In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFinland / Hossa
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions86.69 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Hossa, the Finnish adventure in the heart of the wilderness
Forget the crowds and the beaten track: head to the Far North, where nature reigns supreme. Between shimmering lakes, boreal forests and the infinite light of the midnight sun, Hossa National Park opens the doors to an authentic and unspoiled Finland.
Accompanied by a passionate guide, experience a timeless, multi-activity adventure: canoe trips on tranquil waters, hiking with Nordic dogs, nights in tents, and bivouacs around the campfire. Here, each day is a total immersion in wildlife: observing brown bears, hiking through canyons, swimming in lakes, and sharing moments around the campfire…
A friendly and nature-oriented trip for those who dream of freedom, silence and genuine emotions at the ends of the earth.
And between us… it’s also the best way to escape the French heatwave!
The highlights
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The wild and unspoiled nature of Hossa
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Two immersive excursions: canoeing and cani-hiking
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A concentration of activities for all adventurers
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
The expert's opinion
Circuit characteristics
The program offers an average of 5 hours of activities per day, with a pace designed to alternate between exploration and relaxation.
No need to be a seasoned adventurer: this trip is accessible to everyone. All you need is a love of walking, a few hours of outdoor activities, and the time to discover and marvel at the scenery.
Physical activity during the stay
The route presents no particular technical difficulties. However, even in summer, the Finnish weather can be unpredictable: rain, wind and temperature variations can sometimes make certain days a little more demanding.
Spirit of the stay
This trip is experienced in a small group, in a friendly atmosphere. Everyone is invited to participate: helping to set up tents, assisting with canoe logistics during the expedition (unloading gear, etc.)… all simple actions that strengthen group cohesion. Solidarity, mutual support, and good humor are the keys to a successful adventure.
Suitable for ages 14 and up.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
Management
French
Based in Hossa National Park for many years, our local agency Norwide guarantees a successful active travel experience, thanks to the expertise of our guides and our logistical infrastructure. During your stay, you will be accompanied by French-speaking guides, fully dedicated to helping you discover unusual activities and places in the heart of nature.
The Hossa hostel is also run by a predominantly French-speaking team, ensuring a warm welcome tailored to your needs.
Program
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Heading towards Finland – Arrival in Hossa
- Transportation Minibus - 01h30 - 85km
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This is the big departure for our Finnish adventure! We are heading north and landing in Kuusamo or Oulu.
Upon arrival, our local team will meet you at the airport and accompany you on the transfer to the hostel, located at the gates of Hossa National Park (approximately 1 hour from Kuusamo, 3 hours from Oulu).
Once settled in, it was time for a first dinner at the inn, then the magic of a first night under the midnight sun.
Day 1 -
Canoe trip on the Hossanjoki River
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 20kmper day
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Embark on a two-day canoe adventure in the heart of Hossa National Park. This gentle immersion in nature takes us onto the tranquil waters of lakes, connected by small, winding rivers. Accessible to all, this trip is above all an invitation to discovery and relaxation.
Reindeer and moose are plentiful in the area, and our regular stops may give us the chance to spot some, as well as the park's many birds. Weather permitting, a swim will round off our day.
At the end of the day, we'll head out to pick wild berries (from mid-July onwards) to enhance our evening meal. The night spent camping will be a highlight of the trip: sharing stories around the campfire, trapper anecdotes, tales of Finnish wildlife and flora, and legends, all in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Return to the hostel and overnight stay on the second day.
Days 2 to 3 -
Visit to the kennel and observation of the brown bear
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 30km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day dedicated to animal encounters. We begin with a visit to the kennel at our activity center: nearly 250 dogs await us, always ready to show their enthusiasm. It's an opportunity to learn more about their daily lives, their training, and to share a special moment filled with cuddles and laughter.
At the end of the day, we head towards the boreal forest, very close to the Russian border, to try and catch a glimpse of the king of the taiga: the brown bear. After a presentation on its way of life and its essential role in the ecosystem, we reach a wooden hide, set up in the heart of a wild area where bears are numerous.
Silence falls, patience is key… and when the bear finally appears, it is a moment of pure emotion that one never forgets.
Back at the hostel late in the evening, heads full of images.
Note: After mid-August, bear watching is no longer possible. The kennel visit is still available, and the rest of the day is free.
Day 4 -
Dog-hiking expedition in Hossa National Park
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Heading for a new Nordic adventure: cani-hiking!
We are setting off for a two-day hike in the southern part of Hossa National Park, accompanied by our faithful four-legged companions.
This ancient method of travel, once used by Nordic peoples during the summer, now offers a unique way to explore nature in tandem with a dog. Connected to him by a harness and a towline, we move forward together on the trails, carried by his energy and contagious enthusiasm — it's impossible not to fall in love with our furry friends!
The walk, with no elevation gain, remains accessible to everyone. Since the number of dogs is less than the number of participants, a rotation system is in place: everyone will have the opportunity to walk at certain times without a dog attached to their belt, to rest. Generally, one dog accompanies two participants.
This experience offers a different approach to walking: supported by the dog's pull, we progress more easily, with a feeling of lightness and connection. An original activity, combining nature, sharing, and authenticity.
As evening fell, we set up camp by a lake, alongside our fellow travelers. A campfire, dinner under the stars, and the serene boreal light punctuated this unforgettable evening.
Return to the hostel the following day at the end of the day.
Days 5 to 6 -
Hiking in the Julma-Ölkky canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 00h50 - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Accommodation Shared chalet
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're heading to one of the jewels of Hossa National Park: the Julma-Ölkky canyon, the largest of Finland's three lake-canyons. A spectacular hike awaits us in the heart of a magnificent landscape, where steep cliffs are reflected in the dark waters of the lake.
A suspension bridge spans the canyon, offering breathtaking views of this pristine natural environment. This unique setting is ideal for fully enjoying a day of discovery and immersion in the heart of the taiga.
As every midday, we share a friendly lunch by the fire, before continuing our walk between forests and cliffs.
A day rich in emotions and natural beauty!
Day 7 -
Back to France
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 85km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last wake-up call overlooking Lake Hossa. Transfer to the airport and return flight.
We leave Finland with our hearts full of memories: the raw nature, the changing lights, the encounters, and that rare feeling of having experienced a total immersion in the Far North.
And why not come back in winter? When hiking is done on snowshoes, when dogs run ahead of the sled and when the Northern Lights set the sky ablaze, Finland reveals a whole other kind of magic.
Day 8
Note
The itinerary provided is for guidance only. A detailed program will be given to you upon arrival. It may be adapted according to safety conditions, weather, or unforeseen circumstances to ensure the best possible experience.
Things to know before you leave:
Light and seasons:
From the end of May to the beginning of August: the midnight sun illuminates the region, the day hardly ever sets.
From mid-August: night gradually returns, sometimes revealing the first northern lights, if the sky and conditions are right.
Bear observation:
From mid-August, bear watching is no longer possible. The kennel visit will still be available, and the rest of the day will be free.
Accommodation
Hossa's Inn:
The hostel has a main building with a bar-restaurant, a large terrace and a games area including billiards, board games and a jukebox.
Wellness area open to all:
A large electric sauna is available every evening, with a view of the lake and the option to swim afterward. A wood-fired sauna and a Nordic bath are also open once or twice a week, offering moments of typical Finnish relaxation.
Accommodation is assigned at the time of registration, according to your preferences and availability on site.
Ecolodges:
The ecolodges are modern double rooms, with the possibility of triple rooms upon request. They offer a lake view, a private bathroom, a terrace and storage space.
Traditional chalets (“mökki”):
The small, traditional chalets offer an immersive experience in Finnish culture. They feature a kitchenette, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a small private sauna. The terrace offers a lovely, unobstructed view of the lake.
Bed linens, blankets, and bath towels are provided. It is advisable to bring a second set of towels for the sauna.
During the canoe trip, you may be asked to vacate your rooms, and your luggage will then be kept in storage at the hostel.
Single room option:
If you are travelling alone, you will initially be placed in a shared room with another participant. However, a supplement may apply.
Nights in tents:
During the trek, you will sleep in lightweight three-person tents, shared in pairs, offering comfort and practicality in Finnish conditions. It is advisable to bring an external battery to charge your phone, camera, and other essential equipment.
Drinking water during raids:
The drinking water comes directly from lakes located near the campsites. It's undoubtedly some of the best water in the world! It is boiled by the guide before consumption.
For added convenience, you can also bring Micropur-type purification tablets.
Access
Go to the starting point
Your flight journey
Your e-ticket will be available in your customer area 8 to 10 days before departure. Your login details and password will be sent to you upon registration.
To reach Finland, we mainly work with the scheduled airline Finnair, via Helsinki.
Luggage: 1 checked bag of 23 kg + 1 carry-on bag per person
Meals and drinks: not included on board, available for purchase
This information is provided for guidance purposes only and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Price details
The price includes
- Flights Paris / Kuusamo / Paris or via Oulu
- Air taxes
- Airport transfers (subject to correspondence with the reference flight plans)
- Travel and activities as described in the program
- The accommodation as described
- Full board, except for meals indicated as free.
- Loan of canoeing and camping equipment (tent, mattress, sleeping bag)
- The tour is led by a French-speaking tour guide who is a specialist in the destination.
The price does not include
- The contribution to carbon neutrality
- Pre-delivery to Paris
- Meals indicated as free in the day-by-day
- Airport transfers, in cases where the arrival and departure times, airport, or dates do not correspond to those of the group and the program
Options
- Single room supplement during the nights of your stay : CHF329.33 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
Passport
Passport or national identity card must be valid (check the expiry date now).
From January 15, 2017, a child travelling abroad without being accompanied by one of their parents must present the following 3 documents:
- Valid identity document for the minor: identity card or passport + possible visa depending on the requirements of the destination country (to be checked by consulting the country information sheets on the website diplomatie.gouv.fr)
- Photocopy of the valid identity document of the signing parent: identity card or passport
- Authorization form for leaving the territory signed by one of the parents holding parental authority.
Visa
No visa required for European citizens.
Identity card
Valid identity card required (check expiry date now).
Important: The authorities do not recognize the extension of validity for expired national identity cards. Only strictly valid cards are accepted.
Health recommendations
The health requirements of each country change frequently; it is important and your responsibility to consult them up until the day of your departure on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the "Travel Advice" section.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Specifics
In Finland, mosquitoes can be very numerous depending on the time of year, especially in July and August when temperatures are higher. We recommend wearing long clothing, bringing a good mosquito repellent, and, for those more sensitive to mosquitoes, a head net can also be a valuable asset.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Canoeing equipment (canoe, life jacket, paddle, dry bag...(13L for personal belongings/ 22L shared between 2 for sleeping bag)
- All camping equipment (3-person tents for two people, utensils...)
- A sleeping bag (comfortable from 0°C to +10°C) that can be compressed to the maximum
- Walking poles: They are a valuable aid in saving your knees on the descent (up to 30% of your weight and that of your bag are supported by the poles) and in supporting your effort on the ascent (the arms help in addition to the legs).
Equipment to bring
- A sleeping bag liner (to be used in sleeping bags for hygiene reasons)
- A microfiber bath towel
- High-protection sunglasses
- A headlamp, with spare batteries (until May and from August onwards)
- A rain cover for your backpack
- Plastic bags to keep your belongings dry
- A water bottle of at least 1 liter
- A pair of binoculars
- A personal first aid kit
- Toilet wipes
- Sunscreen (face and lips)
- A lip balm
- Mosquito repellent
- A backpack for day trips
Optional:
- Head mosquito net
- Earplugs
- A knife (to be put in checked baggage)
- An external battery (to be placed in carry-on luggage)
- A camera
- An inflatable pillow for nights in a tent
- A sleep mask (constant daylight can disrupt sleep)
All your luggage must be divided into two bags:
- Bring a travel bag or rolling suitcase with a maximum weight of 20 kg.
- A small backpack (25-40L capacity) for your day's essentials: jackets, a change of t-shirt, a water bottle, a packed lunch, sunglasses, and other small items. It will also serve as your carry-on luggage on the plane (generally 10kg maximum). This backpack will accompany you as cabin baggage on the plane. Remember to pack your essentials in case your checked luggage is delayed.
Clothing to bring
- A pair of hiking boots. They must have three qualities: sturdiness, good foot and ankle support, and waterproofing, as the terrain is sometimes wet.
- A waterproof mountain jacket (Gore-Tex type). The most effective jackets against wind and rain are made of Gore-Tex or Micropore, a "breathable" material that allows for the rapid evaporation of perspiration.
- A down jacket, optional but very practical for midday picnic breaks.
- A fleece jacket. This has the advantage of being durable, warm, lightweight; it dries quickly and offers a soft feel.
- A rain cape (use is delicate and not recommended in strong winds)
- Trekking trousers
- Comfortable trousers for the evening
- Shorts or Bermuda shorts
- A thick wool sweater (to wear under the fleece in the evening, especially for camping trips)
- A long-sleeved undershirt or shirt
- Technical base layers, top and bottom. This is your first layer of insulation, so make it worthwhile. Choose synthetic or natural fibers. Avoid cotton, which takes a very long time to dry; opt instead for several short-sleeved and long-sleeved t-shirts, and a pair of tights (breathable material). Be prepared for all situations.
- Pairs of hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of walking). Avoid "tennis" type socks (cotton), which take a very long time to dry and have a high risk of blisters.
- A pair of comfortable shoes for the evening and/or a pair of sandals.
- A pair of neoprene canoe booties (or an old pair of sneakers)
- A pair of slippers for use in accommodations
- A swimsuit and towel for the sauna
- Nightwear
- A cap
- A Buff-style neck warmer
- A pair of gloves
- A beanie
They traveled with us
