Summer activity week at the Guesthouse
Our "White summer days and nights activity week" vacation offers a refreshing mix of relaxation and physical activity – a good night's sleep after an active day and a Finnish sauna in the evening.
During the vacation, we hike through the summer forests, paddle on lakes or rivers. In July berries are already ripening in the forest. At all times, there is: swimming in the lake, saunas, sleeping in, Karelian cuisine with fresh fish and vegetables, berries and mushrooms, campfires.
Group size: 4 – 12 people
Dates 2027: 12.6.-19.6.2027 | 3.7.-10.7.2027
Price: €1150 per person
Single room surcharge: €40 per night
Services included:
• Group transfers for the tours to/from Kuopio
• Accommodations at the Pihlajapuu Guesthouse in double rooms
• Full board (FB)
• German and English-speaking tour guides
• Canoes (also the use of bikes during the week)
• Sauna every evening, one smoke sauna
• The program
• Finnish Helkama hybrid bikes are provided, with 24 gears, hand brakes, and slightly wider tires than regular city bikes. There are 8 women's models and 4 men's models.
Services not included:
• Costs for flights or individual travel to/from the location
• Individual travel insurance (we recommend purchasing travel insurance)
Required fitness level:
• Canoeing on calm waters
• Hiking on gently hilly terrain
• Normal fitness level
• Team spirit
Program:
Meals: Breakfast at 9 AM, the program starts around 10:30 AM, coffee break around 1 or 2 PM, the program continues, sauna from 5-7 PM, dinner at 7 PM.
Day 1: Arrival at the guesthouse
Transfer either from Nurmes train station (evening train from Helsinki) or Kuopio airport at 6 PM to Pihlajapuu Guesthouse. It is also possible to come by train from Helsinki to Siilinjärvi which is 15 minutes from the airport (ask for the timetable). About 1.5 hours drivingtime from the airport to Nurmes. After arrival, we will get to know each other and enjoy dinner together.
Day 2: Paddling practice
After a leisurely breakfast, paddle exercises on Lake Viemenjärvi. Paddling distance: 6 km. In the afternoon, we learn some Finnish to at least be able to greet in Finnish!
Day 3: Hiking in the nature preserve area
Raesärkät nature preserve is a beautiful day trip destination in a ridge landscape. The hiking trail that runs through the area follows the old cart road and the bottom of the wheel track. The rest stops are along the route at a short distance from each other. In addition to ridges, Raesärkät landscape includes calm marshes, clear lakes, river bends and old forest with diverse inhabitants. Raesärkät scenery has been admired for decades, and the area is a popular local recreation destination. We can also take a swim in the Ahven-Valkeinen Lake. Driving distance about half an hour each way. Walking distance 10 km.
Day 4: Paddling on a river
Visit to the Laitala Guesthouse. Driving distance half an hour each way. Canoeing on the slow-flowing river. Paddling distance 6 km. Sauna and dinner at Laitala.
Day 5: Hiking in Koli National Park
Koli is famous for the magnificent views from its forested hills. Over the years, these landscapes have inspired famous artists, including Finland's national composer Jean Sibelius, as well as generations of hikers and backpackers who enjoy exploring the area.
The highest point, Ukko-Koli, rises 347 metres above sea level and 253 metres above Lake Pielinen. The view from the summit is considered one of Finland's best-known national landscapes.
Hiking route: Mäkrä Trail, 7.2 km
The circular route starts from the car park in the hotel area. From there, the trail leads to the Mäkränaho and Purolanaho meadows before climbing up the forested Mäkrävaara hill. The route continues to Pieni-Mäkrä and the Ikolanaho and Mäkränaho meadows. From there, we hike to Ukko-Koli before returning to the hotel area and the visitor centre.
Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.
Trail difficulty: demanding or intermediate.
Driving time: approximately 45 minutes each way.
Day 6: Paddling on the Lake Pielinen in Nurmes
A taxi ride of about 30 minutes takes us to the Hyvärilä Youth Centre, where we begin our paddling trip.
We paddle approximately 2 km across the lake and visit the Bomba House and its souvenir shop. Afterwards, we paddle the 2 km back to Hyvärilä.
Lunch at Hyvärilä, followed by some shopping in Nurmes.
Day 7: Hiking or Cycling
Choose between a 10 km hike to an ice cream kiosk on the shore of Lake Pielinen or a 20 km cycling trip to the Kuokkastenkoski swimming spot.
In the evening, Minna will heat up the traditional Finnish smoke sauna – the original Finnish sauna experience – and show you how to prepare salmon over an open fire, a true Finnish speciality.
Day 8: Goodbye and hei, hei! Transfer to the airport around 11 AM.
-We reserve the right to make changes to the program depending on weather conditions-
