Guided Hike in Urho Kekkonen National Park
Guided Hike in Urho Kekkonen National Park
Length: 8 days, 7 nights
Location: Lapland, Northern Finland
Season: Summer / Autumn
Join this hut-to-hut hiking adventure in the vast wilderness of Urho Kekkonen, the biggest National Park in Finnish Lapland. Experience the breathtaking scenery of the Finnish Lapland with an English speaking wilderness guide and small group of like-minded nature enthusiasts.
Highlights:
Challenge yourself on daily hikes ranging from 8-24 km (5-15 miles)
Explore amazing landscapes in beautiful Finnish National Park
Learn Finnish forest survival and foraging tips
Try new campfire cooking skills and overnight in wilderness huts
Details
Availability: Summer / Autumn
Duration: 8 days, 7 nights
Group size: 3-8
Activity level: Intermediate
Best suited for adults in good physical health with some basic hiking experience. All gear and food are carried by the adventurers with daily treks between 8 km and 24 km (5-15 miles). Average terrain conditions with some more challenging conditions such as river crossings.
Gear needed: A complete gear list will be provided in advance.
Adventurers should have their own personal hiking gear such as backpack of 55-70 litres, wind and water proof hiking jacket and trousers, sturdy hiking boots, another light pair of shoes for river crossings, inner layer, mid layer, hat, scarf, mittens, sleeping bag, trekking towel, phone for safety purposes, eating utensils, head torch, compass, water bottle and snacks.
A gear rental option is available, please see the add-ons below. Common gear will be provided such as maps, camping stoves and pans, backup tents and a first aid kit for emergencies.
Transportation: Transfers to and from Ivalo airport are included; flights are not included
Language: English or Finnish
Booking: Pre-booking is required, contact us for availability
This tour is available as a tailor-made or private tour. Contact us for details and availability. Please note pricing for private tours may change based on group size.
Adventure programme - Hiking in Finland
Day 1
Airport pick up, welcome dinner and sauna
You will take the shuttle bus from Ivalo airport which will drop you off just outside the accommodations. You will have a chance to check in and explore the surroundings before meeting up with your guide and getting to know your fellow adventurers over a welcome dinner and a relaxing sauna.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Gear check and beginning of the hike
After breakfast, we will have a group gear check and divide out the common gear such as food, camping stoves, tents and a first aid kit for emergencies. After the gear check we will have the chance to buy some last-minute supplies and leave any belongings not needed for the hike in a luggage room. After enjoying lunch in a restaurant we will begin our hiking adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Camp dinner
Days 3-7
Hiking adventure in the National Park
Each day the hiking distance will vary from 8-24 km (5-15 miles) through varying terrain. Along the way you will see peaceful lakes, enchanting forests and, if we are lucky, some playful wildlife. Your guide will introduce you to the local flora and fauna and you may also taste Finnish superfood: wild berries! If you are looking for a challenge, you’ll have a chance to use your orienteering skills to lead the group, or can leave that part to your guide. At camp each night you will have the chance to rest up and test your campfire cooking skills as we prepare dinner together. You will sleep in wilderness huts that can sometimes be shared with other hikers.
We have a basic route plan and the exact program and timetable of the days are agreed among the group. We follow wilderness rules: everyone participates in making the meals, doing the dishes, carrying the common gear, cleaning the huts, we leave no trace and look out for one another.
In general, the days will start around 8:00 AM with breakfast and packing. We will break for lunch at mid-day and stop for rests when needed or just to enjoy the views. Dinner and gear maintenance will take place when the group reaches the next wilderness hut, and after there is free time to relax or explore.
We will return to the accommodations in the evening of day seven for a farewell gathering.
Meals included: Camp Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 8
Lazy morning and return to the airport
Enjoy a lazy morning and big breakfast, you’ve earned it! You will pick up your bus transfer to the airport and catch your flight back to Helsinki on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation
The first and the last night will be spent in a hostel like accommodation with shared bunk beds. A traditional Finnish sauna will be available in the first and last evening. During the hike (days 2-7), the nights will be spent in wilderness huts without electricity nor running water with shared bunk beds and eco-toilets. The huts are not private, so may be shared with other hikers. Depending on the final route there might be also chance to enjoy traditional wilderness sauna in the middle of the hike.
Weather
The adventure will continue no matter the weather conditions, however, modifications to the program and route may be made due to weather and/or safety reasons. A complete recommended gear list will be provided before the tour to help prepare you for the weather conditions.
Adventure in photos
“I spent a over a week exploring Finland with Heidi. I could not have asked for a better guide to experience all the amazing things Finland has to offer. It is a beautiful country and Adventure Apes are the best Company to explore the country with.”
Pricing and payment terms
Price per person: €1190 including local tax (VAT)
This adventure is 1190 euros per person including local tax (VAT) and does not include flights.
Tour includes
Accommodations as indicated above
Travel to and from Ivalo airport to accommodations
All meals (from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8)
Activities as shown in the programme
Common gear such as maps, camping stoves, pans, backup tents and a first aid kit for emergencies
Services of a private, professional Finnish / English speaking wilderness and outdoor sports guide
Liability insurance of Adventure Apes
Tour does not include
Hotels, flights or transportation before or after the start of the tour
Personal hiking clothing/apparel, hiking boots and hiking gear (A complete recommended gear list will be provided before the tour)
Single room accommodation (which is not possible to provide on this tour)
Snacks or alcoholic drinks
Personal travel insurance
Payment terms
The reservation fee of 300 euros will be paid via bank transfer together with the booking. The reservation fee is not refundable in case of cancellation.
The rest of the payment, 890 euros, will be paid via bank transfer one month prior departure. After the payment has been made it is not refundable.
Gear rental package -€100
Some adventurers prefer not to buy personal hiking gear. If you are travelling light or just prefer not to add to your closet, we are happy to offer a gear rental package. Preliminary booking is required to ensure appropriate sizes are available. The rental gear package includes:
Backpack of 55-70 litres
Sleeping bag with liner
Spoon, cup, bowl and water bottle
Trekking towel
Headlamp
Compass
Cancellation policy
You may cancel the adventure as follows:
-Without any costs/penalties before the reservation fee has been paid. The reservation fee is not refundable in case of cancellation.
-No later than one month prior departure by paying the full cost
Customers are responsible for on-time payment according to the payment details provided above and will be held liable for any late payments in the event of a cancellation.