Multi-activities to the Santa Claus village
One week to discover Finland and the winter in the Great North. Located in Hossa and Rovaniemi at north of Finland in a forest and wooded mount surroundings.
In one week you will see the unmissable of the great north : The Santa Claus Village, a sled dog safari, you'll drive a snowmobile at the heart of frozen forests and discover the trapper lifestyle basics (or rudiments?).
Itinerary
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Day 1 Welcome to Finland
Transfer by bus or car to Hossa (about 1 hour) and time to get settled in your cottage or lodge. Tonight, the staff will meet you at the restaurant for a welcoming dinner and briefing.
Accommodation: Cottage or lodge
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Day 2 Dogsledding safari
Today we head into the wild taiga on dog-sleds! In the morning we will meet our musher guides and dogs, each sled is lead by a team of 4 to 6 dogs. After a quick introduction to basic mushing techniques we will set off, two per sled, across beautiful white lakes and into the forest.
Activities: 4 to 5 hours of dog-sledding
Accommodation: Cottage or lodge -
Day 3 Snowmobile safari
Two people per snowmobile, we head away from civilization into the heart of the National Park on a thrilling safari adventure. A lunch in the middle of the taïga forest of grilled, an exciting day flying through beautiful Finnish scenery awaits us.
Activities: 4 to 5 hours of snowmobiling
Accommodation: Cottage or lodge -
Day 4 Inuit winter walking
Today, we experience a new kind of hiking, winter walking the Inuit way. Harnessed to a friendly husky and with a pair of snowshoes strapped to our feet, we head into Hossa National Park. With one dog per 2 travellers, we can alternate between energetic and relaxing moments and fully explore this beautiful area. The endless energy of our dogs helps us venture deep into the wild and snowy boreal forest and our relaxing solo moments allow us to take time to soak in our surroundings as we explore the wild forest, frozen lakes and ridges.
Activities: 4 to 5 hours of winter walking
Accommodation: Cottage or lodge -
Day 5 Trappers day
Discover the art of the trapper lifestyle and ancient survival techniques essential for polar exploration. Learn how to follow tracks and try your hand at ice fishing - drill your own hole in the ice, arm yourself with patience and get ready to catch one of the many perch that swim in the waters here! Discover how to smoke your fish plus how to build igloos and shelters. Today we will also get the chance to visit a local reindeer farm and our faithful companions at the kennels.
Activities: 5 hours
Accommodation: Cottage or lodge -
Day 6 Snowshoeing and Seipiniemi Peninsula
Your guide, a specialist of the Arctic area, will help you fully discover the mysteries of this wild region. From April, there is an opportunity to observe many animals typical of the Far North like moose or a bears.
During this trip you will have the occasion to lead the group with your map and your compass in order to get deeper into the wild taiga forest.Activities: 4 to 5 hours of snowshoeing
Accommodation: Cottage or lodge -
Day 7 Day to the Santa Claus village
After a transfer beyond the Artic Circle we reach the Santa Claus Village.
We will discover the Christmas fairy tale and its wonderful world. We'll go back to childhood for a while to meet Santa while the rest of day we'll go exploring Rovanieemi and its famous museum about the artic environment.Accomodation : Hotel
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Day 8 Transfer
Breakfast and transfer to Kuusamo airport. The end of a lovely week filled with emotion and memories
Please note that this itinerary, including walking distances and times, is indicative. Our guides aim to provide the adventure that is best suited to the weather, your interests and the demands of the group. Please be aware that in order to achieve this, changes to the programme may be made
Other trips you may like
An Arctic Adventure: Featuring dog-sledding, ice caves and an overnight snowshoeing expedition, our carefully designed itinerary is ideal for those who want to discover the highlights of an Arctic winter in Svalbard...
Finnish Dogsledding Adventure: An unforgettable 8 day dogsledding adventure in the heart of Hossa National Park. Stay in traditional huts and shelters during 3 unforgettable dog-sledding and snowshoeing safaris - a truly enchanting programme...
Dates & prices
Departures for French-speaking groups:
| From | To | Price per person | Guaranteed | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| €2,925 | Yes | Fully booked | ||
| €2,925 | Yes | Fully booked | ||
| €2,385 | Yes | Fully booked | ||
| €2,385 | Yes | Fully booked | ||
| €2,385 | Yes | Fully booked | ||
| €2,385 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,785 | Yes | Book now! | ||
| €2,785 | Yes | Book now! | ||
| €2,785 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,785 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,485 | Yes | Book now! | ||
| €2,485 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,485 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,485 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,485 | No | Book now! | ||
| €2,470 | No | Book now! |
International departures:
No departure for now
Trip code: A2FN
Included
- Airport transfers to/from Kuusamo airport
- 7 nights lodge or cottage accommodation
- Full board from day 1 dinner to breakfast day 8 (except for diner in Rovaniemi)
- Luggage transport
- Full supervision by our experienced professional guides
- Dog-sledding
- Snowshoeing
- Winter walking
- A snowmobile adventure
- An Inuit bushcraft skills day
- All technical equipment including quality cold weather clothing
Not included
- Flights
- Diner in Rovaniemi on Day 8
- The personal expenses
- The drinks
- The renting of cold weather clothing (if you want to stay longer than the trip date)
Additional Options
Please let us know if you would like to reserve any of the following optional activities/supplements:
- Reindeer farm visit: 10€
- Extra for private room at the hotel : 220€ per person (following the seasonal availabilities)
- Your cancellation/repatriation insurance: we don't offer insurance against cancellation and/or repatriation. We strongly recommand you to sign up for this kind of insurance and take a copy of your documents with you
Notes
Comfort: 4/5 Luxury
Our luxury trips include hotel accommodation with en-suite options. This trip uses lodge/cottage accommotaion in the heart of Hossa National Park with sauna access.
Level 2/5 Moderate
In general no previous experience in the specific activity is required but you should be in good physical shape and prepared to participate in 4-6 hours of activity per day. You should have a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. Please note that our difficulty ratings may vary depending on the weather.
Minimum age: 8 (please contact us for more information)
Snowmobiles: you must be over 18 and hold a vaild drivers lisence to drive a snowmobile
International flights
Flights are not included but this trip includes airport transfers to/from Kuusamo airport - please contact us if you require transfers to/from somewhere different.
Terms and conditions
Booking conditions
Booking a trip with Norwide implies acceptance of the terms and conditions of sale. Each customer is required to complete a registration form and, subject to availability at the time of registration, travellers are expected to pay a deposit of 30% of the total price to complete their booking. Payments can be made online or by bank transfer. You will receive an e-mail with your booking confirmation.
Invoice procedure
Once your booking is confirmed you will receive an invoice by e-mail. The full balance of the trip must be received at least 30 days before your departure date. Norwide reserve the right to cancel your booking, free of charge, if this deadline is not respected.
Cancellation policy
If for any reason you have to cancel your trip, Norwide require written confirmation of your decision. The money you have paid will then be refunded according to the following deductions:
- Cancellation received more than 30 days prior to the departure date: a sum of €50 per person will be retained
- Cancellation received 30 to 21 days before the departure date: your deposit, 30% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 20 to 14 days before the departure date: 50% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received 13 to 7 days before the departure date: 75% of the total trip price will be retained
- Cancellation received less than 7 days before the departure date: 100% of the total trip price will be retained
Special cases:
Please note that, regardless of the date of cancellation or modification if you have agreed to pay for services such as hotel reservations, flights or additional activities, these services are usually non-refundable so additional fees may apply.
- Fixed airfares: if your airline ticket was issued in advance, often done to avoid significant surcharges, you will be charged 100% of any non-refundable fees if you wish to change or cancel your flight plan.
- Fixed in-country costs: early charges for firm bookings will be charged if you cancel or modify your trip.
- Insurance costs: if you have taken out comprehensive or cancellation insurance, the cost of insurance is due and cannot be refunded.
Please note that fees apply according to the date we receive your cancellation or modification request in writing.
If we have to cancel a departure due to an insufficient number of participants, you will be informed no later than 21 days before departure and a full refund will be issued, you will not be entitled to further compensation. We reserve the rights to cancel departures due to exceptional circumstances which may impact the safety of participants. Such circumstances include those amounting to 'force majeure' in which case participants will receive a full refund but they will not be entitled to any compensation.
Changes to travel contract
If you wish to make a change to your booking please contact us in writing; you will be expected to pay any fee which might arise from this change. In the event of unforeseen external events, Norwide may change some aspects of the travel contract. If any changes are necessary you will be informed as quickly as possible.
Pricing
The prices on our website are updated regularly and all of the prices we advertise are accurate when published. We reserve the rights to make changes to any of these prices. Before you make a booking we will give you the up-to-date price of your chosen holiday including any supplements, upgrades or additional activities you may have requested. If the number of travellers is fewer than the indicated number of participants on the website, a small group surcharge may be applied. For all of our trips we include details of services, prices and what is/is not included but please be aware that changes to the prices may be necessary in accordance with exchange rates or price changes of various components of the journey.
Contract transfer
If you are unable to travel for any reason, you can transfer your booking to another person in which case our modification conditions apply. Both the transferor and transferee will be jointly and severally liable for payment of the total holiday price and other associated expenses. Some airline carriers treat name changes as cancellations and you may be required to pay for the cost of a new ticket.
Insurance
Practical info
Staff
You will be welcomed at the airport by a representative from our friendly team and accompanied for the duration of your holiday. Armed with an abundance of experience and a wealth of knowledge our professional Finland team know the country inside out. All activities are lead by our qualified guides who are English speaking outdoor practitioners with a passion for everything Finnish. It is possible that your group could be international, therefore several languages might be spoken by your guide.
Food
This trip includes full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8. You will have the chance to try some traditional Finnish meals like smoked fish, salmon soup, reindeer stew and traditional cakes - please be aware that fresh fruit and vegetables are rare in our isolated northern location.
- Generous buffet style breakfasts and dinners are provided at your accommodation
- Lunches: Picnic lunches are provided on our activity days including hot food cooked on wood fires
Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you book the trip and we will work with you to cater for your needs.
Accommodation
Our basecamp is located in the heart of Hossa National Park, more than 60 miles (+100kms) away from a village or shop - no mass tourism hubs or Santa Claus Village here with us! There are 23 inhabitants in and around Hossa, most of them are reindeer farmers and yes, there are more bears here than people! We live here peacefully and we work closely with authorities to protect and preserve this stunning National Park. During your stay, you will not have many opportunities to meet local people since there are very few of them but you may cross paths with ice fishers or Nordic skiers and visit local reindeer farms.
This trip includes 7 nights in lodge or cottage accommodation in the heart of Hossa National Park.
The apartments: shared double or triple rooms with lake views, private bathrooms and sauna access. Sheets, blankets and bath towels are provided - we recommend that you to bring a second towel for use in the sauna
Transportation
1 journée de chiens de traîneau, 1
journée de motoneige, 1 journée de raquettes, 1 journée trappeur, 1 journée de
canirando.
Grâce à ce programme de découverte
multi-activités, vous découvrez chaque jour une nouvelle discipline et un
nouveau moyen de déplacement pour découvrir les étendues du Grand Nord. Cette
formule « en étoile » permet une pratique sportive à la journée uniquement,
avec retour au camp de base chaque soir. Les activités pratiquées ne présentent
aucune difficulté technique, et sont encadrées dans un esprit d’initiation. Chacun de ces modes de déplacement ne
présente donc aucune difficulté technique. Tous nos itinéraires sont tracés par
notre équipe, nous en avons l’exclusivité. Nous sommes les seuls à les
emprunter tout au long de l'hiver.
- 1 journée de chiens de traîneaux. 2 personnes par traîneau:
A travers cette activité, nos mushers expérimentés
partageront avec vous leur passion du Grand Nord et des chiens de traîneaux.
Des duos sont formés pour la journée et les participants partagent un traîneau
pour 2. Les 2 participants dirigent l’attelage commun à tour de rôle, composé
de 6 à 10 chiens. Vous ferez partie d’un groupe constitué de maximum 5
traîneaux (10 participants) et un guide musher avec son traîneau. Lors de cette
journée unique d’activité, un parcours simple et accessible à tous vous permet
d’aborder la discipline sans aucune difficulté technique. Vous empruntez de
magnifiques pistes prévues à cet effet et vous permettant d’atteindre
différents lacs au cours de la journée. Un mode de déplacement tout à fait
original et adapté à l’environnement qui vous entoure.
- 1 journée de motoneige. 2 personnes par motoneige:
En duo, les participants partagent une motoneige pour 2. Les 2
participants conduisent leur machine à tour de rôle. Vous ferez partie d’un
groupe constitué de maximum 10 participants et de votre guide motoneige.
Lors
de cette journée unique d’activité, un parcours simple et accessible à tous
vous permet d’aborder la discipline sans aucune difficulté technique. Après une
approche théorique de la pratique de la motoneige, vous empruntez de
magnifiques pistes prévues à cet effet et vous permettant de rejoindre des
points d’intérêts situés aux détours des forêts. En arrivant sur les lacs, vous
atteignez des pics de vitesse : sensations garanties ! Les journées motoneige
privilégient la découverte du milieu. Ainsi, Norwide Finland ne propose la
pratique de la motoneige que dans le but précis de « voir plus loin et plus
grand », aucun circuit complet n’est dédié à la seule pratique de cette
activité. Notre vision de la motoneige, d’avantage pratique que pure passion
mécanique, comblera aussi bien les amateurs de sensations fortes que les
tempéraments plus calmes et soucieux du respect de l’environnement.
- 1 journée raquette, 1 journée trappeur:
Le déplacement se fait en raquette à neige, environ 4 à 5 heures de
marche sans dénivelé. Vous ferez partie d’un groupe constitué de maximum 12
participants et accompagné de votre guide.
Le déplacement en raquettes à neige
est l’occasion de pratiquer la randonnée dans des zones fortement enneigées. Un
parcours simple mais complet qui vous permet de découvrir le parc hors des
sentiers battus. Cette activité reste sportive, sans pour autant vous pousser
dans vos derniers retranchements: votre guide saura adapter la journée au
rythme du groupe.
- 1 journée canirando :
Le déplacement
se fait en raquette à neige, accompagné d’un chien harnaché à la ceinture,
environ 4 à 5 heures de marche sans dénivelé. Vous ferez partie d’un groupe
constitué de maximum 12 participants et accompagné de votre guide. Le nombre de
chiens de traîneaux qui vous accompagnera pour la sortie sera inférieur au
nombre de participants, de sorte à pouvoir effectuer un roulement et de pouvoir
se reposer au cours de la journée en marchant sans aucun chien harnaché à sa
ceinture.
Le déplacement en raquettes à neige accompagné d’un chien de traîneau
vous permet d’aborder un autre aspect de la marche à pied, et d’y trouver une
toute nouvelle énergie. Votre chien, plein de fougue, vous transmettra son
enthousiasme à toutes épreuves, et vous permettra d’avancer à un rythme soutenu
sans avoir l’impression de faire un effort excessif. Un mode de déplacement
tout à fait original qui illustre à merveille le partage et la complicité qui
peuvent s’installer entre l’homme et le chien.
- 1 journée à Rovaniemi :
Vous partez rejoindre la capitale du nord de la Finlande: Rovaniemi. Notre guide vous accompagnera toute la journée pour découvrir le village du Père Noël et visiter le musée. Les entrées sont à payer sur place
Budget & exchange
The currency in Finland is the euro. Please budget for the following:
- Personal expenses and drinks
- Any additional activities/supplements
- Deposit for snowmobile: 2000€ / snowmobile / person (credit card)
- Deposit for other supplied equipment: 50€ for the boots, 50€ for the over suit
Supplied equipment
We will provide you with the following equipment for the duration of your trip:
- Warm snow boots (Sorel). Please let us know if your shoe size is under 34 or above 50
- Bedding and towels (we recommend bringing an extra towel for the sauna)
- A warm jacket for the cold
- A warm protective oversuit
- Waterproof over mittens
- A balaclava
For snowmobiling:
- A helmet
Please be aware that upon booking you will be asked your size, height and weight in order to reserve the appropriate equipment in advance.
Vital equipment
You must bring with you:
- Sunglasses (minimum UV 400)
- A ski mask
- Any personal medication
- Good thermals - top & long johns
- Sun-cream (not water based)
- A head torch and spare batteries
- A thermos flask
- Driver's license for snowmobile
- Credit card for equipment diposit.
Material
We prefer that you do not wear any cotton clothing, including underwear, when participating in activities. When cotton gets wet from water or sweat it ceases to insulate and it does not dry fast. The best materials for outdoor activities are fast drying materials like polyester or materials which are warm when wet like wool. The most powerful materials against the wind and rain are 'breathable' materials like Gore-Tex or Nikwax.
Our advice for keeping warm
Winter in Finland can be very cold, please think carefully about what clothes you bring, although we will provide warm outer layers, the layers you wear next to your skin make the biggest difference. We recommend:
- No cotton
- Bring dry spares of everything, including underwear and gloves
- Wear multiple layers including:
- A warm breathable base layer
- A second thermal layer
- Wind and waterproof protective out layer (we provide a quality jacket and over trousers for activities)
Helpful equipment
We recommend packing:
- Waterproof shoes, winter hiking shoes, sports shoes or snow boots (for evening wear)
- Warm (wool) socks
- A warm wind and waterproof jacket
- Suitable warm trousers - windproof ski style, soft shell or fleece lined mountaineering trousers are ideal
- Warm jumper(s) and jacket(s)
- Warm baselayer thermals - very important! (Thin technical fibers as Carline or Polartec are extremely efficient)
- Gloves - multiple pairs for under and over
- A warm hat
- Appropriate neck wear like a warm buff
- Swim suit (sauna)
- Travel towel (sauna)
You may also consider packing:
- Wetwipes
- Blister plasters
- A camera (and suitable protective case)
- Plastic bags for wet/dirty clothing
Luggage
You may bring a hold bag (up to 20kg) as well as a cabin bag.
For you hold luggage please bring a soft bag like a ruckack rather than a hard cased suitcase because it is more practical. We also recommend that you pack your clothes in plastic bags inside your rucksack so that they stay dry in the event of bad weather.
Do not forget to bring a small rucksack to use as a day bag (25/30L). You can bring this as hand luggage on the plane. You will carry your lunch, water, spare layers and any personal medication with you each day in this bag.
Passport
You will need a passport that is valid for at least three months after your return date.
Visa
UK passport holders do not require a VISA to visit Finland which part of the Schengen cooperation.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland lists the accepted travel documents and visa requirements for every country.
Mandatory vaccines
Aucune vaccination exigée.
Weather
Winter in Finland is cold and dry, temperatures in Hossa can drop as low as -25°C (-13°F) but warm clothing, good food and an active lifestyle will keep you warm.
A thick layer of snow covers Finland from December, when it settles, to the end of April, when it melts. The dry cold preserves the snow and makes temperatures feel warmer than you might imagine.
During the winter months daytime is relatively short in Finland but
thanks to the snow and the occassional displays of the dancing Northern Lights
it is never completely black even in the regions where the sun does not rise at
all - winter brings a beautiful blue light with a feeling of permanent dusk. In mid-April, the sun stays above the horizon for 14-16 hours so during
March and April you can enjoy long glorious days of winter sports under a
bright sun. Other winter days include 4 to 5 hours of a light called gray
light, usually 10am to 2pm, with local variations.
The Northern Lights
The beautiful dancing lights are most likely to appear on black nights
in February-March and September-October in the North of Finland. Statistics
show that most are observed in Lapland, in the region of Kilpisjärvi. When the
night skies are clear, the Northern Lights can be observed three nights out of
four in Kilpisjärvi, every other night in the Sodankylä region and one out of
four nights near Oulu-Kuusamo.
Topography
Area:+130502
square miles (+338,000 km2) which consists of around 10% water, 69% forest and
only 8% cultivated land
Size: It is the
seventh largest country in Europe,+720 miles (1160km) North to South and +335
miles (540km) East to West
Borders: Sweden,
Norway, Russia and the coast
There are said to be 187888
lakes here in Finland and 179584
islands including a concentration of islands off the South West coast which
forms the largest archipelago in Europe.
Sustainable tourism
As adventure and wilderness travel experts who run trips to some of the most remote parts of the world, we take responsible tourism very seriously.
Here in Finland we work in partnership with Metsähallitus to
protect Finnish waters and forests - an exclusive agreement which enables
us to use the roads of Hossa National Park. Our kennel is cleaned daily and
subject to regular veterinary and we work with MyClimate to offset all
carbon emissions produced by snowmobiling activities and transfers.
We respect the ‘Leave No Trace’ outdoor ethical code and try to explore this beautiful location whilst causing minimal environmental damage.
The Leave No Trace policy can be summarized in 7 simple steps which we hope you will follow during ourtrip...
- Be prepared
- Stick to trails and camp overnight right
- Stash your trash and pick up waste
- Leave it as you find it
- Be careful with fire
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Over the years we have built up good relations with our local suppliers and we are keen to support local businesses as much as possible. We are a small company and we pay our local partners and suppliers directly insuring fair rates. Our small group sizes not only provide a more intimate adventure but also cause less impact on the environment and local communities.
We expect all who travel with us to support and uphold our Sustainable Tourism philosophies.
My local agent
Alix
- Passionnée par la marche, les grands espaces et les voyages d'Aventure, je me ferai un plaisir de vous écouter et de répondre au mieux à vos demandes.
- Region
- Hossa
- Activity
- Winter Winter Multi-activities
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group
- 2 to 10 people
- Code
- A2FN
- Price
- From €2,250
- Level
- 2/5
- Comfort
- 4/5
- Language(s)
- French / English