequent this area and the tranquillity from paddling on the sparkling clear lakes surrounded by colourful pine heath scenery is extremely soporific.Alternatively you can stay on land and hike the many well-marked trails, stopping to pick mushrooms along the way. On your last day you will visit the Julma-Olkky canyon lake taking a boat ride to look at the dramatic cliffs and hike to view the incredible ancient rock paintings there.
- Days 9 and 10. Helsinki
- Transfer to Oulu airport and fly to Helsinki to overnight. Explore the harbour front, classical buildings and churches and enjoy the convivial cafe society of this friendly and very beautiful city. Return to the UK.
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- Tour grade: A/B.
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Cost per person: £1,275.
Bear Extension £225. - Single supplement: N/A.
- Co2 offset cost: £3.43.
- What is included: Flights, accommodation, meals, baggage transfers, sauna, canoe rental, English speaking guide.
- Accommodation: Forest cabins, lakeside cottage, hotel, former guard station, working farm and camping.
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Departure dates:
Friday, 15 August 2007.
Friday, 29 August 2008.