Arctic
Finland by Land
Arctic
Arctic
Experience the magic of Finland's Arctic Lakeland on a winter journey filled with adventure, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy unforgettable reindeer and husky safaris, snowmobiling, and a relaxing forest spa.
Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
Starts: Kuopio, Finland
Ends: Joensuu, Finland
Language: English guided tour
The itinerary is a guide only and is subject to change due to weather conditions. The necessary adjustments will be made to ensure the best possible experience.
FROM:
€1,513.-
Confirmed dates for 2027
February 3rd
Feb 17th
March 3rd
March 17th
Pre/post overnight Helsinki €150
Pre overnight Kuopio €100
Pre overnight Tahko €100
Coach or Van tours More info about this activity
Coach, Bus or Van excursions with specialized guides or just as a means of transportation from one point to the next.
Hiking More info about this activity
Hiking options include very easy beach hikes (good for photographers who need time for photography), easier short hikes, medium-difficulty extended hikes, and more challenging long hikes.
Northern Lights More info about this activity
Debido a la naturaleza del campo magnético terrestre, las auroras solo aparecen en los polos. Por lo general, son visibles por encima de la marca de latitud de 60 ° en el norte y por debajo de la latitud de 60 ° en el sur (estas 'luces del sur' se denominan aurora austral).
Snow Shoeing More info about this activity
This popular alpine activity is easy to learn. No experience is necessary – all you need is a willingness to try. All training is provided and our team of guides will have you trained and ready to go in no more than half an hour.
Participants should be confident in their footing and have an average level of fitness – outings may be up to three hours in duration. Those who enjoy hiking trails or taking long walks at home will possess enough fitness to enjoy this activity. As with any other activity, you will get more enjoyment out of it with some preparation in advance, such as long walks with uphill sections or bike riding.
In Antarctica, the longest hike can be 2-3 hours long, while in the Arctic it can be a full day tour.
Skiing More info about this activity
Skiing in Polar regions requires a reasonable level of fitness and previous skiing experience. The snow conditions will be varied and the terrain can be challenging at times. While you don’t need to be a back-country athlete to participate, and there are opportunities to develop skills during the expedition, please note it is recommended a minimum ability as follows:
* Advanced level of skiing or snowboarding ability (ability to ski blue or black resort runs is required).
* Off-piste experience in a variety of snow conditions.
* Previous ski touring experience is an advantage, but not essential (depending on your off-piste experience and overall ability).
Communities More info about this activity
The experience is not only about nature, but about the people who live in the places we visit.
We are always welcomed by the locals and respectfully wander around their towns and villages, shareing their lifestyle for a few moments.
Cultural shows and folcloric dances and arts are part of the hightlights of this encounters.
Fishing More info about this activity
Assisted by the naturalist or local guides, you will look for the perfect spot and spend a quiet momento practicing this sport or you will cut your hole on the ice floe or on frozen lakes and try to catch fish using an ancestral method. This activity off the beaten path will equally delight fans of sports fishing and those who are curious for new discoveries.
Dog Sled More info about this activity
Enjoy, participate or view a true Dog Sled and the Mushers on the spot! Believe it or not, this dog are at their happiest moments when they are racing or traversing in the wild.
Sometimes the activity just consists on a Kennel visit and guided tour.
All Terrain Excursions More info about this activity
Jump on an excursion off the beaten track on specially designed and guided vehicles, or do it by yourself with a GPS, depending on the location you are. A great way to get deeper into the wild.
Northern Lights More info about this activity
Debido a la naturaleza del campo magnético terrestre, las auroras solo aparecen en los polos. Por lo general, son visibles por encima de la marca de latitud de 60 ° en el norte y por debajo de la latitud de 60 ° en el sur (estas 'luces del sur' se denominan aurora austral).
Experience the magic of Finland's Arctic Lakeland on an authentic winter journey carefully balanced between high-latitude adventure and serene Nordic environments. Your expedition begins upon arrival in Kuopio, followed by a transfer to Tahko, a magical winter wonderland and the country's fourth-largest ski resort. Surrounded by snowy slopes and frozen lakes, you will experience the genuine hospitality of the Savonian people while enjoying premium hotel stays and regional culinary traditions, including a gourmet dinner and home-cooked meals.
The route continues toward Vuokatti and North Karelia, bringing you close to wildlife and traditional winter activities. Join a reindeer safari followed by a warm campfire beverage, and ride a memorable 3 km husky sled through peaceful forests and snow-covered fields. Drive an environmentally friendly touring snowmobile on a 20 km guided safari, and visit Bomba on the shores of Lake Pielinen to submerge into an enchanting atmosphere. The trip culminates at Koli National Park, where a professional wilderness guide leads a snowshoe hike up the famous Koli peaks to view stunning frost-covered trees that create Finland's most celebrated national landscape.
Highlights:
Relaxing and upscale Arctic forest spa experience included at Havu and Bomba.
Traditional wilderness reindeer safari and an exhilarating 3 km husky sled ride.
Scenic 20 km snowmobile safari driving environmentally friendly touring models.
Hands-on Karelian pie baking workshop guided by a traditional hostess at Bomba House.
Guided snowshoe hike exploring the famous frost-covered peaks of Koli National Park.
Day 1: Arrival to Finland - Kuopio - Tahko
Welcome to Finland and Kuopio!
Arrive to Kuopio with flight or train (Suggested flight arrival: 13:50 Flight arrival from Helsinki to Kuopio depart at 12:50, 1 hr flight). 14:30 Transfer (around 45 min) from Kuopio airport to Tahko. Meet your Tour Leader and coach at the airport to take you to the hotel. As a winter holiday destination Tahko is a magical winter wonderland and Finland's 4th largest ski resort. Tahko is a perfect destination for unforgettable Nordic adventures, offering over 250 year-round experiences in a uniquely beautiful setting. Less than an hour from urban city of Kuopio, the capital of Lakeland, Tahko blends snowy slopes, frozen lakes, and serene forests with cozy restaurants, welcoming accommodation, and the warm, genuine hospitality of the Savonian people. 15:15 Arrival and check in Tahko. 16:00 Depart for Forest Spa experience and dinner at Havu Kitchen & Bar Restaurant (2 hrs only adults Spa and then dinner at 19:00). 21:00 Transfer by snowcat back to the village (20 min each way). Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Tahko or similar.
Day 2: Tahko - Vuokatti
Reindeer Safari
Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast at 9:30 Check out. 09:45 Departure from Break Sokos Hotel Tahko to Safari House. 10:00-12:30 Reindeer safari and campfire coffee / warm beverage. At 14:00 Transfer (around 2 hrs) from Tahko to Vuokatti. As winter holiday destination Vuokatti is Finland's most versatile winter holiday destination - there's plenty to do every day of your winter holiday. Vuokatti is situated in the Arctic Lakeland region, the place that combines the Southern and Northern landscapes of Finland. The wide range of winter activities include e.g. cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, husky programs, ice-fishing, Finnish sauna experiences and ice-swimming. Vuokatti was labelled as Sustainable Travel Destination by Visit Finland in 2024. Nearest airport is Kajaani (35 min). 16:00 Arrival in Vuokatti and check in at Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti. The choice of travellers who value elegance in the middle of bustling holiday life. Vuokatti hills, waters and the vast network of trails, as well as wide choice of activities and services provided by the hotel, are the key to a satisfying, enjoyable and energizing holiday all year round. Dinner at your hotel, own arrangement. Suggestion: Restaurant Kippo offers the specialties of Finland and Kainuu region, having their own smoke cabin and using only the natural local ingredients for the dishes in the menu. 20:00 Optional Northern Lights Hunting by car. Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti or similar.
Optional Activities
Northern lights excursion on snowshoes €150
Searching for northern lights by car €200
Day 3: Vuokatti - Nurmes (North Karelia)
Huskies & Snowmobiles
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. 08:45 Transfer from the hotel to husky farm. 09:00-10:30 Visit to a Husky farm. Join us for a fun and memorable 3 km husky sled ride - an exhilarating journey through the winter landscape of Vuokatti. A ride shorter in length, it is suitable for all ages. The trail winds through snow covered fields and peaceful forest. Just sit back, relax and let our expert guide hold the reins, whilst you take it all in! After the ride ends, you will be invited to enjoy a hot cup of Finnish berry juice with some delicious biscuits! You'll also could then pet our huskies, take photographs and ask questions about the fascinating lives and traits of our dogs. Distance of ride: 3 km. Duration of ride: about 10 min. Total program duration: 45-60 min. You will be provided with a thermal overall and boots for your visit at the kennel farm. 10:30 Transfer from husky farm and free time at leisure. 13:30-15:30 Safari Center & Snowmobile safari (2 hrs, 20 km). Enjoy amazing winter scenery on a snowmobile safari! Your local guide will lead the way, as we drive safely into the winter wonderland by snowmobiles. We drive this safari with new, 2026 Touring model snowmobiles - due to new technology they're safer and more environmentally friendly as they produce lower emissions. On our way back we'll stop for a break and enjoy hot drinks & sweet snacks. This safari suits well for beginners too. The route length is about 20 km. Duration 2 h. You will be provided with a thermal overall, boots, balaclava, mittens and helmet at Safari Center. 15:30 Transfer (around 2 hrs) from Vuokatti to Bomba in North Karelia. Nestled on the shores of Lake Pielinen, Bomba is the perfect winter destination for those seeking authentic Finnish experiences. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of a traditional Karelian village, enjoy serene snowy landscapes, and explore a wide range of activities-from relaxing in world-class spa to thrilling adventures like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and husky safaris. 17:30 Arrival and check in to Break Sokos Hotel Bomba or similar. Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Bomba (spa option).
Day 4: Nurmes (North Karelia) - Koli
Baking Workshop & Koli Peaks
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. At 10:00 learn a new tasty skill; Karelian pie workshop at Bomba House! The authentic Karelian pie represents the best of the culinary traditions of North Karelia. In this delicious workshop at the Bomba log house, we bake our own pies under the guidance of a Karelian hostess! Immerse yourself in the Finnish culture by learning how to use the traditional baking tools used to prepare these much-loved delicacies. We will end the workshop with feasting on our freshly baked Karelian pies together. The rest is available as take-aways to be enjoyed later. The dough billets come from a local bakery, and the rice porridge filling is cooked in our own kitchen. 12:30 Transfer to Koli, the most loved national landscape of Finland. Koli is a dream destination. Its snow-covered hills and sweeping views over Lake Pielinen create the perfect backdrop for adventure. Koli combines stunning nature with winter activities. 14:00 Guided snowshoe tour/walking tour, Koli peaks - Feel Koli (1,5-2 h). Snowshoeing is the most popular winter activity in Koli. On a guided snowshoeing tour, we will learn the basics of snowshoeing and enjoy the beautiful nature and national landscape of Koli. An experienced wilderness guide will lead you to Koli's best spots following the marked snowshoe trail and some trails only they know. During the trip, we will visit the "Temple of Silence" and the famous Paha-, Akka-, and Ukko-Koli. Koli is the southernmost place in Finland where charming frost-covered trees form in winter. No prior experience in snowshoeing is required. Participants will be provided with reliable and easy-to-use snowshoes, which are good for walking on steeper, snowy, and icy terrain. Poles are also provided for additional support. 16:00 Optional: Nature Centre Ukko, guided tour by Retkipaikka and coffee break. Koli Nature Center Ukko introduces you to Finland's most famous national landscape, as well as the wilderness and traditional environments of Eastern Finland. With a focus on the national landscape, the basic exhibition allows you to explore the geology, nature, and culture of Koli National Park in depth. In the free hiking exhibition, you can safely learn the essentials of hiking and hiking etiquette. At the Nature Center, you can also receive advice and tips for hiking in Koli National Park and the broader North Korea biosphere area. 16:00 Transfer to hotel Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä. 16:30 Check in a Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä or similar. Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä.
Day 5: Farewell
Joensuu Airport Transfer
Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast check out and at 08:30 Transfer (around 1 hour) from Koli to Joensuu Airport. 09:30 Arrival at Joensuu Airport. Suggested flight: 10:55 Finnair flight AY342 from Joensuu to Helsinki. 12:00 Arrival at Helsinki Airport. End of our services. See you again in Scandinavia, Iceland & The Baltics.
Day 1: Arrival to Finland - Kuopio - Tahko
Welcome to Finland and Kuopio!
Arrive to Kuopio with flight or train (Suggested flight arrival: 13:50 Flight arrival from Helsinki to Kuopio depart at 12:50, 1 hr flight). 14:30 Transfer (around 45 min) from Kuopio airport to Tahko. Meet your Tour Leader and coach at the airport to take you to the hotel. As a winter holiday destination Tahko is a magical winter wonderland and Finland's 4th largest ski resort. Tahko is a perfect destination for unforgettable Nordic adventures, offering over 250 year-round experiences in a uniquely beautiful setting. Less than an hour from urban city of Kuopio, the capital of Lakeland, Tahko blends snowy slopes, frozen lakes, and serene forests with cozy restaurants, welcoming accommodation, and the warm, genuine hospitality of the Savonian people. 15:15 Arrival and check in Tahko. 16:00 Depart for Forest Spa experience and dinner at Havu Kitchen & Bar Restaurant (2 hrs only adults Spa and then dinner at 19:00). 21:00 Transfer by snowcat back to the village (20 min each way). Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Tahko or similar.
Day 2: Tahko - Vuokatti
Reindeer Safari
Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast at 9:30 Check out. 09:45 Departure from Break Sokos Hotel Tahko to Safari House. 10:00-12:30 Reindeer safari and campfire coffee / warm beverage. At 14:00 Transfer (around 2 hrs) from Tahko to Vuokatti. As winter holiday destination Vuokatti is Finland's most versatile winter holiday destination - there's plenty to do every day of your winter holiday. Vuokatti is situated in the Arctic Lakeland region, the place that combines the Southern and Northern landscapes of Finland. The wide range of winter activities include e.g. cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, husky programs, ice-fishing, Finnish sauna experiences and ice-swimming. Vuokatti was labelled as Sustainable Travel Destination by Visit Finland in 2024. Nearest airport is Kajaani (35 min). 16:00 Arrival in Vuokatti and check in at Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti. The choice of travellers who value elegance in the middle of bustling holiday life. Vuokatti hills, waters and the vast network of trails, as well as wide choice of activities and services provided by the hotel, are the key to a satisfying, enjoyable and energizing holiday all year round. Dinner at your hotel, own arrangement. Suggestion: Restaurant Kippo offers the specialties of Finland and Kainuu region, having their own smoke cabin and using only the natural local ingredients for the dishes in the menu. 20:00 Optional Northern Lights Hunting by car. Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti or similar.
Optional Activities
Northern lights excursion on snowshoes €150
Searching for northern lights by car €200
Day 3: Vuokatti - Nurmes (North Karelia)
Huskies & Snowmobiles
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. 08:45 Transfer from the hotel to husky farm. 09:00-10:30 Visit to a Husky farm. Join us for a fun and memorable 3 km husky sled ride - an exhilarating journey through the winter landscape of Vuokatti. A ride shorter in length, it is suitable for all ages. The trail winds through snow covered fields and peaceful forest. Just sit back, relax and let our expert guide hold the reins, whilst you take it all in! After the ride ends, you will be invited to enjoy a hot cup of Finnish berry juice with some delicious biscuits! You'll also could then pet our huskies, take photographs and ask questions about the fascinating lives and traits of our dogs. Distance of ride: 3 km. Duration of ride: about 10 min. Total program duration: 45-60 min. You will be provided with a thermal overall and boots for your visit at the kennel farm. 10:30 Transfer from husky farm and free time at leisure. 13:30-15:30 Safari Center & Snowmobile safari (2 hrs, 20 km). Enjoy amazing winter scenery on a snowmobile safari! Your local guide will lead the way, as we drive safely into the winter wonderland by snowmobiles. We drive this safari with new, 2026 Touring model snowmobiles - due to new technology they're safer and more environmentally friendly as they produce lower emissions. On our way back we'll stop for a break and enjoy hot drinks & sweet snacks. This safari suits well for beginners too. The route length is about 20 km. Duration 2 h. You will be provided with a thermal overall, boots, balaclava, mittens and helmet at Safari Center. 15:30 Transfer (around 2 hrs) from Vuokatti to Bomba in North Karelia. Nestled on the shores of Lake Pielinen, Bomba is the perfect winter destination for those seeking authentic Finnish experiences. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the enchanting atmosphere of a traditional Karelian village, enjoy serene snowy landscapes, and explore a wide range of activities-from relaxing in world-class spa to thrilling adventures like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and husky safaris. 17:30 Arrival and check in to Break Sokos Hotel Bomba or similar. Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Bomba (spa option).
Day 4: Nurmes (North Karelia) - Koli
Baking Workshop & Koli Peaks
Breakfast in the hotel. Check out. At 10:00 learn a new tasty skill; Karelian pie workshop at Bomba House! The authentic Karelian pie represents the best of the culinary traditions of North Karelia. In this delicious workshop at the Bomba log house, we bake our own pies under the guidance of a Karelian hostess! Immerse yourself in the Finnish culture by learning how to use the traditional baking tools used to prepare these much-loved delicacies. We will end the workshop with feasting on our freshly baked Karelian pies together. The rest is available as take-aways to be enjoyed later. The dough billets come from a local bakery, and the rice porridge filling is cooked in our own kitchen. 12:30 Transfer to Koli, the most loved national landscape of Finland. Koli is a dream destination. Its snow-covered hills and sweeping views over Lake Pielinen create the perfect backdrop for adventure. Koli combines stunning nature with winter activities. 14:00 Guided snowshoe tour/walking tour, Koli peaks - Feel Koli (1,5-2 h). Snowshoeing is the most popular winter activity in Koli. On a guided snowshoeing tour, we will learn the basics of snowshoeing and enjoy the beautiful nature and national landscape of Koli. An experienced wilderness guide will lead you to Koli's best spots following the marked snowshoe trail and some trails only they know. During the trip, we will visit the "Temple of Silence" and the famous Paha-, Akka-, and Ukko-Koli. Koli is the southernmost place in Finland where charming frost-covered trees form in winter. No prior experience in snowshoeing is required. Participants will be provided with reliable and easy-to-use snowshoes, which are good for walking on steeper, snowy, and icy terrain. Poles are also provided for additional support. 16:00 Optional: Nature Centre Ukko, guided tour by Retkipaikka and coffee break. Koli Nature Center Ukko introduces you to Finland's most famous national landscape, as well as the wilderness and traditional environments of Eastern Finland. With a focus on the national landscape, the basic exhibition allows you to explore the geology, nature, and culture of Koli National Park in depth. In the free hiking exhibition, you can safely learn the essentials of hiking and hiking etiquette. At the Nature Center, you can also receive advice and tips for hiking in Koli National Park and the broader North Korea biosphere area. 16:00 Transfer to hotel Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä. 16:30 Check in a Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä or similar. Overnight in Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä.
Day 5: Farewell
Joensuu Airport Transfer
Breakfast in the hotel. After breakfast check out and at 08:30 Transfer (around 1 hour) from Koli to Joensuu Airport. 09:30 Arrival at Joensuu Airport. Suggested flight: 10:55 Finnair flight AY342 from Joensuu to Helsinki. 12:00 Arrival at Helsinki Airport. End of our services. See you again in Scandinavia, Iceland & The Baltics.
INCLUSIONS
Hotel: 4 nights' accommodation in the hotels listed or similar, including breakfast (DAY 1, 2, 3, & 4).
Dinner: Gourmet Dinner (DAY 1).
Lunch: Karelian pie workshop (traditional Finnish baking) (DAY 4).
Bus: Round-trip transportation on a snowcat from Tahko village with return (DAY 1).
Coach: Coach services from DAY 1-5.
Tour leader: English speaking tour leader from DAY 1-5.
Activities/entrance: Forest Spa experience (DAY 1), Reindeer safari with campfire (DAY 2), Husky sled ride (3 km) + kennel visit (DAY 3), Snowmobile Safari 2hrs (DAY 3), and Guided snowshoe tour in Koli National Park (DAY 4).
EXCLUSIONS
Flights.
Drinks.
Lunches and dinners not mentioned.
Tips & personal expenses.
Luggage transport.
* The prices are per person in US Dollars, unless expressly specified in a different currency. In that case, payment will be in US dollars at the exchange rate of the day.
** Rates are correct at the time of publication. All prices will be re-confirmed by email at the time of booking.
NOTE: Embracing the unexpected is part of the legacy—and excitement—of expedition travel. When traveling in extremely remote regions, your expedition staff must allow the sea, the ice and the weather to guide route and itinerary details. This itinerary is a tentative outline of what you’ll experience on this voyage; please be aware that no specific itinerary can be guaranteed.
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