This program is a real invitation to discover Lapland nature. Along the Russian border and the Arctic Circle, you fully become aware of the immensity of the taiga, the multitude of lakes, and the variety of Arctic landscapes.
An itinerant 4 day canoeing on the rivers Hossanjoki Oulankajoki with nights in the heart of nature will immerse you in the atmosphere of travel of yesteryear.
In addition, hiking in Hossa and Oulanka parks through the famous trek of the Bear will offer you a fresh approach to the Finnish vastness.
Eventually you will have during the free day the opportunity to learn more about the region and discover the park on your own.
An ideal stay for nature lovers.
Transfers from/to Kuusamo airport
Accomodation: 7 nights in hotel and 3 nights in trapper huts or tents
Full board from D1 dinner to D8 breakfast
Activities supervised by professional guides and by english-speaking Finn for bears watch
Accomodation
Our basecamp is located in the heart of Hossa Park, 100km away from any village or shop. Our conception of tourisme has nothing to do with mass tourism hubs like Rovaniemi, Ivalo or Kittila. No Santa Claus Village with us! There are 23 inhabitants around Hossa and most of them are reindeer farmers. Indeed, there are more bears living up there than inhabitants!
We are living there in autonomy and are working in deep cooperation with the National Forrest Service which runs Hossa Park development.
During your stay, you will not have many opportunities to meet local people since there are very few of them.
During your stay, you will be accommodated for 7 nights in our hotel or cottages and for 3 nights in a trapper cabin:
- Hotel and Cottages
Our hotel is ideally located beside a conserved lake. The hotel has 26 rooms (single, double and triple). All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom with shower, practical storage units, a T.V with international channels. Bed linens and towels are provided. Nearby your room, you have free access to our 2 saunas. After an energetic sport day, you will enjoy relaxing in this wooden piece of peace ! One sauna is reserved for women, and another one is reserved for men.
Here is another accommodation option: the cottages (on request, subject to availability) :
The « Classical » cottage, with an only room with living room/kitchen, twin or bunked beds, private bathroom and sauna : + 150$ pp / week
The « Premium » cottage, with a separated room with double bed, living room, kitchen, private bathroom and sauna: + 170$ pp / week
Bed linens and towels are provided.
- Trapper cabins:
These are log cabins just like mountain refuges. The comfort is basic. These accommodations consist of a single dormitory or a room for 4 to 6 people with one main living room. There is no running water or electricity. The room is heated by a wood-stove. Despite cold weather outside, the room is quickly warmed up by the stove and we easily get to fine temperatures inside. There are dry toilets outside. The cabins are all equipped with a traditional sauna. They are full of charm and that’s why we love them!
Meals / Food
Finland is not a land of gastronomy, even though some specialties are delicious! Because of weather conditions and our isolated location, fresh products are quite rare. During your stay we will offer you simple dishes which will fit your energetic needs. You will also have the opportunity to taste some Finnish specialties such as marinated or grilled salmon, salmon soup, reindeer stew or traditional cakes.
A generous buffet breakfast will be served at the hotel restaurant, as well as dinners when you sleep at the hotel.
For the activity days :
For lunch, you will enjoy a picnic with wood-fire grilled food
For your nights in trapper cabin you will prepare and share a dinner together with your guide
Guiding
Activities supervised by arctic specialist and English speaking guides. Ask for the availability of a guide who can speak your own language!
Transport
In 4X4 vehicle, canoeing, hiking.
Flights to get to Kuusamo
Extra transfers for arrival in another aiport
Children discount (contact us)
Your cancellation / repatriation insurance: we do not offer insurance against cancellation and / or repatriation. We strongly advise you to subscribe to this kind of insurance and bring your documents with you while traveling.
To be paid on site :
Personal expenses
Drinks
The evening and the dinner at the reindeers' farm: 40 euros/pers.
The optional rental of a floor mat and a duve: 15 euros/item plus 50 euros deposit
Clothes to take
The clothes from head to toe:
A pair of walking shoes.
They must join three qualities: solidity, held ankles and impermeability. Choose shoes with nonskid soles, with cleats and relatively rigid, although they must cling to field
A pair of rubber boots or neoprene booties to cross rivers
Pairs of wool socks
Mountain jacket or a good waterproof jacket
A down jacket (optional)
The most efficient jackets against the wind and rain are Gore-tex or Micropore,"breathable" matter which allows fast wicking away of perspiration. warm sweater or polar fleece. The latter has the advantage of being resistant, warm, lightweight, quick-drying with a soft touch. Most appropriate, well known to mountaineers are Polartec, Carline and Ulfrotté fibers.
Warm wool shirt or carline
Underwear top and bottom. This is the first insulation you have, take care of it. Fine technical fibers such as Carline or Polartec are very efficient, warm, soft, comfortable and light. They dry very quickly.
Waterproof trek pants
A swimsuit
A hat or cap
A hike short
T-shirts: avoid cotton and favor breathable and technical matters which dries quickly.
under sweater
polar fleece
A towel for sauna
Outerwear at night
A pair of gloves or glove liners and wool cap
Slippers or sneakers for the cottage
Equipment to take
A warm sleeping bag (comfort temperature 10-15 ° C) for the nights in tents and bagsheet
Foam or self-inflating floor mattress
High protection sun glasses
A kit of personal pharmacy
A headlamp with spare batteries and bulbs (from August)
A knife
Toilet paper + lighter
Sunscreen (face and lips)
A flask of 1 liter minimum, light and isothermal
Plastic bags for sealing the your belongings or a waterproof bag
Anti mosquitos spray and soothing cream
A Notepad
A camera
Anti mosquitos net
Luggage
Your belongings must be distributed into 2 bags :
1- A suitcase or flexible travelling bag (max. 20kg)
2- A backpack (30 to 40L) for your usual belongings that you will bring with you while practicing the activities
Wildlife Viewing
Canoe, Hiking and Fishing with the Bears
Hossa, Finland
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