Overview:
This Fly & Drive takes you through the sparsely populated taiga forests of north-eastern Finland. There are three national parks and two national hiking areas with their hiking, canoeing and fishing possibilities easily accessible from the route. Close to the Russian border you can participate in ear, flying squirrel or beaver observation tours which give you a unique chance to watch and photograph these animals safely. In an information centre you’ll get to know Finland’s large carnivores – bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. Accommodation varies from hotel rooms to apartments and cosy cabins. Each night you will get to enjoy local delicacies and the genuine Finnish sauna is also available most nights.
Package price is £ 1,635 per person based on availability and sharing a twin or double room. Minimum 2 travellers.
2022 Departure Dates:
| Departure dates |
Departure |
Arrival |
Departures |
1 May - 30 Sep
|
London |
Kuopio |
Daily |
*No departures on 10 - 24 July 2022
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival at Kuopio, Kuopio – Metsäkartano (130 km)
Arrival at Kuopio airport where you will collect your hire car. If you arrive on an early flight you can visit the city of Kuopio which is full of life especially in summer. The city, in the centre of the Savo region, is famous for its marketplace, harbour and cheerful people. At the market you can taste the local speciality, “kalakukko”, a Finnish fish pie. About 20 cruises depart daily from the harbour of Kuopio to lake Kallavesi. The symbol of the city is Puijo tower from where you can admire beautiful views over lake Kallavesi. For the first night you will drive to Metsäkartano mansion situated in a tranquil spot in the heart of nature. Dinner and possibility of a sauna.
Day 2: Explore the National Park
Today you can choose between two national parks that are both within easy reach of Metsäkartano. Tiilikkajärvi National Park offers quite easy routes, beautiful lakeside scenery and beaches. By contrast, the scenery at Hiidenportti National Park is quite rugged; trails include more hills and are a bit more demanding. The heart of Hiidenportti National Park is the majestic Hiidenportti Gorge with its vertical rock walls. Both national parks have some good hiking trails for a few hours' day tour. Remember to carry the picnic lunch with you because there are no opportunities to purchase food in the parks. Dinner and accommodation at Metsäkartano Mansion. For the evening, it's possible to book a wolverine observation excursion. If you choose this, you'll spend the night in a wilderness hide instead of Metsäkartano.
Day 3: Metsäkartano – Kuhmo (105km)
It’s time to say goodbye to Metsäkartano and head via Nurmes in Karelia to Kuhmo. In Nurmes you can visit the Karelian Bomba House and the Karelian village around it. Bomba House might be a good place to enjoy lunch as well. By the end of the day you’ll arrive at Kuhmo which is a small village where you can see the Finnish national epic Kalevala reflected in the architecture, events, research, museums and the food. You can learn more about Kalevala and Karelian culture at the Kalevala Information Centre Juminkeko. For two July weeks Kuhmo is full of guests enjoying the annual Chamber Music Festival which is famous and appreciated throughout the world.
Day 4: Meet the Brown Bears, Kuhmo – Juntusranta (170km)
In the morning you will have the opportunity to visit Petola Visitor Centre which is an information center on Finland's large carnivores – bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. From Kuhmo the route goes toward north through some very sparsely populated areas following the Russian border. You'll pass through the beautiful village of Lentiira and cross the road leading to Kostamus and to the international frontier crossing point of Vartius. Some 25 km south of Suomussalmi is the historical area of Raate which was the stage of some heavy battles during the Second World War. In Raate it is possible to visit the Winter War exhibition and the Raate Frontier Guard Museum. Your accommodation for the next night will be in the tiny village of Juntusranta just beside the Russian border. Arola, Helena and Eero's former dairy farm, is well-known for its delicious local food. The farm is surrounded by remote woodland inhabited by European brown bears. In the evening you can take part in a bear safari (extra charge) and observe these majestic animals from the purpose-built log cabins.
Day 5: Hiking in Hossa, Juntusranta – Kuusamo (135 km)
Heading north again you will first arrive at Hossa national park – the newest national park in Finland – known for its crystal-clear lakes and ponds and handsome pine heathlands. In Hossa you can walk in the footsteps of Finland's Stone Age settlers, who made mysterious shamanistic paintings on the cliffs at Värikallio thousands of years ago. Hossa Visitor Centre offers information on trails and rents equipment like canoes and fatbikes. In Hossa you can also visit a reindeer park and get to know the semi-wild animals inhabiting the northern area of Finland better. Your base for the next two nights will be Ollila Holiday cottages, hosted by Tuomo and Marjo. The cottages are located on the shore of Lake Muojärvi, in the heart of Kuusamo’s lake-area and surrounded by beautiful pine woods. They have private saunas, wood-burning stoves and rowing boats. Breakfast and dinner are served in the Juomuskota, restaurant whose menu comprises of dishes of local, fresh produce and meats. You can spend the afternoon relaxing in the cabin, heating up sauna and rowing on the lake, or you can walk a 5 km circle route to Muovaara hill.
Day 6: Nature’s Own Amusement Park
Today you can head to Oulanka national park or Ruka, which is one of the most popular skiing resorts in Finland. Oulanka national park’s heart is the crystal-clear River Oulankajoki. Steep sided ravines and river valleys, which traverse the park, ensure that the views are unforgettable. There are many trail options available but a very nice, though demanding one, is the Small Bear’s Trail starting from the village of Juuma. The hanging bridges along the route will take you to the most impressive waterfalls in Finland. If you prefer canoeing, there are rental canoes as well as guided tours on River Oulankajoki. You could also try rafting, tours vary from easy family tours to speedy tours that will make your heart race! At Ruka you can climb up to some of the hills and admire the beautiful views over forests and lakes. An easier way to get to the top is the Ruka Lookout Lift that takes you up to the hill. If you are brave enough, you can descend on a speedy summer sled.
Day 7: Kuusamo – Rovaniemi (210 km)
This will be your last and longest day of travelling, ending at Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. If you are still willing to do some hiking you can easily visit either Riisitunturi national park or Korouoma nature reserve which both offer the opportunity of some nice daytrips. Both destinations have their characteristics and especially the 30-km-long fracture valley in Korouoma is very special. If you take the longer, southern route from Posio to Rovaniemi you will have a chance to visit a Wildlife Park situated in Ranua. There are about 50 species of arctic and northern wild animals at Ranua Zoo, including bears, the only polar bears in Finland, lynxes, wolves, wolverines, moose and many more. The city of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, offers plenty to do. Santa Claus’ Village on the Arctic Circle takes you to the atmosphere of Christmas, even if it is summer. The Arktikum, a science centre and museum, is also worth a visit. The exhibitions of the Arktikum lead you through the Arctic areas’ and Finnish Lapland’s history and modern day providing a unique insight into the way of life, culture and history of the North.
Day 8: Departure, Rovaniemi airport (7 km)
Breakfast and drive to the airport of Rovaniemi where you will leave your hire car and catch your return flight.
Package Includes:
- Flights from London to Kuopio and return from Rovaniemi (other UK airports avalable upon request - please contact our team)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- 7 days B class rental car (VW Polo or similar) incl. unlimited mileage (one way drop off fee is included)
- Accommodation on Days 1, 2 and 4 in an apartment, on Day 3 in a hotel room and on days 5, 6, and 7 in cabins for 2 – 4 persons
- Breakfast and dinner dail (except the dinner on Day 7 is not included)
- Sauna daily
- Exclusive travel documentation package including personalised maps, itinerary and driving directions
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
- All taxes
Optional extras:
- Day 2: Overnight wolverine observation excursion, supplement £ 130 pp. The tour takes place in Lieksa 120 km from Metsäkartano. Arrival around 2 pm, departure to the hides at 4 pm and return following morning at 6 am. The night will be spent in a wilderness hut, opportunity to observe and photograph also other animals like brown bears, wolves, lynxes, beavers, goshawks, golden eagles, white-taled eagles depending on the night. If you book this tour you skip the second night in Metsäkartano.
- Day 3: Husky Trekking, £ 125 pp
- Day 3: Husky Farm visit, £ 85 pp
- Day 3: Rapid Swimming, £ 240 pp
- Day 4: Bear watching, season May 1–August 17, prices: 12-hour overnight safari £ 150 pp, or 6-hour safari £ 105 pp
- Day 5-6: Introduction to paddling, £ 45 pp
- Day 5-6: Rafting, £ 85 pp
Enquire now »