We will be happy to help arrange a departure for you according to seasonal conditions and your own specific needs.
For availability, prices and details of suitable times to travel, please contact us.
The location for this wilderness adventure, just beneath the Arctic Circle and a stone’s throw from the Russian border, adds a certain mystery to the atmosphere. The forests and lakes of the Taiga are one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas and home to a variety of wildlife, including wolves, lynx, bears, wolverines, pine martens, elk and reindeer.
- Trek along the border of the ‘Russian bear’
- Have a sauna, Finnish style
- The wilderness of Taiga forests & lakes
- See wildlife such as wolves, bears & reindeer
This special adventure is all about exploring this remote area on foot, but the real fun will be had in isolated, cosy log cabins, most with atmospheric saunas to enjoy before a dip in the lake!
There may be an opportunity to visit a bear hide one evening. For those who really want to get away from it all, this trip is hard to beat.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Kuusamo & transfer to the Wilderness Centre
Fly from the UK to Kuusamo* (via Helsinki) and transfer to Martinselkonen.
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Day 2: Walk to Arola & Martinselkonen Nature Reserve
Head off on foot in the company of your guide through the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve to Arola Farm, a delightful working farm renowned for its delicious local food and great swimming.
Walking distance: 16 km | Ascent: 70 m | Descent: 70 m
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Day 3: Along the Russian border to Kovajarvi
Heading northwards through marshland along the Russian border, there are constant views into the mysterious lands beyond. One of the highlights of the tour is spending the night in a simple guesthouse in Kovavaara, where the only source of heating and lighting is from the stove and candle lit.
Walking distance: 19 km | Ascent: 110 m | Descent: 110 m
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Day 4: Into the wild Hossa region
The landscape becomes increasingly wild and wolf tracks may be spotted along the way. Ultimately you emerge onto a forest road, which leads to Hossa, a tiny village 60 kilometres south east of Kuusamo.
Walking distance: 18 km | Ascent: 50 m | Descent: 50 m
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Day 5: Trek through lakes country to Tolosenvirta
The trek continues through the Hossa recreational area, known for its crystal-clear lakes and handsome pine heathland. It is known locally as a fisherman’s paradise.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 80 m | Descent: 80 m
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Day 6: Canoe (or walk) through reindeer country
Today you can try your hand at some gentle canoeing along some of the small lakes and rivers near your cabins using two-man open Canadian canoes.
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Day 7: Boat to Canyon Lake & hike to ‘Colour Rock’
A short boat ride across Julma-Olkky Lake precedes a hike through forest wilderness to reach ’Colour Rock’ and it’s 4,000 year old rock paintings.
Walking distance: 19 km | Ascent: 120 m | Descent: 120 m
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Day 8: Transfer to Kuusamo & fly back to the UK
Morning transfer to Kuusamo Airport* for your return flight to the UK.
Please note: *Depending on flight schedules, you may fly to/from an alternative airport in Finland such as Oulu or Kajaani. This trip is only available on request for fixed groups of a minimum of eight people - please contact us for details.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 8 days from £999 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 8 days from £1,599 per person
- Single room supplement: On request
- Walking grade: Moderate
- Guiding: Guided Group
- Max alt: Low
- Group size: 2-12
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Guesthouse x 2 nights, forest log cabin x 5 nights
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners
- Experienced English-speaking guide
- Airport transfers
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Guided Group
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
