Wild Taiga Winter

Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kajaani Airport or Railway Station, you will be transferred to Hotel Kalevala for the start of your holiday. Transfer time about 1.5hrs.

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Hotel Kalevala, nestled in a peaceful setting by the shores of Lake Lammasjärvi, invites you to experience the natural beauty of the Wild Taiga region. The hotel building is a protected architectural landmark, recognised by the Finnish Heritage Agency. Designed by architect Ilpo Väisänen, its structure symbolises Kokko, the mythical iron and fire bird from Finland’s national epic, the Kalevala. With its wings spread as if in flight, Kokko is a symbol of strength and renewal, much like the Phoenix.

After settling in to your room, enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant. 
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Day 2: Cross Country Ski School & Private tour of Kuhmo
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

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You’ll start your holiday with a 2-hour cross-country ski school, tailored for beginners or those wishing to refine their skills. Cross-country skiing is deeply cherished by Finns, not only as a winter pastime but also for its incredible health benefits. It provides a full-body workout, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances endurance, all while enjoying Finland’s pristine winter landscapes.

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The best part? Skis are included for the entire duration of your stay, allowing you to explore the expansive 80 km of ski trails starting right from the hotel. These trails, winding through frozen lakes and snow-covered forests, range from easy routes for beginners to more challenging tracks for experienced skiers. Many of the trails are even floodlit for evening skiing, creating a magical winter experience right outside your door.

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After this invigorating experience, return to the cosy warmth of the hotel and enjoy a hearty bowl of soup for lunch, the perfect way to recharge before your early afternoon tour of Kuhmo's main sights.

 

This private tour of Kuhmo offers a deeper look into local life, history, and culture while exploring key landmarks of the town.  Your guide will share stories about the region’s connection to nature, the importance of community, and past events that have shaped life here for generations.

 

You’ll visit the Winter War Museum, where you’ll gain insight into the town’s pivotal role in World War II. Here, exhibits on the Battle of Kuhmo and local resistance bring the area’s wartime history to life. You'll continue to the Kuhmo Arts Centre, a cultural hub that hosts events like the famous Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival and showcases local art. Next, you'll visit Juminkeko, a centre dedicated to preserving the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, where you’ll learn about the region's folklore and its deep connection to Finnish identity.​ The tour then continues with a stop at the Kuhmo Church, an impressive wooden building dating back to 1816, before heading back to your hotel for some relaxation.

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Unwind with a soothing sauna session or a leisurely soak in the hot tub before enjoying your dinner.

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Day 3: Meet the Huskies
After leisurely breakfast, it's time for another invigorating outdoor activity.
 

Experience the thrill of a 6 km husky safari, a perfect way to explore the breathtaking winter landscape. You'll be introduced to the eager huskies and given a brief lesson on sled driving. Two people will share each sled - one mushing, the other enjoying the ride. The journey takes you through snow-covered forests and across frozen fields, offering an exhilarating connection with nature. Once the ride concludes, warm up by an open fire with Finnish hot berry juice and grilled sausages. During this break, you'll also have the chance to learn more about the remarkable huskies and snap a few memorable photos. The entire experience lasts about two hours.

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After a warming lunch at the hotel, you can unwind with a good book or take advantage of your newly honed cross-country skiing skills by heading out to explore the scenic trails right from the hotel’s doorstep!

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Unwind with a soothing sauna session or a leisurely soak in the hot tub before enjoying your dinner.

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Day 4: Explore Taiga Forest & Frozen Lake on Snowshoes
After breakfast embark on a leisurely 2-hour snowshoeing adventure through the serene Taiga forests and across a frozen lake. Led by an experienced guide, you'll learn the basics of snowshoeing before setting off to explore the tranquil winter wilderness. The slow pace allows you to take in the surrounding beauty, from snow-covered trees to animal tracks left in the fresh snow.​ After trekking through the pristine nature, you'll pause to enjoy a well-deserved break with a warm drink, soaking in the quiet atmosphere of the Arctic landscape. 

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After lunch, take a short walk to the nearby Petola Visitor Centre. At Petola, you'll dive into the fascinating world of Finland's large carnivores, including the brown bear, wolf, lynx, and wolverine. The centre's "Predators on the Prowl" exhibition offers an in-depth look at the behaviour, habitats, and significance of these animals in Finnish folklore. You’ll also learn about the wild forest reindeer, another iconic species native to the region. Be sure to visit the auditorium, where short wildlife films provide further insight into the rich biodiversity of Finland's wilderness.

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Unwind with a soothing sauna session or a leisurely soak in the hot tub before enjoying your dinner.

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Day 5: Wildlife Spotting on Snowshoes
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.

 

How are your animal tracking skills?
 

After breakfast you'll join a fascinating Taiga snowshoeing adventure in the Lentiira area, where you'll follow the tracks of wolverine, elk, and hare through Finland's pristine Taiga forest. Led by a professional wilderness guide, you'll learn about how these incredible animals survive in the harsh winter conditions. After snowshoeing through the snowy landscape, you’ll arrive at a private wilderness hut, where you can relax in peaceful silence for 1.5 to 2 hours, observing the forest and its wildlife.

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While waiting for a glimpse of the elusive wolverine or other Taiga inhabitants, you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch and hot drinks in the warmth of the hut. This tour offers an immersive experience into the untouched beauty of the Taiga and provides a chance to connect with nature in a tranquil setting. The adventure lasts around 5-6 hours in total, including transfers to and from your hotel.

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Unwind with a soothing sauna session or a leisurely soak in the hot tub before enjoying your dinner.

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Day 6: Snowmobile Tour
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
 

Today, it’s time to experience the thrill of snowmobiling! Embark on a 2-hour snowmobile safari, where two people share each snowmobile, with the option to switch drivers along the way. For those wanting more control, you can also book your own snowmobile for a solo adventure (surcharge applies).

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Your journey will take you through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes, guided by an expert who will ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Midway through the safari, you'll stop for a well-deserved break to enjoy a hot drink, surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness.

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After lunch, if you're still feeling energetic, why not grab your cross-country skis and enjoy another round on the scenic trails?

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Unwind with a soothing sauna session or a leisurely soak in the hot tub before enjoying your dinner.

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Day 7: Farewell
After breakfast it's time to say your goodbyes and return to the hustle & bustle of the life beyond Wild Taiga. You'll be transfered either to Kajaani Airport or Railway Station.