LAPLAND FAMILY ADVENTURE HOLIDAY
The Nightless Night
Summers in Finland are short but sweet. For three brief months, temperatures rise as high as 30°C and the Nordic wilderness basks under piercing blue skies for 24 hours a day. Emerging from behind a cloak of perpetual darkness, Finns embrace the summer with renewed vigour. Boats of every description emerge from hibernation, lakes echo with enthusiastic swimmers and gourmet picnics, fueled by a smorgasbord of seasonal treats like buckthorn berries and sweet peas, become the daily norm. Trees burst forth with leaves and the countryside is abuzz with life.
If you and your family ever had an urge to embrace the great outdoors then this is the trip for you. Hike the national park trails to spot elk, wolves, bears and lynx, try your hand at kindling the perfect blaze in the sauna stove, grab a canoe or a raft, go in search of rare inland seals or catch pikeperch to barbeque for dinner. The epitome of a blissful, Enid Blytonesque summer holiday.
What's included
- Flights: International return flights from UK regional airports to Kittila (KTT), Ivalo (IVL) or Kuusamo (KAO)
- Transport: Car hire from airport pick-up to airport drop-off
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a wilderness lodge or cottage
- Meals: Self-catering basis
- Trip Pack: Key family-friendly information about the country you are visiting with links to reviewed activity providers, places to eat, travel blogs and fun facts
Trip highlights
- Experience the land of the midnight sun and its vast tracts of Arctic tundra, lake and forest
- Hike in Oulanka National Park following the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail
- Enjoy wild swimming in freshwater lakes with temperatures around 15-20 degrees – brrr!
- Taste the smorgasbord of summer treats on offer such as crayfish, lingonberries and wild mushrooms
- Experience a Finnish summer festival dedicated to jazz, opera, film or even tango
- Relax in a daily sauna (or two)
- Enjoy a whole host of optional outdoor activities such as white-water rafting, canoeing, bear watching, horse riding, fishing or visiting a reindeer farm (yep, they’re still there in the summer)
Key facts
- When can we go? July & August
- What type of tour is it? Private family tour with optional guided activities
- Who is it suitable for? Families seeking pristine wilderness and remote solitude, bear lovers, foodies and adventure seekers
- What is the minimum age? We would recommend a minimum age of 6 years for this trip but this is just a guide; our itineraries can be adapted, no problem, for families with younger children
Guide price
We publish ‘guideline prices’ for both the high and low season to give a reasonable estimate of what you might expect to pay per person based on a family of four (two adults, two children) - to get an accurate price based on your estimated departure date and party size please contact us directly
Guide Price: Jul & Aug - £795 pp
WHAT WE OFFER
- Wandering Tribe offers true wilderness trips to the very north of Finnish Lapland where there are very few people - just lots of trees!
- We provide you with the basic fabric for a memorable family holiday – flights from the UK, your accommodation in a 4* log cabin or cottage and car hire.
- These essentials give you the freedom to tailor-make your own trip. Go where and when you want for a whole week. Take your time and do it your way.
- We also provide you with an information pack containing links to reviewed activity providers (in terms of past customer ratings, safety and value for money), recommended family-friendly places to eat, tips for driving and any recommended cultural activities. Your entire trip research presented to you in a handy pack.
RESORT OPTIONS
Kuusamo/Ruka
Kuusamo is situated deep in forest country. In summer, wildflowers carpet the meadows, salmon leap up river and the sun simply refuses to set. Enjoy kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding on the shimmering lakes, white-water rafting on the Oulanka River, swimming in the crystal clear water or watching brown bears from a cosy hide. In the nearby Oulanka National Park, it is possible to hike the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail (Small Bear’s Trail) in an afternoon which winds through forests and canyons. The park also boasts roaring waterfalls, winding rivers and rolling hills. Cross spectacular gorges along hanging bridges, spot leaping trout and pick wild strawberries.
CONTACT US
Wandering Tribe has travelled to all of the destinations that we feature and we like nothing better than talking about them. If you would like further information about these tours or a tailor-made quote then please contact us on 07392 742333. Alternatively you can fill in the contact form and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
ACTIVITY OPTIONS
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
In the summer, the white waters around Kuusamo roar like an angry lion and the foam crested waves resemble small ice floes. The warmer temperatures and snow melt creates fast flowing water and a fabulous opportunity for shooting the rapids. Families can choose which ‘grade’ rapid they would like to ride through pristine forest and rugged canyons.
You will be provided with all the necessary equipment (rubber boots, life vest, helmet etc.) and transferred to your starting point where you will be given a full safety briefing and the basics in raft etiquette. This will most definitely be one of the highlights of your week in Finland.
CANOEING
Oulanka National Park has some absolute gems for those that like to paddle. The most suitable part of the river for families is from below Kiutaköngäs rapids to Jäkälämutka. Stop to make a campfire and enjoy lunch at one of the sandy beaches along the way. You will probably see all kinds of wildlife such as eagles, reindeer and bear tracks along the way (quiet children probably a pre-requisite).
BEAR WATCHING
Observe the majestic European brown bears that roam the nearby national parks from secluded log hides. Usually situated in an open wetland area, the hides have been designed to offer the best opportunity to observe the bears (and thankfully also includes a toilet!). The bears often emerge at dusk to forage for food with the cubs often playing and climbing trees. The forests are also home to the Siberian Jay, White Tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle and Black Kite. A photographers dream!
HIKING
Finland in summer is a hiker’s paradise! Expect meadows carpeted with wildflowers and flocks of migrating birds returning to nest. Take a guided hike or simply explore on your own. The Kiutaköngäs trail (2 km) has magnificent river scenery, majestic red dolomite walls and the Oulankajoki rapids. Slightly longer recommended trails include the Hiiden Hurmos (5 km) and Rytisuo Nature Trail (5 km). The Kanjonin Kurkkaus (6 km) leads through forest terrain in northern Oulanka and showcases an amazing view of the Oulanka canyon. Perhaps the most famous day trail the Pieni Karhunkierros (12 km) has spectacular scenery. Expect hanging bridges, waterfalls and rapids plus wilderness huts and campfire spots to take a well earned rest.
FISHING
With so many bodies of water there is no shortage of places to fish. Finland’s waters are home to about 60 species of fish including pike, perch, grayling, powan and salmon. Buy a fishing permit, grab your wellies and rods and you are good to go. This activity is probably best suited to children with lots of patience (a rare species in the Wandering Tribe household).
HORSERIDING
The rolling fells of Lapland were made for horse riding. Awaken your inner cowboy – or cowgirl – as you ride across the wide-open wilderness on your new best friend. For those that require a little less sleep you could also take this tour late in the day to witness the full majesty of the midnight sun. A magically disorientating ride!
