Paths of Ice and Time - Walking Through Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

Villa Hilikkula, Saarijärventie 220, 91780 Neittävä

Paths of Ice and Time - Walking Through Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark

An authentic Finnish nature escape — for travellers seeking slow travel, pure landscapes and genuine Nordic nature.

Week Overview – Nature, Silence and Local Life

This inspiring week takes you deep into the natural wonders of Lake Oulujärvi and Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, Finland’s protected National Park landscapes. From peaceful mornings by the lake to golden evening light, your lakeside hideout offers a serene base to relax. Your English-speaking local host and guide ensures that each day unfolds at an unhurried, meaningful pace, connecting you with the local way of life.

During the days, we explore the region on carefully selected walking trails, hiking through forests, eskers, bogs, lakeshores and cultural sites in pure, untouched nature. Each day includes simple, local and seasonal food.

In the evenings, return to the calm of the lakeshore: relax in the sauna, swim in the crystal-clear lake and enjoy hearty dinners. This week is designed for slow, sustainable travel, fully immersed in silence, nature and authentic Finnish life.

Dates: 5.9.2026–12.9.2026 | 26.9.2026–3.10.2026
29.5.2027–5.6.2027 | 11.9.2027–18.9.2027 | 2.10.2027–9.10.2027

Group size: 4 - 17 person
Accommodation: Villa Hilikkula, Vaala
At Villa Hilikkula, life slows down naturally - outside your guided hiking moments, there is simple finnish joy to be found. You can spend a peaceful evening fishing from Hilikkula’s private pier. The clear waters of Lake are home to local fish, and we warmly hope that if you catch something, you’ll prepare and enjoy it. Also a traditional rowing boat is available for gentle excursions on the water.

The lake itself is exceptionally clear and perfect for swimming. The sandy bottom makes entering the water easy and pleasant. In front of the villa, the shoreline is shallow and gradually deepening to swimming depth after just a few meters. The lake reaches depths of over 20 meters in the middle.
Down by the shore, there is a cozy fire pit where you can gather if there is no forest fire warning in effect. In the evenings, the lakeside atmosphere becomes especially magical. Around the cabin, a spacious terrace invites you to linger with a book, a cup of coffee or good conversation.

Hilikkula is surrounded by a stunning pine forest. You are welcome to wander independently, pick wild berries and mushrooms in season. Here, relaxation is not something you schedule - it simply happens.

Program:

Day 1 Arrival and Finnish Sauna Bliss
Welcome to Lake Oulujärvi and Rokua Geopark! Your local host will greet you with a warm welcome and a glass of sparkling wine. Together, you’ll go through the week’s programme, explore your lakeside hideout and share any special wishes for your stay.

This first evening invites you to unwind and experience a true Finnish ritual – the sauna. Together with your host, you’ll learn how to heat and enjoy it, followed by a refreshing swim in the lake. After this experience, you can enjoy the sauna independently on any day of your stay. If your arrival is late, the sauna experience can take place on the following day instead.

Day 2 Pooki Circle Trail - Rokua National Park

Highlights: Pitkäjärvi lake, pine forests, lichen-covered heathlands, panoramic views from Pookivaara
Overview: The Pookinpolku circles the beautiful Pitkäjärvi and passes through magnificent pine forests and scenic lichen-covered heathlands, offering a classic Rokua nature experience. The trail leads to the summit of Pookivaara, the highest point in the national park, where old fire watchmen once guarded the fire-prone hill. Today, visitors can climb the watchtower to admire panoramic views across the geopark, making it a perfect introduction to the landscapes shaped by Ice Age forces.

Distance: ~ 5 km
Trail category: Easy
Drive: about 10 minutes / way

Day 3 Makkaraniemi Circle Trail
Manamansalo Island, Vaala

Highlights: Lake Oulujärvi shoreline, sandy pine forests, lake views
Overview: Explore the largest island of Oulujärvi – Manamansalo, famous for its rugged ridges, kettle holes, sandy beaches, and diverse landscapes. The Makkaraniemi Circle Trail offers a moderate loop with both forested sections and panoramic lake views. Manamansalo is accessible by a few minutes free cable ferry across Alassalmi. The ferry ride itself is scenic, offering beautiful views of Oulujärvi’s open water.

Distance: ~9 km
Trail category: Easy
Drive: about 1,5 hours / way

Day 4 Laajalampi Trail
Laajalampi –Vaala (Rokua Geopark)

Highlights: Bog landscapes with boardwalks.
Overview: The Laajalampi Nature Trail itself passes through forests and along boardwalks over boggy terrain - with wonderful views over the open peatlands and chances to observe cranberries and autumn bog colours if you’re here later in the season.

Distance: ~14 km
Trail category: Moderate
Drive: about 30 minutes / way

Day 5 – Rokuansydän Trail & Syvyydenkaivo
Rokua National Park

Highlights: Eskers, kettle holes, forest ponds, Syvyydenkaivo – Finland’s deepest kettle hole
Overview: This is the geological heart of the week. The Rokuansydän trail showcases Rokua’s Ice Age-shaped terrain. Standing at the edge of this deep kettle hole brings the ancient forces of ice and time vividly to life.

Distance: ~11 km.
Trail category: Moderate
Drive: max 10 minutes / way

Day 6 – Peurapolku Trail & Cultural Sites
Manamansalo Island, Vaala

Highlights: Reindeer old hunting village (stone age settlement), Outdoor memorial church, Gneiss rocks, Tar kiln.
Overview: Discover Manamansalo’s unique mix of nature and history on the Peurapolku Trail - a perfect blend of culture, history and scenic nature. For those with extra energy, gneiss rock formations are nearby - a short detour to admire these ancient stones adds a scenic geological highlight.

Distance: ~5 km round trip (one-way trail 2.5 km)
Trail category: Easy
Drive: about 1,5 hours / way

Day 7 – Latvakangas Old-Growth Forest Area
Oterma, Vaala

Highlights: Ancient pine forest, Natura 2000 protected area, Local shops or beach
Overview: Explore the rare old-growth forest of Latvakangas, a 44-hectare Natura 2000 protected area and one of western Kainuu’s few structurally natural forests. The trail winds through ancient pines, majestic aspens, and veteran trees with visible traces of past forest fires. This is a last shorter and mindful forest walk and afterwards you can optionally visit Vaala`s little village.

Vaala’s Sahanranta beach area is a local favourite for leisure and outdoor activities on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi, featuring a sandy beach with a diving tower, beach volleyball court, frisbee golf basket, football goals, outdoor gym and a campfire hut (in June–July also a kiosk and saunas) - or stop by local little shops (Mon–Sat).

Distance: 3 km
Trail category: Easy
Drive: max 30 minutes /way

Day 8 – Departure Day
Enjoy a peaceful breakfast by the lake before your journey home – carrying with you the light, silence, and serenity of Oulujärvi and Rokua Geopark.

Price: 2345€/person

What’s Included in the Summer Week

Guiding & Activities

• Your stay is hosted by an English-speaking local host, who welcomes you on arrival, helps you settle in and introduces you to the cabin and its surroundings. Throughout your holiday, the host takes care of practical arrangements and meals, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy your time.
• Personal Service & Safety: 24/7 phone service with your local host for assistance and support
• Daily outdoor experiences are led by an English-speaking local guide, who ensures pleasant day hikes and nature experiences, tailored to the group and the conditions.
• Sparkling wine for welcoming (alcohol free)
• All activities according to the program (the day could be sometimes varied).

Accommodation: Villa Hilikkula Log Cabin

• 7 nights in Villa Hilikkula offering comfort, privacy and shared moments in a peaceful lakeside setting. Each guest or travelling group has access to a private bedroom, with flexible sleeping arrangements depending on the room: twin beds, triple rooms with single beds, double rooms, and family-style rooms combining double and single beds. The cabin is designed for relaxed communal living. There are comfortable shared lounge areas both upstairs and downstairs, as well as a large dining table where everyone can gather to enjoy meals together. The cabin includes three toilets, one of which has a shower, plus a separate bathroom. For relaxation, Hilikkula features a traditional indoor sauna and a separate traditional lakeside sauna by a crystal-clear lake, with an excellent swimming deck. After a day outdoors, the saunas and the calm lakeside atmosphere offer the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the simplicity of Finnish life.

• Sauna for your use throughout the week. Option to heat your own sauna any evening with our easy-to-follow instructions.
• High-quality bedlinen and bath towels – crisp, hotel-grade and freshly pressed

Transfers
• Local transfers to activities and day trips
• Group transfers to Oulu airport or Individual transfer to Vaala train station
• Arrival by plane: On the arrival day one group transfer from Oulu airport (flight at around 17:00 in Oulu) and on the return day one group transfer to Oulu airport (flight at around 14:00). Departure from the guesthouse at 10:30 AM. All extra transfers from/to Oulu or Kajaani airport 400€.

• Arrival by train: You can come or leave at any time (there are multiple options which are connected to Helsinki Airport). Your local host or taxi will drive you.

Meals
• Full-board dining using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Meals reflect the pure, simple flavours of northern Finland, offering a basic, hearty and authentic local dining experience. Beverages include water, juices, and skimmed milk.
• You can choose in advance from a selection of breakfast items, including bread, porridge, eggs, bacon, yogurt, fruits, vegetables and berries. Your selections are delivered directly to the cabin, so you can enjoy a relaxed start to the day. Breakfast can be prepared individually in Hilkkula`s kitchen or shared and enjoyed together with other guests.
• Lunches are served outdoors during the day’s hike at scenic rest spots by the lake, forest or campfire (for example sausages from a local farm or local fish cooked over the campfire or breads filled with locally sourced meats and greens and something little sweet like cinnamon rolls)
• Coffee and tea incrediments available in the cabin all the time
• Bottle of Rokua Arctic Premium Water, which originates from the UNESCO Global Geopark area of Rokua, where ancient glacial water has been naturally filtered through sand ridges over thousands of years. Classified as premium water, it is one of the purest bottled waters in the world and remains completely untreated. While you enjoy this water, we also want to highlight that Finnish tap water is among the cleanest anywhere. You can drink it freely throughout your stay. We encourage you to keep this bottle and refill it with tap water during your holiday - a simple, ecological choice that supports sustainable travel.
• Dinners at the cabin are made by local restaurant or catering service. Dinner is a shared, ready-prepared meal delivered to the cabin, enjoyed by following our heating instructions. If possible, the host is happy to join on some evenings to help prepare the dinner and share conversations about the day’s experiences.

Good to Know

• Villa Hilikkula is located in the heart of pure Finnish nature. Shops, restaurants, and the nearest railway station are typically around a 20-30 minutes drive away.
• Please inform us in advance of any allergies or dietary restrictions so we can accommodate your needs e.g. cooking experience.
• 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.
• Summer by Lake Oulujärvi is pleasantly mild - warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, yet never too hot. In September, the weather can still feel warmly summery - or already hint at autumn. The nights grow cooler, bringing fresh, crisp air to the mornings.
• The trip may be cancelled up to one month before departure if the minimum group size (4 persons) is not reached.
• 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.

Meet the Guide: Piia Ratava

Piia is a nature guide who invites you to slow down. Her guiding style is calm, intuitive, and deeply attentive - she listens carefully, senses unspoken wishes and shapes each experience with genuine care. With Piia, guests feel safe, seen, and gently inspired to connect with nature at their own pace.

Raised in here at Rokua Geopark, Piia’s bond with nature is lifelong. The forests, lakes, and landscapes of the region are not just her workplace. This deep-rooted connection brings a natural sense of authenticity to her guiding. Piia loves gathering wild herbs and medicinal plants, drawn to their quiet strength and healing power. She also sleeps outdoors year-round, even in deep winter frost, to feel deeply connected to nature. ‎Piia weaves storytelling into her excursions, sharing the spirit of the land through personal narratives and local wisdom. Her stories come from lived experience. Time spent with Piia is unhurried and grounding - an experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.