Explore the remote snowy wilderness of Oulanka National Park with a chance to see the Northern Lights
In the heart of Finland’s Oulanka National Park is Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming huddle of wooden lodges overlooking Juuma Lake. From here, explore one of the most sparsely populated areas in Europe by snowshoe, ski and dog sled, including a nighttime snowshoe excursion in search of the Northern Lights. With all Arctic gear provided, plus winter wilderness experts by your side, you’ll feel completely at home in this remote, snowy wonderland.
One of Our Top Recommended Trips for 2026… Here’s Why If you’re as much of a travel addict as I am, you will have read that winter escapes are the hot thing – but not as we once knew them. Travellers are trading busy ski resorts for untouched frontiers and wilder experiences, and that’s the essence of this trip. A true adventure in wintery Nordic landscapes−Garance Chuzel, destination expert
All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Basecamp Oulanka)
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Specialist Arctic winter equipment and clothing provided
Don't Forget To
Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.
Highlights
Discover Finland’s remote winter wonderland from the comfort of Basecamp Oulanka
Snowshoe through the Oulanka landscape under the guidance of our local tour leader
Master the basics of cross-country skiing – the soft snow cushioning our gentle tumbles
Make friends with a pack of huskies on a dog-sledding adventure in Riisitunturi National Park
Learn the art of quinzee-building and other wilderness skills from an expert
Snowshoe at night with a chance of catching the Northern Lights
Itinerary
First Destination:
Basecamp Oulanka
Next Destination:
Basecamp Oulanka
Meals included:Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Meals included:Breakfast
First Destination:
Basecamp Oulanka
Next Destination:
Basecamp Oulanka
Begin your adventure at Basecamp Oulanka, a welcoming complex of wooden buildings in a remote location overlooking Juuma Lake and backing onto Oulanka National Park.
Around 6pm, say hei to your tour leader and fellow travellers in the main lodge of Basecamp Oulanka, where we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.
Your tour leader then ensures a big Finnish welcome over dinner together.
Want to explore further? Secure pre-tour nights through your sales representative.
Meals included:Dinner
In the morning, we are provided with all the equipment needed for a week of activities in Arctic conditions. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes, head straight into Oulanka National Park where we are taught the necessary skills for this activity. Our route (approximately 2hr 30min) takes us through forests and along the Kitka River, passing an old flour mill adjacent to the dramatic Myllykoski rapids.
After lunch, you can choose to do further self-guided snowshoeing in the surrounding area or relax in Basecamp’s sauna or hot tub.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Experience the Scandinavian-born sport of cross-country skiing. By the lake, our instructor literally walks us through the basics. There may be a few tumbles to begin, but this is half the fun in the soft snow. After becoming more confident, we head onto the lake, gliding through the untouched snow. During your stay at Basecamp, there is the option of further unguided skiing in the area during your free time. Alternatively, you might wish to try kick sledging, a metal-frame sled you can use on your own and venture out around Basecamp.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, take a bus transfer to a husky farm on the edge of Riisitunturi National Park, where we meet our dogsledding guide. The day begins with learning how to ride the sled and the importance of caring for the huskies correctly. We then head into the woods, where our dog teams are ready to take us on our 6mi (10km) mushing adventure. Our route follows a gently rolling forest trail into the wilderness. Travelling two per sled, you can really appreciate the serenity of this snow-laden landscape. We have lunch at the husky farm and the afternoon is free to experience some of the optional activities Basecamp offers. This evening, we head out for nighttime snowshoeing, in search of the Northern Lights.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day at the popular ski resort of Ruka. Your guide takes care of transfers and can book activities for you. Group transfers are included only to the designated areas and are scheduled at specific times, we advise checking at reception before making your activities booking. Downhill skiing and snowmobile safaris are available. See ‘Optional excursions’ in the Trip Notes for more. Due to operational reasons, the bookings for activities in Ruka need to be made by Tuesday.
Meals included:Breakfast, Dinner
Learn the ancient art of quinzee building. Provided shovels and spades, we create a mound of snow, which is hollowed out to make sleeping quarters (two to three per quinzee). You have the option of sleeping in your construction, but the lodge is just a short walk away if you prefer the warmth of your room.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a free day with several options to make the most of the magical wilderness. Available activities include a guided snowshoeing trip to Riisitunturi National Park with its snow-covered trees creating a photogenic white forest, unguided cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris. As a farewell celebration, we have a wonderful four-course dinner back at Basecamp.
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trip ends after breakfast and we begin our return journey home. If you want to extend your time in Finland please speak to your sales representative who will be happy to advise.
Meals included:Breakfast
Dates & Prices
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This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
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Sunday 22 Feb 2026 to Sunday 01 Mar 2026
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Sunday 01 Mar 2026 to Sunday 08 Mar 2026
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Sunday 08 Mar 2026 to Sunday 15 Mar 2026
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Sunday 05 Apr 2026 to Sunday 12 Apr 2026
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Your Group, Your Adventure
Want to choose your travel companions? Gather your family and friends and let us create a Private Adventure just for you.
Overlooking Juuma Lake and the national park after which it was named, Basecamp Oulanka is our welcoming home in the remote Finnish wilderness. The magical complex comprises a series of wooden structures: the twin rooms are split across two separate buildings, while a third building houses a restaurant and bar with a log fire, plus a sauna and outdoor hot tub.
Built in 1998 with sustainability in mind, the complex is heated using special wood pellets for fuel. It is also a member of The Long Run Foundation, which comes with a commitment to building a ‘sustainable future through a balance of conservation, community, culture and commerce’.
Worth knowing
Multiple Exodus trips run at Basecamp Oulanka concurrently and you might share the room with a member of a different group.
There are Exodus family groups at Basecamp during school holidays
Introducing Joonas
An expert in snowshoeing and wilderness survival, Joonas is the person you want to guide you through the snowy landscapes around Basecamp Oulanka.
This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
Activities: This is a mixed-activity week with an excellent balance of guided activities and free time for independent exploration or relaxation. None of the activities require previous experience; however, a good level of fitness is needed to make the most of this adventure.
Provided equipment: Basecamp provides excellent kit for the conditions, with a layered system allowing you to keep warm and dry.
Key information
Start hotel: Basecamp Oulanka, Myllykoskentie 30, 93900 Kuusamo, Finland Phone: +358 40 0509741 Recommended arrival time: Check-in is from 4pm. There will be a welcome briefing around 6pm this evening. Airport: Kuusamo Airport (KAO) or Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) – please check with your sales representative which airport is best for your departure
Getting to the start hotel
We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Finland
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Finland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All breakfasts, five lunches and seven evening meals are included.
The food at Basecamp is a delicious range of locally sourced (Finnish food) prepared by the in-house chef.
Starters consist of a salad buffet with three to four different choices. The main courses consist of wild game such as elk, chicken and salmon. Vegetarian options are also available. Dessert consists of lingonberries, blueberries and cloudberries, which have often been picked by the chefs. These berries are served with a selection of quark kurd, cream, ice cream, cakes and pancakes.
Lunch is normally a hot soup with elk, salmon or a vegetarian option.
If you have any dietary requirements, please inform your customer operations executive at the time of booking, so Basecamp can prepare. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free diets are easily catered for on this trip.
In the regions close to the Arctic Circle, temperatures during the season range from -30C to 5C (-22F to 41F). Christmas is normally the coldest (usually below -20C/-4), but the temperatures rise as the days lengthen, and early April can see temperatures around -10C to 5C (14F to 41F). Recent years have seen massive fluctuations in the space of a few weeks with lows of -40C (-40F) and highs of 7C (47F) just a few days apart. If the thought of such temperatures scares you, then think again. When dressed in the Arctic clothing provided, with insulated boots, woolly hat and large mittens, -20C (-4F) can feel very pleasant. The Arctic cold is a dry cold, there is usually no wind, and we will keep you active.
Daylight hours
At extreme latitudes, the days shorten and lengthen much faster. So, while in midwinter (December/January) the sun remains just below the horizon, by April there are more daylight hours than in the UK, and the midnight sun is only weeks away. Even in midwinter, it is not dark, as the sun is just above the horizon and there is plenty of light reflected off the snow.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are visible from September to late April on most clear nights at latitudes close to and above the Arctic Circle. They can be seen further south but will be less spectacular and less frequent. Solar activity is greater around the equinoxes (September and March), and at lower latitudes, this can be the best time to see them. At Basecamp, you need to have a clear window of weather with no clouds, and then your chances of seeing them are quite good as there is hardly any light pollution. With most Northern Lights tours starting from Arctic cities, you have to drive a bit of a distance to avoid the light pollution. The benefit of Basecamp is that, if the conditions are good, you just need to go outside and look up.
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.
On this trip, we:
Learn the ancient local art of quinzee building with the chance to sleep in your temporary shelter and immerse yourself in cultural heritage
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
You have to try it! I loved the cosy wooden chalet nested in snowy landscapes, trying new activities with the group and by myself, the tasty salmon soup, sitting by the fireplace in the evening, and the variety of optional activities - especially the ice swimming/sauna experience and the Riisitunturi...
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing on a frozen lake at night and being lucky enough to witness the Northern lights crossing the sky.
Walking in the forest and enjoying the silence, just hearing the crisp sound of snow under my feet.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Joonas was the best. Super friendly and approachable, very helpful to explain the snowshoeing and cross country skiing techniques and to book optional activities, very knowledgeable about the area and its fauna (was always looking for animal tracks!).
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go for it, you won't regret it. It's all it promises and more. Full of nice surprises as well, I won't say more!
Mark Bershatsky
Rating: 5
What an adventure!
A whole week's worth of "things I've never done before" experiences! A wide variety of winter-oriented activities, each of them special in their own right. Basecamp provided some great accomodations (both food and lodging) and the guides were first class. Strongly recommend for anyone who is looking for a winter...
Most Inspirational Moment
Touring the dog kennel and going dog sledding.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Top notch
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you like winter-oriented activities, you're missing out if you don't consider this trip.
Gail Hopper
Rating: 5
Maybe the best so far?
A fantastic trip, where I became bored with hearing myself use the word magical. Great setting, fabulous activities, super guides and instruction, wonderful company, good food and accommodation and the Aurora to boot. What was not to like?
Most Inspirational Moment
Had these daily, started with the thick, hoar frost covered trees, on day 2, the snow-shoe walking experience, cross country skiing on day 3, husky sledding on day 4, followed by the night time snow shoe walking experience, when the Aurora appeared - which was stunning, and so it went on, with a free day downhill skiing, quinzie building and our attempt to sleep in it - again, the northern lights put in an appearance, making it quite magical ( and freezing cold 🥶🥶, finishing with a wonderful snowy day in the Riistitunuri National Park snowshoeing through the deepest powder.
It was difficult to find fault - other than the tiny sized cups at breakfast, small bath towels, but that was the worst it got.
All technical equipment and clothing provided for those who wanted to use it, lovely warm and clean rooms, good comfort food and friendly helpful staff.
Basecamp Oulanka is in a beautiful location, with opportunities for us to practice our newly acquired skills to explore the area in our free time.
Also enjoyed using the sauna and outdoor hot tub.
We enjoyed the week and laughed a lot with a lovely group of people. One of our best Exodus holidays without doubt.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Tuomas and Joonas were our guides - both lovely people, were very supportive and each gave good instruction and encouragement.
Quite different styles but each was patient and had a dry sense of humour, creating opportunities for us to get the most from our experience.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take as much or as little technical clothing as you wish -other than base layers, it’s all provided. It’s clean and decent quality, but I just preferred to use my own as I already owned it. Certainly no need to buy any.
Go with an open mind, join in and try everything that is available - it really was the greatest fun. I didn’t expect to particularly enjoy the snowshoe walking but now a complete convert. If it’s a trip you’ve considered just go for it, as it really is a very special experience.
Lynn Tuson
Rating: 5
Finnish wilderness week 2024
Great trip - exceeded my expectation
Most Inspirational Moment
Being in such a remote area with so much snow! Building and sleeping in a quizzed
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great
Advice for Potential Travellers
go for it
Siobhan Hanrahan
Rating: 5
Winter wonderland
Fantastic week from start to finish. Great food and comfortable accommodation, equipment great also.
Most Inspirational Moment
Nothern lights
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our guide was a kind and sweet man, he was clearly passionate about nature and was more than happy to share his knowledge about our surroundings
Advice for Potential Travellers
Spend time getting to know the others in the group.
Suggestions
Only one negative comment- on the last day 13 people from the group went to Riisitunturi, by bus, we hiked with our guide and cooked a sausage on the fire. This cost 200€ per person. I think the cost of the outing was excessive based on what we did.
Susan Essex
Rating: 5
Wonderful week of variety in a stunning setting
This was a lovely week of many different activities in beautiful surroundings staying in a comfortable environment.
Most Inspirational Moment
Husky dog sledding
Thoughts on Group Leader
Timo was excellent. He really knew the wilderness environment and was in touch with it. A calm soul who really enhanced the whole experience and was very helpful.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want an introduction to many winter activities, this is the holiday for you. The fact that all specialist clothing and equipment is provided is a real bonus. Basecamp Oulanka is very comfortable and they feed you extremely well, you certainly won't go hungry.
Suggestions
The sauna and hot tub are a welcome treat at the end of activities. All in all a fabulous week which I wouldn't hesitate in recommending.
Richard Garraway
Rating: 5
My first winter activity trip
I normally go somewhere warm in February, but thought I would try something different this year. Reading the reviews convinced me to try this trip, and it was a very good decision.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in snowshoes on a forest trail and stopping to light a fire to toast marshmallows.
Dog sledding from the husky farm.
Driving a snowmobile for the first time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Both Tuomas and Elina were both very friendly and good teachers of the outdoor skills. Tuomas in particular was a great advocate of saunas.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Invest in some pairs of good merino blend socks and a hat. Everything else is provided, but your own base layer is a good idea to ensure a good fit.
Day time temperatures during our week in February varied from -20C to +1C, so a selection of layers was key. The sunshine and lack of wind meant -20C was not a problem.
The rooms have underfloor heating, so we were advised to lay everything out at night to dry and air clothes.
Suggestions
Overall a trip that lived up to high expectations.
Nathalie Shillito
Rating: 5
Variety, fun and a great group
A brilliant "taster" holiday with so many different activities on offer and all in beautiful deep snow. Every day offered a new experience, either as part of the programme or as an option: snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, husky-sledding, visiting a reindeer farm, building a quinzee, downhill skiing and snowmobiling. During the...
Most Inspirational Moment
Every day was fun and novel but the husky-sledding was very special. The dogs we saw at their farm were so well cared for with plenty of inside and outside space. They were so gentle too, loving a stroke and a fuss after their 10km run. Their excitement was off the scale once they were harnessed and ready to run; they LOVE it!
The reindeer visit was lovely too: a short 300m plod as opposed to a 10km sprint but we were able to feed the year-old animals and stroke them if we were quick!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina was our main group leader and she was fabulous! Her English is excellent and she has a wicked sense of humour. She inspired confidence with the new outdoor activities we tried and is an expert shoveller for quinzee building. We learnt so much about northern Finnish culture and history from her in her "guide hour" and she was always available to help with anything.
Tuomas was the other guide whose love of nature and the wilderness were inspiring. His English is also superb and we loved looking at tracks in the snow to guess which animal had left them or learning about the precious lichen hanging from branches among other things.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Much has been mentioned in previous reviews which are vey helpful.
The group of 18 travellers on this tour was such a special bunch of people. We all got on so well and laughed a lot. Although most people were aged over 50, there were also people in their 30s and 40s who didn't seem to mind being with us more "mature" folk!
There's decent wifi in the dining room and bedrooms and a wood-burning stove in the dining room to keep you cosy at all times.
It turns out that 2 sets of fleece base layers are provided - along wot all outer wear - and it was recommended that we wear those next to our skin. I preferred to wear my own base layers next to my skin with a fleece layer on top. Woollen socks are the best for your feet and you can wear them for more than one day. The weather was mild for our week: hovering around 0 degrees so we were not cold at all but the huskies and reindeer were boiling!
We didn't get to see the Northern Lights as it was cloudy every day so it's probably best not to set your heart on seeing them.
I have back problems but was able to do all of the activities. I didn't go snowmobiling but people said it was very bumpy. Don't forget to take your driving licence if you want to do that activity.
Jennifer Willott
Rating: 5
Amazing!
Absolutely amazing week, stunning scenery, great group and fantastic guide!
Most Inspirational Moment
So many fantastic moments! I think the day that stands out most was having fun making and sleeping in a quinzee, as it's such a once in a lifetime experience.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elina was absolutely amazing, really friendly, helpful and always checking that everyone was warm and happy. She also ran a guide hour on several days where she talked about Finnish seasons, culture and history, which were really interesting.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The kit provided was brilliant and we had easy access to more kit if needed so beyond a thermal base layer you genuinely don't need to bring many clothes at all.
Janice Hyde
Rating: 4
Basecamp Oulanka
Brilliant week in the snow of Finland learning new skills and having fun.
Most Inspirational Moment
All the activities were awesome
Thoughts on Group Leader
All the staff at Basecamp Oulanka were welcoming and helpful. We had 2 instructors / leaders who were brilliant.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As other reviews, you do only need your base layers as Basecamp provide everything else.
The snowmobiling was extra cost, but well worth it!
Suggestions
The trips on Saturday cost extra - 120 euros each to go to the National Park! The scenery at the park was breath-taking and is where the promotional photo's etc are of.
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