Tour overview

This 8-day winter adventure is based at Basecamp Oulanka, a lakeside complex of wooden buildings beside Oulanka National Park in Finland’s far north-east. A tour leader looks after the group, which numbers between four and twenty, and specialist Arctic clothing and equipment are provided. You stay seven nights in twin rooms, with breakfast daily, five lunches and seven dinners, and a sauna and outdoor hot tub to relax in.

After kitting out, you set off on a snowshoe hike through the snow-laden forests of Oulanka National Park, and learn the Scandinavian art of cross-country skiing on frozen Lake Juuma. A dogsledding tour takes you through Riisitunturi National Park behind a team of huskies, and in the evening you go out on snowshoes in search of the Northern Lights.

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A free day in the ski resort of Ruka offers optional activities such as snowmobiling or reindeer rides. You learn wilderness skills, from building a quinzee snow shelter to lighting a fire, with the option of sleeping in your quinzee, and finish with a final free day and a farewell dinner.

The physical rating is medium. This trip suits active travellers who want to experience a real Arctic winter.

Trip highlights

  • A snowshoe hike in Oulanka (Day 2)
  • Cross-country skiing on a frozen lake (Day 3)
  • Dogsledding in Riisitunturi (Day 4)
  • A Northern Lights excursion (Day 4)
  • Wilderness skills and a quinzee (Day 6)

Your route

4 stops from Basecamp Oulanka to Basecamp Oulanka

8-day route: Basecamp Oulanka – Oulanka National Park – Riisitunturi – Ruka
  1. Basecamp Oulanka Days 1–7
  2. Riisitunturi National Park Day 4
  3. Ruka Day 5
  4. Basecamp Oulanka Day 8

Why choose this tour

A week of Arctic activities from one cosy base. Arctic clothing and most meals included.

Best suited to

  • Active travellers
  • Northern Lights hunters
  • Solo travellers and couples
  • Snow lovers
The Northern Lights over a lake in Finland

Day-by-day itinerary

8 days from Oulanka, Finland to Oulanka, Finland

  1. Day 1 · Basecamp Oulanka Oulanka

    Arrive at base camp.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Oulanka National Park Snowshoeing

    A snowshoe hike.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3 · Lake Juuma Skiing

    Cross-country skiing.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4 · Riisitunturi National Park Dogsledding

    Huskies and the Northern Lights.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5 · Ruka Ruka

    A free day.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Breakfast, Dinner
  6. Day 6 · Oulanka Wilderness skills

    Build a quinzee.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7 · Oulanka Oulanka

    A farewell dinner.

    Hotel
    Basecamp Oulanka
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8 · Oulanka Oulanka

    The trip ends.

    Meals
    Breakfast
A group snowshoeing through a snowy forest

Where you stay

  • Oulanka (7 nights) Basecamp Oulanka

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 7 nights at Basecamp Oulanka
  • Meals 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners
  • Arctic clothing and equipment
  • Snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing
  • Dogsledding tour and Northern Lights excursion
  • Group arrival and departure transfers
  • Tour leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Meals not included 1 lunch
  • Optional activities in Ruka
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
A cross-country skier in a snowy forest

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a city break
  • You dislike the cold
  • You want to move between hotels
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–8 · Lunch: Days 2–4 and 6–7 · Dinner: Days 1–7
A husky team on a snowy trail in Finland

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £2,240 per person, twin share, tour only. 29 upcoming departures. Single travellers from £2,611 (single supplement from £372).

Offer Reduced prices on selected dates, shown with the regular price crossed out. Book by 16 Oct.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Is Arctic clothing provided?

Yes, specialist winter clothing and equipment are included.

Will I see the Northern Lights?

There’s a good chance in clear weather, but sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Do I need a visa?

UK citizens don’t need a visa for Finland for short stays.

Do I need skiing experience?

No, you’ll learn the basics with an instructor.

How do I get there?

Fly to Kuusamo, with group transfers to base camp at set times.

How many people travel together?

Between four and twenty travellers, with a tour leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary
From £2,240
See dates & prices