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A winter wilderness adventure in Finland

15th October 2008 Print

After a summer of grey skies, floods and cabin-fever, why not get back in touch with the great outdoors and join Walks Worldwide on a guided, 8-day Winter in Finland adventure, full of activities including husky-sledding, ice-fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing?

Far away from mass tourism, way up north to the 'true Lapland', Finland offers silent forests, unspoilt wilderness and frozen lakes - and of course plenty of fresh air and glistening snow! Book early for Xmas to avoid the inevitable festive airline price increases. The holiday departs London 27th December 2008 and 21st Feb 2009.

On arrival in Helsinki, transfer to the hotel in Kuusamo, in deepest northeast Finland, in time to see possible sightings of the Northern Lights. Next day, don snowsuits, boots and gloves for a husky-sledding lesson followed by a canine-led run into the frozen wilderness! Continue south to the pristine village of Hossa where warm, cosy wooden chalets, each with their own sauna, provide a base for the next 5-nights.

The Hossa landscape is superb for skiing and with over 60kms of well-prepared ski tracks, there is no shortage of space to explore and try out the various activities on offer. Go cross country skiing - with no crowded lift queues to contend with, just ‘schuss’ along at your own pace along forest tracks. Later, snowshoe on the frozen shores of Lake Ollori to Hossa Information Centre where an exhibition offers further insight in to the region’s history and wildlife.

Take a snowmobile safari to see Finland’s largest pre-historic rock paintings at Julma-Olkky Canyon, dating back 4,000 years, then try ice-fishing for Arctic Char, Perch and Grayling. After a day of adventure amongst the snow, unwind and succumb to the soporific effects of a crackling log fire and local specialities - cloudberry liquor, reindeer meat, hearty soups and freshly caught fish.

The holiday costs £1,650 p/p (December departure) including flights, transfers, full board chalet accommodation, most activities and excursions, specialist clothing and expert guiding.

For more information and bookings, log on to Walksworldwide.com.