WALKING THE WORLD - Finland
WALKING THE WORLD
FINLAND – KARHUNKIERROS, THE BEAR TRAIL (9 days/8 nights)
 September 1-9, 2011
The Karhunkierros: the location for this wilderness adventure couldn’t be better. Located just beneath the Arctic Circle and a stone’s throw away from the Russian border adds a certain something to the mysterious atmosphere of the Kuusamo region. The forests and lakes of the Taiga in Finland are one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas. The Taiga is home to a variety of wildlife including Wolf, Lynx, Bear, Wolverine, Pine Marten, Elk and Reindeer. Fascinating bird life can also be found here, including Goshawk, Crossbill, Capercaillie and Black Grouse. The essence of this special adventure is all about having fun while exploring on foot this vast and quite remote wilderness area. Daily walking distances are reasonably modest as you walk through tall, dense forests, undulating low and broad ridges and by countless lakes in the company of an expert guide. Along the way, we’ll stop for picnic lunches at specially created log shelters where an open fire can quickly be prepared to brew hot, fresh coffee and grill sausages….a heavenly feast! All evenings are in hotels, but the real fun will be spent enjoying the traditional Finnish saunas which we’ll enjoy before a brisk dip in the lake! Of course being so far north, there is the added bonus of experiencing the mystical midnight sun. For those who really want to “get away from it all” and experience a wilderness adventure at the very edge of Europe, this trip is hard to beat.
EXCLUSIVE TO THIS HOLIDAY
· Treks on the border with Russia
· Walking on the "Bear Ring"
· Saunas "Finnish Style"
· The wilderness of the Taiga Forests and Lakes
Walking conditions The terrain is not difficult, relatively flat and undulating with no steep hills. There will be sections of ascent and descent, although these will invariably be relatively brief and not sustained. Daily walking distances are reasonably modest (average 14-17kms per day). Conditions underfoot are usually good as most often you’ll be following decent trails. However, waterproof hiking boots are absolutely essential as at times you’ll be walking through marsh and swampy areas, and over boardwalks to protect this delicate wild ecosystem.
Detailed Itinerary:
 DAY 1 - KUUSAMO-RUKA. Arrival and transfer in minibus to Ruka. Arrival in hotel and introduction to the park and the program. Dinner in hotel. D.
Day 2 - KARHUNKIERROS: RISTIKALLIO-TAIVALKONGAS-SAVILAMPI. Transfer to Ristikallio, where we begin our first day trekking through thick forests until we reach Taivalkongas, a superb cliff suspended on the river Aventojoki where it forms two canyons. We will follow the river Oulankajoki and cross over the rapids thanks to a rope bridge. B, L, D. 14kms, 150 ascent, 5h
Day 3 - OULANKA NATIONAL PARK. After breakfast we head to the national park visitor center to familiarize ourselves with this incredible example of biodiversity. Then it’s off for a walk along the river to reach the fast rapids and cascades of Kiutakongas where the river forms a waterfall of 60 feet. B, L, D. 10kms, 250m ascent, 4h
Day 4 - KIUTALKONGAS-ANSAKAMPA-JUSSINKAMPA-RETKI ETAPPI. The longest hiking day of the trip, but because there is little elevation gain, one you’ll enjoy! From Ansakampa we’ll walk through forests and marshland until we reach the huge lake of Jussinkamppa where we’ll indulge ourselves with a wonderful barbecue picnic. B, L, D. 24kms, 250m ascent, 8h
 Day 5 – ROVANIEMI. A day for relaxation. We’ll drive to Rovaniemi for a visit to the real hometown of Santa Claus that includes Santa’s Main Post Office and cafes and restaurants in Santa Claus Village. B, D.
Day 6 - JIRAVA. Today we explore the famous “Small Bear trail”, a scenic trail that takes us to the magnificent Jirava waterfall, the highest, most panoramic point of the whole area, from where rivers, forests and little islands are visible just like a map. Then we will reach the old mill Myllykosky, today used as shelter, before heading back to Ruka. B, L, D. 9km, 100m ascent, 4h.
Day 7 - PORONTIMA. Today we head to Porontima, once a farming area and today part of Oulanka National Park. Here we’ll see how nature is reclaiming the areas once “stolen” for agriculture. B, L, D. 14km, 150m ascent, 4.30h
 Day 8 - VALTAVAARA. Our last day of hiking is dedicated to the “climb” of Valtavaara hill, the highest in the region. From the top, we’ll have a bird’s eye view of the entire Kuusamo region and we’ll also track back all the hikes we’ve done in the past days before heading back to Ruka for our farewell evening. B, L, D. 12/15km, 400m ascent, 6h
Day 9 - RUKA-KUUSAMO. Transfer to Kuusamo airport for departure. End of services. B.
TRIP DETAILS:
Price: $3595
Single Supplement: $500
Trip Begins: Kuusamo Airport - Kuusamo, Finland
Trip Ends: Kuusamo Airport - Kuusamo, Finland
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
HOTELS:
- 8 nights in Hotel Ruka 3***
MEALS:
- 9 continental morning breakfast;
- 5 packed or picnic lunches;
- 8 dinners, NON ALCOHOLIC beverages included;
OTHER:
- Transportation in private van 9 passenger
- All entrance fees at scheduled stops and local taxes;
- Professional Official Guide.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Beginning of services: Kuusamo Airport, one appointment for pick-up
- End of services: Kuusamo airport, one appointment for drop-off.
Different airport arrival or departure as well as very early departures may not be assisted and should be arranged at your own expense.
Kuusamo-Ruka 0:45h / Ruka-Hautajarvi 0:45h / Ruka-Jiirava 0:30h
- PRE-TRIP: if requested Pre-Trip, this will apply to Hotel Villa Valentina*** in Helsinki, with a supplement as specified.
- DRINKS: only NON –ALCOHOLIC drinks are included during meals.
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