Family getaway to Finland
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-Emissions118.57 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on an immersive adventure in the heart of wild Finland , in Hossa National Park, an ideal playground for families seeking nature and a digital detox. Between boreal forests , shimmering lakes , and the atmosphere of the Far North , each day offers its own share of discoveries.
This 8-day trip blends gentle activities with playful explorations: hiking , canoeing , and wildlife observation punctuate the experience. Children and adults alike are introduced to life in the great outdoors, with an approach inspired by local traditions. Highlights are guaranteed at the spectacular Julma-Ölkky canyon , with its suspended walkways and breathtaking panoramas.
The adventure continues with unique experiences: encounters with dogs , immersion in the world of trappers , and evenings under the midnight sun . All this in a friendly atmosphere, conducive to sharing and camaraderie.
A stay designed for young and old, where everyone finds their place between exploration, wonder and moments of calm in the heart of preserved nature.
The highlights
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Activities accessible to the whole family
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Hugs for the huskies, shivers in the face of the bear
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Canoe trip on the lakes and rivers of Hossa
Photos
Sport
Level
Summer multi-activity
Management
French
Based in Hossa National Park for many years, our local agency 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: welcome to Hossa!
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 85km
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Let's embark on a Finnish family adventure! We're heading to the Far North: landing in Kuusamo or Oulu, gateways to the Land of a Thousand Lakes. At the airport, our local team will greet us and accompany us to our lodge, nestled on the edge of Hossa National Park (about an hour from Kuusamo, three hours from Oulu). Keep your eyes peeled along the way: it's not uncommon to see reindeer calmly crossing the road—sometimes even in herds, as if welcoming us! Once settled in, we'll enjoy a warm dinner at the lodge, followed by the magic of our first night under the midnight sun. Here, the day almost never sets… and the dreams of adventure begin.Day 1 -
Hiking - exploring the Julma-Ölkky canyon
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- 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. This hike, accessible to all, appeals to young and old alike: the steep cliffs are reflected in the dark waters of the lake, creating a striking scene. A suspension bridge spans the canyon, offering breathtaking views; the most adventurous can even cross it, just like in a real adventure novel! At midday, we'll share our first lunch, cooked over a campfire, before continuing our walk through forests and past cliffs. A day rich in emotion and natural beauty.Day 2 -
Canoe trip on the Hossanjoki River: Let's go!
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 40kmper day
- Activity Canoeing / Kayaking
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ready for a two-day expedition worthy of the explorers of the North? We're embarking on a canoe trip in the heart of Hossa National Park. Drifting along the water, we'll glide across vast lakes connected by winding rivers, sometimes punctuated by small rapids for a touch of adrenaline. This adventure, accessible to all, is a wonderful way to discover the taiga in a different light: at the pace of the paddle, in the soothing silence of nature. With a bit of luck, we might spot reindeer, moose, or majestic birds. At the end of the day, it's time to pick wild berries (from mid-July) to enhance our evening meal, an opportunity to learn how to identify edible fruits. Then comes the long-awaited moment: setting up camp under the midnight sun! Around the fire, we share stories, laugh, and observe nature that never sleeps… before falling asleep in the tent, a hammock, or the cabin, lulled by the silence and gentleness of the Far North. The next day, we return to the lodge to enjoy a well-deserved night's rest after this timeless interlude.Days 3 to 4 -
Dogs, cuddles and brown bears!
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 30km
- Activity Autre
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day full of encounters! We start with a visit to the kennel: nearly 250 sled dogs await us, eager to say hello. We discover their daily routine, their training, and enjoy a moment of pure joy, showering them with affection and laughter. In summer, it's also puppy season… impossible not to melt at the sight of their adorable faces (even if they don't fit in your suitcase!). At the end of the day, we head to the boreal forest, near the Russian border, for a magical moment: observing the brown bear, the king of the taiga. After a few explanations about this fascinating animal, we reach a wooden hide, well hidden in the forest. Silence falls… then suddenly, a bear appears. A rare, powerful moment, one that will never be forgotten. Back at the lodge, our eyes sparkling and our heads full of memories. Note: after mid-August, bear watching is no longer possible. The visit to the kennel is maintained, and the rest of the day becomes free.Day 5 -
Cani-hiking: hiking with your sled dog!
- Activity Dog hiking
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're featuring an activity that's always a hit with little adventurers: dog sledding! Everyone teams up with a sled dog—a true companion for exploration. Connected by a harness and a towline, we move forward together on the trails of Hossa National Park, propelled by their strength and enthusiasm. It's impossible not to fall in love: these dogs adore walking, playing, pulling… and especially receiving cuddles! The flat hike is accessible to all. A rotation system allows everyone to take a break while others continue the adventure with their new four-legged friend. Generally, one dog accompanies two or three participants. This activity transforms hiking into a team game between human and animal. We move faster, we laugh, we encourage each other—and above all, we discover nature in a new way, with our noses to the wind and smiles from ear to ear. Children love this moment of connection… and parents are often surprised: no one complains about going hiking anymore!Day 6 -
Apprentice trappers and fishermen of the Far North!
- Activity Bushcraft
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we're playing Finnish trappers! Still in the heart of Hossa National Park, we'll learn to observe nature like true explorers: tracking animals, navigating with a map, lighting a fire, chopping wood, cooking over a campfire, picking berries (depending on the season), and fishing from the riverbank or a canoe. Who will be the first to catch a fish? Once the session is over, we'll land to learn how to smoke our catch and share an adventurer's lunch! Each guide will reveal their tips and secrets, making this day fun, educational, and exciting. A complete experience that transforms children (and parents!) into true taiga experts.Day 7 -
Back in France: goodbye, Hossa!
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 85km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A final awakening overlooking the lake, a final breakfast in the tranquility of nature… It's time to head back to the airport. We leave Finland with hearts full of memories: the raw beauty, the ever-changing light, the moments shared with family, and that unique feeling of having experienced a timeless adventure. And why not return in winter? When snow blankets the forests, dogs race ahead of sleds, and the Northern Lights set the sky ablaze, Finland reveals another kind of magic, just as unforgettable.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 double bedroom (which can be configured as a triple or quadruple room, including rooms for children), 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.
Access
Go to the starting point
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
- Children's and teenagers' discount: contact us
- 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
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Meals listed as free, particularly during flights
- Discount for teenagers aged 12 to 14, if you book regular flights with us: -€90
- Discount for children aged 8 to 11, if you book regular flights with us: -€130
Options
- 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/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
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
- 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
- A sleep mask (constant daylight can disrupt sleep)
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
