Finland in all its glory

We set off for a first day of exploration in the heart of Hossa National Park, between frozen lakes and snowy forests, accompanied by our sled dogs.

Once used by Nordic peoples as a means of transportation, cani-hiking is practiced here on snowshoes. Connected to a dog by a harness and a towline, we move forward together in the snow, carried by its infectious energy. It's hard not to succumb to the charm of these loyal companions!

For this activity, we team up with retired dogs: too old to pull sleds, but still full of energy. Since there are fewer dogs than participants, a rotation system is in place: generally, one dog accompanies two people.

The dog's pulling makes walking smoother and transforms the hike into an experience of lightness and connection. A picnic around the fire punctuates this magical day before continuing the adventure.

As soon as we arrived at the Hossa kennel, enthusiastic barking echoed: the impatient dogs greeted us with energy and curiosity.

The mushers then introduce us to our teams: for these two days of adventure, each of us will drive our own sled. A true encounter begins with our canine companions, with whom we learn to work in harmony.

Before setting off, our guide teaches us all the essential basics: driving, braking on descents, helping the dogs on ascents, and understanding the temperament of each dog team. We then depart for our first day of the expedition, alternating between frozen lakes and forest tracks.

Only the dogs' breathing and the crunch of snow accompany our progress through these wild spaces.

The trail leads us to our accommodation: Peurapirtti's trapper's cabin, isolated in the heart of nature, on the shores of Lake Iso Valkainen. Upon arrival, everyone participates in caring for the dogs: putting them on leashes, preparing their bedding, water, food, and putting away the equipment.

Once the dogs were settled in, it was time for cabin life: chopping wood, lighting the stove, and preparing the sauna. Then we went to fetch water directly from the lake, breaking through the ice, before boiling it to make it drinkable.

The evening ends with a hot meal, shared in the warm atmosphere of the cabin… and why not a well-deserved sauna?

After a night away from everything, it's time to re-harness the dogs and pack up the cabin. The movements become more natural: we set off again on the trail for about 25 km.

We cross the Laukkujärvi sector, in the north of the park, an area where it's not uncommon to encounter herds of reindeer. Forest lakes of varying shapes follow one after another, interspersed with stretches through the undergrowth. In places, the track narrows, giving the impression of winding through the forest corridors of the wild Hossa taiga.

In the late afternoon, we returned to the kennel, where we took the time to warmly thank our four-legged companions. Then it was back to the hostel for a well-deserved rest and a hot shower.

Today, we delve into the trappers' way of life and learn to observe our environment with a naturalist's eye. It's the perfect opportunity to learn essential survival techniques for any polar explorer.

Accompanied by our guide, we'll discover how to track animals and master survival techniques, both ancient and modern. We'll try our hand at lighting a fire with a flint and steel, chopping wood, cooking over a wood fire, navigating with a map, and even try ice fishing. Weather permitting, we'll also learn how to build an igloo.

We then visit the kennel, where nearly 250 dogs await us, always eager to share their enthusiasm. It's an opportunity to discover their daily lives, their training, and to spend a special moment filled with petting, laughter, and camaraderie.

Each guide shares their own methods and secrets, shaping the day according to their passions and our curiosities. An intense and enriching day of learning, allowing you to become, for a day, a true expert on the Finnish taiga!

Departure this morning for a two-day snowshoeing expedition in the heart of Hossa National Park.

We'll learn how to use pulkas, these expedition sleds that allow us to transport our personal belongings and group equipment, including food. Pulled using a harness positioned on the hips, they efficiently distribute the load, much like trappers used by the locals. Several pulkas are available for the group and will be rotated among the participants over the two days.

We cross pristine areas, where it's not uncommon to see animal tracks freshly imprinted in the snow. Our guide teaches us how to identify them: fox, reindeer… or perhaps wolf?

We then head to our new trapper's cabin. After settling in, it's time to relax with a traditional sauna, followed by a roll in the snow, as is the Finnish tradition.

With a bit of luck, the evening will also be an opportunity to look up at the sky to observe the Northern Lights.

After a good night's sleep, we continued our trek across frozen lakes and remarkably well-preserved primeval forests. We enjoyed lunch by the fire, a chance to warm up and recharge.

We return to the inn in the afternoon. In the evening, it's time for comfort: a hot shower and a tasting of a traditional dish of the herders, Karestus, a tasty reindeer stir-fry with cranberries.

Last morning in Finland. Transfer to Kuusamo airport and return flight.

We leave with our hearts full of memories: the raw nature, the changing lights, the encounters with humans and animals, and that rare feeling of having lived a true adventure immersed in the Far North.

And why not come back in summer? When the snow melts, the lakes open up to canoes and the forest lights up under the midnight sun, Finland reveals a whole other kind of magic…When the snow melts, the lakes open up to be crossed by canoe and the forest is reborn under the midnight sun, Finland reveals a whole other kind of magic.