Wilderness Week in Northern Finland

Immerse yourself in the fascinating nature on Northern Finland! During your time at the wilderness camp, you will not only learn how to drive your own husky sled, but will also embark on a two-day hike with your favorite husky, spending the night in a tent. The protection of nature and animals is the top priority of your hosts, making this trip the perfect combination for nature lovers. The dogs find a lifelong home at the camp and have plenty of space to run and play in their enclosure. What's special about this trip: About half of the dogs are "secondhand", for example, from animal welfare organizations or animal shelters, and have found their loving home at the camp.

Wilderness Week in Northern Finland: the itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Ivalo Airport, you will be transferred to the camp, run by German emigrants Markus and Josephin. They came to Finland in 2015 and now live there with 36 huskies, some of which they adopted from poor conditions. The dogs all live together in a pack and are like family members; the camp is a true paradise for animal lovers. In addition to the free-roaming husky pack, there are also chickens, pigs and yaks (Mongolian cattle). Depending on your flight time, you will arrive in the afternoon or evening and receive a warm welcome. After an introduction to the camp, you can fortify yourself with a traditional Finnish dinner and prepare for the days ahead.

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Day 2: Introduction to Dog Sledding
The second day is all about dog sledding! After a hearty breakfast, you will be introduced to the basics and learn how to steer your own husky team. Then, you will head onto the sleds and out into the wilderness for your first exciting tour. Enjoy the fresh air and the special tranquility of nature. In the evening, you can end the day in the sauna and with a refreshing ice bath, and discuss the day's experiences together over dinner.

Day 3: Second Husky Tour
Today, a second dog sledding tour is on the agenda! Feel the freedom as you glide through the picturesque winter landscape with your husky team. After the tour, you will have free time to explore the surroundings on your own or participate in an optional activity such as a reindeer safari or snowmobile tour. Finally, you will meet back at camp for dinner.

Day 4: Two-day Husky Hike
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before making final preparations for the upcoming two-day hike. Equipped with snowshoes or skis, you will hike through untouched nature while being connected via a harness, leash and waist belt with one of the huskies. You will carry your luggage in your backpack or a pulka. Make your way over frozen lakes and deserted hilltops until you finally pitch your tent in the deep winter forest. Here you will spend the night, enjoying the breathtaking view of the clear night sky - perfect for observing the Northern Lights! You can also sleep directly under the stars in a sleeping bag if you'd like to.


Day 5: Return to Camp
After an exciting night in the tent (or under the stars) and breakfast, you begin the return journey to camp. Once again, you will hike through the winter wonderland of the far north and fully absorb the magical atmosphere of the Finnish wilderness. After arriving at camp and completing your chores, you can relax and warm up in the sauna. This evening, you won't be eating at camp, but instead will enjoy a final dinner with your week's guide at a local, insider-recommended restaurant. Reminisce about your best memories and share your personal highlights with the group.

Day 6: Farewell and Departure
The last day of your wilderness week begins with breakfast together. You will then pack your things and prepare for your departure. A transfer will take you to the airport, where you will continue your journey home with many new impressions that will surely last a lifetime.

Accommodation:
You will stay at the Nomadic Naali wilderness camp near Ivalo and can choose between different accommodation categories depending on your desired level of comfort:

Cabin:
The cabin with single beds for 2 people is suitable for those who prefer a basic level of comfort. It has a heat pump, electricity, a wood-burning stove, a small kitchenette, and an indoor shower and toilet. While you will find all the amenities of Central European standards, a fire must be lit on cold days. A one-time surcharge of €110 must be paid when booking the cabin.

Panorama Tipi:
The tipi for two people has a double bed but no running water. The small kitchenette is equipped with a drinking water container and wash basin. There is also basic electricity for charging your phone or similar, an outdoor toilet, a fireplace, and a gas stove. You can wash in the traditional wood-burning sauna, where you will also find a boiler above the stove to heat the water. You will be instructed in all the details about fire-making and sauna/washing use.

Yurt:
The yurt is an insulated winter tent of approx. 20 sqm and a true outdoor off-grid experience for two people. It's equipped with a double bed, but does not have running water. However, it does have an outdoor toilet and a wood-burning stove for heating. A traditional wood-burning sauna is available for washing (a 5-minute walk away). Bedding and winter sleeping bags are provided. The yurt is also suitable for inexperienced as long as you are willing to fully commit to this close-to-nature-experience. Your hosts will instruct you on how to use the yurt, how to make a fire, and how to use the sauna. Depending on the outside temperature, temperatures inside the yurt can drop below zero if you don't heat the wood-burning stove from time to time. The camp is a 5-minute walk away.

During the two-day husky hike, you will spend one night in a tent in the middle of Finnish wilderness. This tent has no running water or electricity. Those who prefer can sleep in a sleeping bag directly under the open night sky.

The entire camp is run with a critical eye on waste recycling, material extraction, regional and seasonal food, and recycling instead of buying new.

Requirements:
No previous experience is required for this tour, but you should enjoy being outdoors and around dogs and be willing to help with daily tasks. From chopping wood to melting water to lighting the stove, your active participation is expected.
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