Explore the Wild Beauty of Karelia in Finland – An Adventure You Won’t Forget!
Ready for an getaway that blends adventure, relaxation, and the true Finnish experience? Join us for an unforgettable 7-day journey through the stunning landscapes of Nurmes, Finland. Whether you're canoeing through pristine rivers, hiking in national parks, chilling at a lakeside sauna, or cycling through charming villages, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments. If we are lucky we will see the first northern lights of autumn. Accommodation in a cozy guesthouse Laitalan Lomat at Karhunpää (Bear's hed) village.
Group size: 2 - 10
Departures: 31.7 -7.8.2027 | 14.-21.8.2027 | 4.-11.9.2027
Highlights
* Paddle along the peaceful Bear River – suitable even for beginners
* Hike through the beautiful landscapes of Tiilikkajärvi National Park or Raesärkät Nature Reserve
* Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Pielinen and admire Nurmes from the water
* Relax in authentic Finnish lakeside and wood-fired saunas
* Discover the culture, history and charming wooden Old Town of Nurmes
* Cycle through Nurmes and its traditional Karelian village
* Taste Finnish and Karelian specialities prepared with local ingredients
* Pick seasonal berries and enjoy the peace of the surrounding forests
* Stay in a cosy countryside guesthouse in the village of Karhunpää
* If conditions are favourable, you may even see the first Northern Lights of autumn
Also Suitable for Solo Travellers: Solo travellers are warmly welcome! This small-group adventure is a wonderful way to explore Finnish nature, meet like-minded travellers and enjoy both shared experiences and peaceful moments of your own. A single-room supplement of €40 per night applies.
Program
Day 1 Welcome
- Arrival at the guesthouse Laitalan Lomat.
- Welcome Dinner
- Evening sauna
Day 2 Canoing
- Breakfast
- Guided canoe trip on the Bear River.
- Suitable even for beginners
- Picnic lunch
- Sauna
- Dinner
- Taste of Finland made by fire, will give you a true taste of Finnish culinary tradition, prepared over an open flame.
Day 3 Hiking
- Breakfast
- Hiking trip to Lake Tiilikka National Park or Raesärkät nature reserve area.
- Walking 7,5 - 17 km.
- Level: Easy
- Picnic lunch
- Sauna
- Dinner
- Taste of Laitalan Lomat menu
Day 4 Boat trip & sauna
- Breakfast
- Free time for outdoor activities.
- Lunch
- Late afternoon boat trip on Lake Pielinen. A look at how beautiful our old town is seen by the lake.
- Lovely sauna and boat trip to Nurmesniemi cottage.
- Welcome to a Finnish lakeside sauna, sauna coffee and evening sunset in Nurmesniemi.
Nurmesniemi sauna is a traditional and cosy wood-fired Finnish lakeside sauna. The sauna also has a glazed porch with lake views.
There is a bathing jetty on the beach.
- Evening snack
Day 5 Local culture & history
- Breakfast
- Visit to the local village museum and a short walk in the forest trail surrounding the museum.
- Open fire lunch
- Free time to pick berries, for instance.
- Opportunity for an independent canoeing trip in the afternoon or at sunset
- Sauna
- Dinner
- Taste of Local menu
Day 6 Karelian village & old town
- Breakfast
- Let's explore the city of Nurmes.
- Cycling in the old town and Karelian village of Nurmes.
- Karelian style spa
- Dinner
- Taste of Traditional Karelian menu
Day 7
Departure. Time to say Hei, hei.
Price: 1790€/person | Single suplement + 40€/day
Incl. accommodation at the guesthouse, full board + program + on-site transportation. Transfer from/to the Nurmes railway station.
Available on request at an additional cost
- Day 5 can be replaced with an overnight wildlife-watching experience.
- Transfers to the destinations and activities
- Bicycle rental
- A guided fishing day on Lake Pielinen
- An extra day at guesthouse 80€/person. Including accommodation and breakfast.
Extra day in Helsinki from 110€/person/day/ double room/ Helsinki centre Hotel
Arrival and departure transfers:
Via Kuopio Airport or Siilinjärvi Railway Station: One shared group transfer is available on both the arrival and departure days.
Arrival day: Pick-up from Kuopio Airport at approximately 17.00 or from Siilinjärvi Railway Station at approximately 16.00.
Departure day: The transfer leaves the guesthouse at 10.00 for a flight departing from Kuopio Airport at approximately 14.00 or a train departing from Siilinjärvi at approximately 13.00.
All Extra Transfer price: €450 per transfer between the guesthouse and Kuopio Airport or Siilinjärvi Railway Station.
Via Nurmes Railway Station:
Pick-up from Nurmes Railway Station is available for trains arriving at approximately 14.00 or 20.00.
On the departure day, trains leave Nurmes at approximately 6.35 and 15.40.
Please note:
- Not suitable for disabled or those with limited mobility.
- Most trails can be easily walked in sports shoes or walking shoes during dry weather, though hiking boots be useful, as terrain can vary considerably even over short distances. Weatherproof clothing.
Last cancellation option for the tour operator if the minimum number of participants is not reached 21 days before departure.
Travel insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.
