This journey takes you to explore the area of Wild Taiga situated in eastern Finland close to the Russian border. Untouched nature, pure air and silence offer great circumstances for relaxing holidays. The wide forests of the area are full of life – this environment is home for many animals like bear, wolverine, wolf, lynx, flying squirrel etc. During this tour you will get to know better bears, wolverines and beavers. Additionally you will try eg. exciting rapid shooting and get to know with all senses the traditional Kalevala culture.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet the wolverines
Arrival at Kuopio airport and transfer to Koli. In the harbour of Koli we will take the ferry MF Pielinen that takes us over the Lake Pielinen until the harbour of Lieksa. On the ferry we will enjoy delicious Karelian lunch and admire the beautiful lake scenery. From Lieksa we will be transfered (30 km) to the cabin Keljänpuro. We will get some information about the programme and set off for the wolverine trip with the guide. We will spend the whole night until approx. 6 am in the hut observing wolverines.
Day 2: Shoot the rapids
We take breakfast in cabin Keljänpuro and after some rest we will go on to the Ruunaa hiking area. On the way we will stop at the Ruunaa Visitor Centre where we will get to know an exhibition on the area’s nature and history. Our next destination is Matkalahti where we will take part in a speedy rapid shooting trip on a traditional wooden boat. In the end of the tour we will enjoy Karelian wilderness lunch, outdoors of course. In the afternoon transfer to Kuhmo and accommodation at the Hotel Kalevala.
Day 3: Canoing to beaver nest
Today’s excursion takes us canoeing to the habitat of beavers. We will paddle using open Indian canoes on a small lake and stream situated in the middle of the wildwood. We will see a huge beaver’s nest and dams made by beavers. With good luck we can see beavers, however they normally show themselves night-time. We will enjoy picnic lunch on the shore of the lake. In the evening it is possible to participate in an overnight beaver observation trip (extra charge) which gives the participants a chance to observe beavers from a hut. Accommodation at the Hotel Kalevala.
Day 4: In the spirit of Kalevala
This morning we will visit the Kalevala Spirit Experience Park. During the guided tour we will get to know the folk traditions behind the Finland’s national epic Kalevala with all our senses – we will taste Finnish flavours, hear stories about Kalevala, see an exhibition and even meet the smith Seppo Ilmarinen at his work.
For the afternoon we have tree optional activities available. First option is a guided hiking trip to Jämäsvaara including coffee break around the fire. Secondly it is possible to visit Juminkeko which is an information centre on Kalevala and Karelian culture in Kuhmo. Last option is an exciting rapid swim (extra charge) in Pajakkakoski rapid wearing a floating suit. Accommodation at Hotel Kalevala.
Day 5: Observe the Brown Bears
After breakfast we will visit Petola Visitor Centre providing information on Finland’s large carnivores – bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. In the afternoon we will set off for a bear safari to meet the majestic European brown bears. We will observe bears from purpose-built log cabins where we stay until morning.
Day 6: Departure
We will return from the bear observation cabins around 7 am. We enjoy breakfast and rest for a couple of hours. Sauna and showers are available at the hotel (not in rooms but the hotel’s public sauna). Before noon we will take a transfer to Kuopio airport. Lunch will be enjoyed on the way.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Accommodation: 3 nights in double rooms at the Hotel Kalevala, single supplement 80 eur / person
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 6 are not included)
- Airport transfers and local transfers according to the programme
- Ferry fare on MF Pielinen (day 1)
Activities included:
- Wolverine observation night with guide and snack
- Rapid shooting trip in Ruunaa, duration approx. 3 hours
- Canoeing trip to a beaver nest, duration 4 – 5 hours
- Hiking tour in Jämäsvaara (4 km), duration approx. 3 hours, including snack
- Bear observation night with guide and snack
Price Excludes:
- Overnight beaver observation trip (in hut) on day 3
- Rapid swim in Pajakkakoski rapid in Kuhmo on day 4
- Hiking trip in Iso-Palonen on day 5.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Finland
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Multi-activity
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