Finnish Wilderness Week

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Great trip - exceeded my expectation

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Fantastic week from start to finish. Great food and comfortable accommodation, equipment great also.

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This was a lovely week of many different activities in beautiful surroundings staying in a comfortable environment.

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I normally go somewhere warm in February, but thought I would try something different this year. Reading the reviews convinced me to try this trip, and it was a very good decision.

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A brilliant 'taster' holiday with so many different activities on offer and all in beautiful deep snow. Every day offered a new experience, either as part of the programme or as an option: snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, husky-sledding, visiting a reindeer farm, building a quinzee, downhill skiing and snowmobiling.
During the afternoon downtime there was the option to do more snow-shoeing, cross- country skiing, tobogganing outside or just read with a cup of tea or glass of wine or relax in the hot tub and sauna.
The food was delicious and plentiful. Soft drinks were always available as part of the package and wine, beer and other drinks were available to buy along with chocolate and snacks. You will notice how frequently berries appear: in desserts, soft drinks, liqueurs and chocolate bars in shops.

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Absolutely amazing week, stunning scenery, great group and fantastic guide!

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Brilliant week in the snow of Finland learning new skills and having fun.

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This whole week felt like being in a fairytale! The scenery was absolutely breathtaking - the snowshoe hikes and cross-country skiing routes took us through the forests of Oulanka National Park with beautiful snow-covered trees, picturesque spots along the Oulanka river/rapids like a frozen waterfall, and vast frozen lakes covered in snow! We were lucky to be there during a week with very clear skies which meant lots of pink, purple and orange colours which made it feel extra magical. Because of the clear skies, we were also able to see the Northern lights on most evenings! All the activities, such as husky sledding and snowmobiling were extremely fun and took us through even more beautiful places.



We were there during the coldest week of the season (most days were between -30 and -35 degrees C) but we did not feel the cold at all (and I am someone who always suffers the cold back in the UK) because the clothes provided by Basecamp were extremely warm! I even felt too hot at some points! The accommodation was lovely, cozy and warm - there was underfloor heating which warmed up the whole room and made drying clothes very easy. There is a sauna and hot tub available for the whole group to use each afternoon/early evening which was a perfect way to wind down every evening after a day full of activities. The food was also delicious!!!! We ate very well during the whole trip and we could eat as much as we wanted which was great! All of the staff at basecamp were very friendly and helpful!

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I recently embarked on the Finnish Wilderness Week with Exodus, and it was an experience of a lifetime! Basecamp Oulanka is a charming retreat surrounded by forests and Juuma Lake. The week was filled with many winter activities, including snowshoeing in the snow-covered forests, cross-country skiing by the lake, and an unforgettable dogsledding adventure, despite being new to winter sports the guides were incredibly helpful and patient with us. The accommodation at Basecamp Oulanka was superb, offering warm rooms, and the provision of all necessary Arctic equipment made the adventure comfortable and enjoyable.

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Excellent trip definitely recommend it

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A fantastic week in Finland with a great group lead by a super leader.

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Based at Oulanka Base Camp within Oulanka National Park we were able to participate in a number of Finnish wilderness activities from Snow shoe hikes, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, driving a skidoo on a snowmobile safari and building a Quinzee(igloo) and being amazed on two evenings watching the spectacular northern lights. Our lodge was very comfortable and warm with a balcony offering fantastic views of snow covered spruce trees and the frozen Juuma lake. The food in the restaurant was delicious and plentiful all sourced locally and prepared by a chef.

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I had high expectations for this holiday but it was even more amazing than I could’ve imagined! Every day was packed with new experiences and challenges, all overseen by expert guides who were a joy to spend our week with. Base camp is warm and welcoming with great food and hot drinks and blazing fire on tap.

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The week was absolutely amazing and perfect from start to finish. We had a great group that mixed well and inspired and supported each other. The accommodation - Basecamp Oulanka - was comfortable, warm and perfectly situated and the staff professional, helpful and kind. Our guide, Martti, was absoutely great, as was his 'side-kick' Anton. Martti was inspiring, flexible, helpful and a good laugh. Both Martti and Anton clearly enjoyed their job and ensured that we had a great time with all the activities. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Having hot tea and coffee available throughout the day was great, as was the daily usage of the sauna and hot tub. The meals at Basecamp were plentiful, tasty and well-thought out and encouraged me to try things I'd never eaten before.

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It was an amazing trip of a lifetime. The location and activities were fantastic, the Basecamp was very homely, and the team that work there were great. I would recommend this trip.

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This was a great week of learning skills - cross country skiing, snowshoeing, igloo building - and enjoying the quietness of the Finnish wilderness. The food and social side were great too!

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This was my first Exodus Trip, Joining my sister who has been on numerous Exodus trips before - I knew this was going to be a worthwhile trip. It was my first time to Finland and I was on the hunt for the Northern Lights. Having been to Iceland a few years back and not seeing them there I was determined to find the Lights.... And i did....twice!!



Basecamp is warm and cosy and in the perfect location. With a frozen lake and the woods to wander around you are not short of things to do. The staff are all really friendly and more than accommodating. They all have a brilliant but wicked sense of humour and definitely kept us laughing throughout the week.



I enjoyed every single activity that was planned and during our own time we got to explore, practice cross country skiing, sit in the hot tub and play in the snow!

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This was an amazing week filled with first time experiences. Finland is such a beautiful place. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on 2 nights- which was my main reason for going on this trip as well as the husky sledding. The day trip to Ruka was a great day, where I went snowmobiling which was great fun and watched people on the ski slopes. We visited a reindeer farm, where we got to feed the young reindeer.

An added bonus was crossing the Arctic Circle on the way to the airport at the end of the week. This was unexpected and ended the holiday wonderfully!

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The activities, landscape and Basecamp were all excellent. I was concerned that the itinerary looked less active in the second half of the week but, in fact, it was cleverly designed so that we were introduced to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on days 1 & 2, and allowed to retain the equipment so that we could continue with these activities whenever we had free time. Also, quinzee building on Friday was interesting and very active. Our room was spacious enough, with good storage, a comfortable bed, decent shower and even hairdryer - all with a lovely view. And it was warm! Communal areas were also warm, and welcoming at all times of day and evening. Staff always made time for a chat. The forest, lakes (frozen) and rivers are so pretty, it was wonderful to explore them. As a huge bonus, we saw the Northern Lights - twice.

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This is a different slant to the other guided trips I have done where you get some instruction on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing and then practice on your own to some extent. This allows you to progress at your own pace and explore on your own. All the other activities are with the group with leaders or guides.

The frozen lake, nearby forests and the rivers are all fantastic to be around, nature at its best. It feels remote and very untouched. Lovely atmosphere when you are out walking on your own.

The accommodation is ideal for the trip, warm, clean, functional and quiet too! There was a light room clean and towel change mid-week.

The communal eating area works well with all the food freshly prepared and plenty of it too. Drinks available all day if you are around. Staff always there to help if needed. Alcoholic drinks available in the evening to buy.

All the clothing and footwear is supplied along with any equipment needed for the activities and whenever outdoors.. This includes a rucksack and flask, even a seat pad to sit on in the snow.

Dog sledging and reindeer farm are great visits, nice to be close to these animals.

We had great weather and this made for a most memorable trip

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Finnish Wilderness Week exceeded our (my daughter’s and my) expectations! Our incredible guide, Martti, established an amazing group culture, taught us a ton, and kept us safe all week. There were many different ability levels in our group, and Martti made sure each person was challenged, engaged and having fun.



Our 1st-class accommodation, Basecamp Oulanka, and it’s attentive staff, definitely exuded a vibe—totally chill. Every meal was comfort food (Finnish style), delicious and plentiful, with all dinners and desserts made from-scratch. And of course, there was a sauna!



We snowshoed through snow-covered fir trees, we skied on a frozen lake, and we drank hot tea from a thermos at the summit of a mountain, overlooking a lake. Everywhere was so silent!



When we visited the dog-sledding and reindeer farms, we experienced first-hand how the owners of each organization “walk the talk”, and are true stewards of their animals. I, personally, overcame a huge fear of mine, when I was coached, entrusted and encouraged to drive a team of dogs!



Another personal challenge I met, as a claustrophobe, was squeezing through the opening of the quinzee we built, then committing to spending the night in it. And when we turned off our headlamps to call it a night—lo and behold, the Northern Lights began to shimmer!



But my favorite and most memorable travel adventures are the ones where I end each day sitting around a table with new-found friends, eating and drinking together, and sharing stories—this week had that in spades! This adventure is another Exodus home run—challenges, comfort, fraternity.

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Wow is the only word for this trip! I was truly blown away by the breathtaking scenery and the incredible experiences and adventures of this trip. A real holiday of a life time - I can’t recommend it highly enough.

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A great itinerary of fantastic activities. Enough spare time to go and snow shoe or cross country ski in the area in any spare time.

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This is an absolutely fabulous trip that I would not hesitate to recommend. I really wasn't sure how I would get on with a holiday in the cold as I am a warm weather person normally but I really enjoyed it. My feet and hands got cold sometimes but my body was warm all holiday - even in -24 watching the Northern Lights.



The variety of activities is brilliant - I got to do so many things for the first time.



I loved the Basecamp - so cosy with lovely staff and great food. The rooms are fairly small but are warm and comfortable with good storage space. I was fortunate to have an absolutely amazing group as well.

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We've just returned from the Wilderness Week at Basecamp Oulanka and it's been brilliant. I can't believe that we managed to pack so much into one week. As complete novices to wintersports we weren't sure how we'd fare but wanted to give them a try, which we did and thoroughly enjoyed them all. The tuition from Elina, Martti and the team was really good, they are a really friendly team and were happy to ensure that we got the most from the trip. For example Elina gave my wife a one to one lesson in cross-country skiing after she had to miss the group session. The food was lovely, including some traditional Finnish dishes and plenty of it too. The accommodation in the cabins was warm and comfortable and we were supplied with all the kit we needed, which included three sets of boots to cover all the activities.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the trip to anyone after an active holiday, as I have done to all our friends.

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Highly recommended and couldn't stress how much effort the guides put in on making you feel welcome to this amazing country and how supportive they were in making the trip perfect for each individual. Head guide Elina is a fantastic overall lovely person.

The food was to die for (all traditional Finnish), don't be expecting burgers unless it's an Elk one!

The drink was expensive, but I had budgeted for this prior to the trip as I knew this would be the case. It's good idea to purchase alcohol at a UK airport or lack some in your case before hand.

All of the activities were perfect to gain a taster of each, and once equipped with your gear, you were free to use them as you please in your free time.

I took a hike up a local hill on our free day, using the snowshoes provided, Elina showed me a map in which I took with me, and an easy to follow, well marked trail. What a fabulous day to get a view of the Russian border from the top.

The owners of the Huskies were so caring and knew a of the dogs inside out, what a lovely life they lead and the dogs really enjoy their work, this is obvious when you meet them, due to the excitement and noise they make when they know they're going on a trip.

The reindeer are well looked after, and the herdsmen explained that they are trained to pull the sleighs in the winter when they are brought back to the farm, but released again to roam during the summer months.

I can't tell you enough how much I love this country, the lovely people and how close they are to nature.

If your after a really laid back holiday and an escaped from the rush of day to day life, this is for you!

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For me its was a amazing trip. Although my staying arrangements was not that good as expected but other things made my trip awesome. I enjoyed range of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing,downhill skiing and dog sledding.

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Hi - as a single female traveller over 60 years of age I really enjoyed this holiday. Accommodation was quite basic, but this was too be expected and food showed much creativity but the company was enjoyable and activities varied and very interesting.

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We had the most amazing week at the logging lodge with Elina. What a huge variety of activities to try out. Our 16 and 18 year old daughters loved it too, particularly the dog sledding day and the downhill skiing in Ruka. Cooking pancakes and sausages over a fire was also a highlight. Elina was knowledgable, friendly and inclusive. Would really recommend to families with a sense of adventure.

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We had the most amazing week at the logging lodge with Elina. What a huge variety of activities to try out. Our 16 and 18 year old daughters loved it too, particularly the dog sledding day and the downhill skiing in Ruka. Cooking pancakes and sausages over a fire was also a highlight. Elina was knowledgable, friendly and inclusive. Would really recommend to families with a sense of adventure.

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I really enjoyed the trip and it was Greta to see the transition from winter to spring as we were the last trip of the season. The most enjoyable part was the husky ride, so much I went twice. But also, Elina and Ismo really took care to make sure we enjoyed Finnish traditions, and we cooked pancakes and bread on an open fire as well as quinzee building and first aid in the wildness.

I would definitely recommend this trip of you want a jam packed holiday and to tick off a few things from your bucket list.

The guides are fantastic and you really feel a sense of being in the wilderness, especially of you are staying in the loggers lodge

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I loved this trip. It was a chance to head to the frozen north (Finland/Lapland) in April and take part in a range of outdoor activities such as snowshoeing, x country skiing, downhill skiing and dog sledding. It was also great to go out in the wilderness and have a chance to see wildlife and perhaps the Northern Lights.

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My friends suggested this trip to me and although it sounded amazing I was a little cautious but went for it and I am so glad I did!

The whole trip is just one fantastic experience after another. The weather was incdredible especially the -32 that warmed up to only -7!

The scenery is stunning without exception and thats just the start.

Ignore the neigh sayers about the accomodation and food. The chalets are lovely, cosy, comfortable and very warm. It's so serene in the morning its wonderful, I woke up to that amazing woodland view, peace and quiet and the occasional squirrel coming for food.

The food is great and plentiful and filling just with a big grpup like ours (32 people) you sometimes have to queue to get it. Try not to be too British expecting a hot cup of tea each morning. I took my own kettle and onlu used it twice.

The kit is great and does the job perfectly and the room floor dries things out very well.

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What a great week, despite the unusual cold for late January (reaching below -30), the still fresh air was envigorating. Great mix of activities, in a stunning landscape, especially under the sun with its relative low point in the sky. And to top it off, we saw the aurora, never guaranteed, but on a clear night, a genuinely spectacular show of colour.

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Thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic week at base camp. Scenery is absolutely stunning and activities are varied and fun. At the end of January/ early Feb there was plenty of daylight to make the most of everything on offer. There are superb snowshoe walks right from the front door, the little bear trail in particular. Accommodation is comfortable with plentiful tasty food and good variety. All staff work hard to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible. Although the clothes provided are perfectly acceptable, if you already own your own cold weather gear ( ski jacket / fleeces) you can wear these too. Lucky to share our holiday with a friendly bunch of fellow travellers who helped make it extra memorable.

We would highly recommend this holiday to anyone thinking of going.

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We had a fantastic time in the Finnish Wilderness. Basecamp was great, the staff were all lovely and really helpful. We enjoyed trying out a wide range of activities and then being free most afternoons to do the activities on our own or just relax or have a wander around the forest. Having the marked trails was really handy for independent exploring. The food was varied and we always had plenty to eat. The constant availability of free teas, coffee and juice was nice, as was the lovely log fire in the main lodge for warming us up after a chilly day out. The equipment and clothing provided was excellent, much better than I'd expected.

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This is a trip every Exodus traveller should do! So many different activities in a week based at the wonderful Oulanka Basecamp with its great facilities, gear and staff. The day light is short but you sure make the most of it and have plenty of time to unwind and relax. Laugh at yourself as to try and tackle most things that you would have never tried before but after a taster would want to do most of them as holidays in themselves- husky sledging, snow shoe walking, cross country skiing and driving a skidoo. The final day in the enchanted snow covered National Park of Riisitunturi is one I will never forget as one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to! Did not see the Northern Lights which would have put the icing on the cake but will just mean I will have to come again! Everyone seems to do the Petra trip but I suggest this is a most do trip too.

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Whats not to like? Dog sledding on a snowy christmas morning, the fabulous walk we took just the two of us on the Bear Trail, the group snow shoe hike up in the Riisitunturi National Park or the laughing tumbles practicing our cross country skiiing, or the group dinners with lots of joyful tales of our days, and a sip or two of Cloudberry Liquer? Elina always ready with a grin, a story or some good advice. The Oulanka Basecamp staff with their smiles at all times of the day, and hearty offerings of food and drink. We will return!

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The experience overall was very good on many lelvels. The basecamp was not luxorious but the people are very welcoming and it is very clean. My only criticism is about the food, I cannot understand how it one can serve frozen berries with ice cream as dessert when it is -20 outside!

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A wonderful week in beautiful surroundings and well organised activites by the team at basecamp. An opportunity to experience the full beauty of Finland and try a variety of snowy activities. Comfortable warm lodge, varied and plentiful wholesome food, a welcoming and client-oriented basecamp team and a great mixiture of snow sports and actiivites. One of my favourite Exodus holidays.

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Just returned from a fantastic week in Finland, a country I've always wanted to visit. I travelled over Xmas and it really was a snowy wilderness with very limited daylight hours. However the tour was very well balanced between outdoor activities and downtime and we made the most of the daylight hours. We stayed in a comfortable and cosy lodge called Basecamp Oulanka set in truly stunning surroundings. The food was fantastic and they kitted us all out with all the outdoor gear and all our equipment which we got to keep for the week. We tried our hands at husky sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and went on many wonderful walks throughout National Parks. The trees were laden with snow, we had many campfires along the way, the guiding was excellent and the food & wine was gorgeous! I totally recommend this week away, I felt so refreshened and invigorated by the time I returned!

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One of the best trips I have ever been on! Superb location, excellent accommodation with amazing food, well hosted by friendly guides.

Choice of activities was brilliant and the trip was relaxing as well as moderately active. Would recommend!!

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A great fun trip full of new experiences in a beautiful environment. The guides and all the staff where friendly, helpful and very passionate about nature

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Fabulous week in the snow in the Finland. The week exceeded all expectations - helped by the fact we saw the Northern Lights on night one on the way from the airport. Had a great mix of different activities and stunning scenery. Also food was really good. Lunch was always a filling soup and dinner great home cooked Finnish dishes.

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Brilliant week of deep snow, sunshine, stunning scenery, amazing activities, great food and comfortable accommodation.

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A fantastic location, the hut was lovely cozy & warm. The staff, particularly the leader Ana were really friendly and helpful. The kit provided was of good quality with top name brands, and kept you very warm, even at -30 for the evening walk. Each day was different, so made it intresting and allowed you to try a range of activities. Would highly recommend.

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A great escape from everyday life with the opportunity to try out many different snow activities plus free time to relax or experience optional activities. We were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights on 4 of our 7 nights 18-25 February 2018. Very tasty food and plenty of it. Comfortable rooms with underfloor heating. Overall a wonderful holiday.

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An amazing holiday in a beautiful landscape. It was like being in a Christmas card.

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Superb trip! loved every minute of it. The activities, accommadation, food and staff were all excellent. Cannot fault a single part of the trip and would really like to do the whole thing again!

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From start to finish this trip was a dream. If you are thinking about booking it - stop thinking and just do it. You will not regret it. The transfers, location, wilderness, activities, staff, comfort, rooms, food, activities, clothing - everything was perfect.

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This review is for the week of 14th-21st January 2018

The whole week was truly amazing. Our hosts Martii and Tiia were fantastic and ensured we had the best holiday possible. Everyone's dietary requirements were taken care of and all of the activities were so much fun. For me the Husky dog sledding was a memory that will last me a lifetime. The Northern Lights made an appearance on the plane ride home which was the perfect end to a fabulous trip. If you want to know about it in more detail please feel free to click on the below link which is a my blog for the week! Enjoy!

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4016466253369531842#editor/target=post;postID=5310183189617508352;onPublishedMenu=publishedposts;onClosedMenu=publishedposts;postNum=0;src=link

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We have done several Exodus trekking trips and this caught our eye as an opportunity for a completely new experience and we were not disappointed. I have been raving about this trip to all who will listen ever since I came back. The scenery was beautiful and the environment offered a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city working life. We got to try some new experiences in a relaxed way with Basecamp Oulanka staff who you could feel safe with and made some like-minded friends within the group. If you enjoy adventure and new experiences, I cannot recommend this trip enough.

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An absolutely spectacular trip with some of the best scenery ever.

Although we did not see the Northern Lights we were not disappointed, nobody can control Mother nature.

The activity's, ( included and optional ) were all incredible.

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Recently returned from the Finnish Wilderness Week, staying at Basecamp Oulanka Jan 14-21st 2018 and it was without doubt one of the best holidays I have ever experienced. Firstly the staff, accomodation, facilities and food at Basecamp Oulanka are out of this world (special shout out to our tour leaders Martti and Tiia who were exceptional). The camp is located in the heart of the forest, surrounded by towering trees and a stones throw away from the lake!



The activities included in this tour are also fantastic and truly 'once in a lifetime' (the husky sledding being the stand out). Theres a wide range of optional activities too which are reasonably priced and allow you to experience a new adventure every day!

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If you're looking to get away from it all in unspoilt scenery, try out different winter activities, and generally have an experience you'll never forget, then book this trip.



The location is beautiful, the staff are great, the food was absolutely delicious, and I didn't want to leave!

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This trip is a fantastic way of exploring northern Finland. The activities throughout the week keep you physically active so it's an ideal holiday for people who enjoy that! It's a beautiful location and the scenery took our breath away on several occasions.

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If you want to run away and have an adventure then this is the ideal escape for anyone looking

to be part of a small group and experience new things. I am not a fan of the snow but there's not one moment that I would have changed.

Prepare to be challenged, Prepare to Laugh and Prepare to be full of glorious memories.

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The trip was recommended to me by previous travel buddies and lived up to all expectations. The scenery is beautiful, the accommodation great and very warm and the equipment provided is superb. Although you try lots of activities there is plenty of time to chill out and you aren't expected to be up too early so definitely a holiday to recharge the batteries. There is lots of food and always tea, coffee and squash on the table if you are chilling in the lodge.

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really great week with an interesting and varied group of people. The clean air, beautiful fresh snow, pristine scenery, great home made food and the daily exercise made for a really good healthy break from the stresses of work !

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This was very enjoyable holiday. It didn't matter that I'd never done any type of skiing, dog sledding or snow mobiling. We were taught how to do each of these activities. See the Northern Lights was a bonus as there is no guarantee.

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This holiday was a great opener for those who have little or no experience at previous winter sports. I really enjoyed the Husky sledging and snow shoeing was more fun than I anticipated.

Very cosy accommodation and although the food was not in anyway gourmet it was what I expected for a Nordic menu. (Would be nice actually if you could include a cookery lesson as a optional extra)



Would defiantly recommend as a winter holiday if you want to try a bit off everything and once you have had a lesson you can be as active or lazy as you like.

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A beautiful journey of snow filled landscapes and frozen lakes. Looked after from arrival to departure. Delicious hot food every day and competent friendly and efficient staff

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A week in beautiful and snowy Lapland. It's great to try different activities and get away from it all. With the New Year's Special group we stayed in the 'Logging Lodge' which is deep in the forest; far away from the next village.

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I loved this holiday. Finland in the snow was gorgeous and I enjoyed the mix of activities.

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Amazing, stunning, incredible, beautiful, we ran out of words to begin to capture the beauty of this location and the sheer volume of fun to be had on this trip, it has to be seen to be believed.

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This is an amazing trip packed full of winter activities.I especially loved the (optional) full day husky trip on christmas day but I also did lots of other exciting things.The accommodation was comfortable and the staff at Basecamp Oulanka were excellent especially the leader Bjorn (Teddy).We saw the Northern Lights the day we arrived and we also had a sighting of that special person on christmas day.

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I booked this trip as a total novice in winter sports, and after spending a week experiencing a whole range of snow related activities, I’m completely hooked! I enjoyed fabulous scenery, I learnt new skills, I laughed out loud and had enormous fun, I ate great food, I met lovely people and I completely switched off from the stresses of work.

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Quite superb. The setting, the activities, the accommodation, the food and especially the staff were all exceptional. The Arctic Circle in Finland is stunningly beautiful with vast expanses of pristine snow and silent forests. You really do feel a million miles from the rat race.

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Don't hesitate, book book book!!! This was such a perfect trip. The food at base camp is amazing, the staff are fantastic and the activities are brilliant.

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One of the best holiday experiences I can remember. Basecamp Oulanka is a wonderful place - warm and welcoming and providing all the equipment and clothing needed for the snow activities. The staff are very friendly and professional in their guiding. Oh and the food at Basecamp is excellent too, even for vegetarians like me.



The surrounding snowy landscape with coniferous forest, huge expanse of frozen lake, fast flowing icy river is all that I imgained. Learning to cross-country skii, snow shoe and drive a husky sled were brilliant experiences.

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Fabulous week at Basecamp, with a great mix of fun, strenuous activities and the comfort of the sauna and the cosy restaurant/bar. Glorious sunshine on the snow every day and clear skies full of the aurora nearly every night.

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This was a week of extensive snow scenes, amazingly empty, quiet open spaces, beautiful skies, both day and night and plenty of winter sport outdoor challenges ! The ethos around Basecamp is infectious: look after the local environment, utilise local resources and food sources, be proud of the Finnish culture and enjoy the snow!

As a group we learned many skills from fire lighting to ice climbing all in a very friendly and thoughtful manner and using really effective kit. The holiday was truly 'made' by the lovely staff who run this centre.

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We had a superb time at Oulanka Base Camp. The accommodation was very snug and cosy and the food excellent and plentiful. All of the staff were friendly and helpful and our leader Martii was attentive, helpful and kind. The range of activities on the itinerary were fun and well supervised giving us a flavour of some new winter sports.

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A wonderful trip, with full itinerary. Not a lot of down time other than the evenings, but you are going there for the experiences, not to sit around reading books. The organisation was brilliant, everything went like clockwork. You really dont need much in your suitcase. Your layers, jackets, trousers, shoes etc all supplied, and in the evenings, jeans, jumpers and trainers are all fine.

The food was excellent and plentiful, it would be impossible to go hungry, although if I had to say one negative, there was rather alot of Elk on the menu, which is very tasty, but we had it four times.

The area around the base camp is stunningly beautiful, and its actually nice to take some time out from the hectic itinery to just go off into the silence and take it all in.

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Just the best week ever! It certainly isn't a restful week, but it was great to learn new skills. There was down time in the evenings and we could enjoy the sauna and hot tub. Definitely try rolling in the snow after the sauna

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A great week of mixed activity - snow shoes, cross country skiing, and dog sledding. The tuition happened in the mornings and provided enough information for us to go out on our own in the afternoons. The kit and equipment provided was of a high quality. There is a sauna and hot tub, and lots of great optional additional activities you can opt in to.

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This is an amazing trip - I could not say what the best part of it was because every bit was just fabulous. Starting with the perfect winter scenery, the super cosy, warm and comfy base camp, the wonderful staff, outstanding food which introduced us to a number of delicious local dishes (including catering for all sorts of dietary requirements) and last, but not least the great activities. It is a perfect holiday to get away from the buzz and hectic of our lives, and to focus on your surroundings, nature and sports. For me this was a holiday of many firsts: first time snowshoeing, first time ice mountain climbing, first time to ride a huskie sleigh - and of course (how lucky were we!) the first time to see the Northern Lights! Magical!

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The Finish Wilderness week offered a wonderful array of winter activities to try out with no previous experience needed. Myself and my 21 year old son had a wonderful time meeting both our needs and interpretations of what the holiday would offer us. We enjoyed each others company and the company of the rest of the group whilst enjoying each day to the full. The landscape was truly stunning and everyone was so friendly. Would definitely recommend it. Thank you Exodus.

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I think this trip exceeded expectations for me.



It was a very active week with a great selection of winter sports and the opportunity to try something different. I've now recommended it to a handful of people.

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This will be THE most amazing and fun week you will ever have! The setting is just beautiful - your snug and warm cabin looking out over the snow covered forest, a short walk away from the frozen lake. The BaseCamp staff will look after you, keeping you warm and extraordinarily well fed throughout the week, and exhausted (in a good way) from all the various fun activities.

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Fantastic Finland! Cross country skiing over frozen lakes and forests, happy huskies!, snowshoeing through magnificent scenery, climbing the ice wall, snowshoeing in the forest at night, making quinzees, absailing...

A dream come true for me to be able to partake in so many activities...I just loved it!

The staff at Oulanka basecamp were wonderful, they definitely made the week with their extremely detailed knowledge of the area, the equipment and the activities we did...so much fun and laughter but always with safety as a priority.

The equipment used was well maintained and in good order. All outdoor clothing was provided together with base and mid layers, gloves, beanie hats and even socks if you wished! For anyone who hasn't done a winter holiday before, it saves a lot of expense and as previous clients have mentioned, there's no need to take much clothing with you.

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A very satisfying holiday that went beyond my expectations. The adventure was well planned and well organised throughout the week. Oulanka Base Camp staff are delightful people who are to be commended for their knowledge, skills and attitudes. They made the holiday the success it was. The food was consistently amazing too! The equipment for the various activities was in good order and worked well, the accommodation was simple yet suffice and contributed to the sense of calm and peace. The location is stunning!

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Plentiful tasters of varied winter activities (snowshoing, xc skiing, dh skiing, ice climbing, abseiling etc). Cosy accomodation and hearty meals.

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Wow, what an amazing adventure. I cannot rate this trip high enough. Snow sledding brought back great memories of my childhood.

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What a wonderful adventure. We really enjoyed all of the activities: snow shoe walking, cross country sking, igloo building, husky rides. There are optional things to do also such as reindeer farm, ice wall and abseiling. Although it was - 17 on the coldest day the clothing provided keeps you warm and toasty.

I have never been on a group holiday before and a little apprehensive but don't be, met some wonderful spirited adventures.

Base camp is great, staff very friendly and helpful, food lovely and filling. Only down side: we had to come home

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This was our first Exodus adventure, and our first guided holiday, but right now we are booking our second!

Basecamp Oulanka is a friendly safe & cosy retreat with an excellent team of knowledgeable and welcoming staff.

The holiday is a mixture of activity, learning new skills, seeing stunning scenery, relaxing with new found friends and eating home cooked hearty food - what more can you want?! If you are thinking about booking it, JUST DO IT!

We are a 36 year old couple who enjoy the outdoors and enjoy being active, and I have recently become interested in photography, so this holiday ticked all the boxes!

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It is really like the pictures in the brochure! So beautiful and peaceful but with lots of activities to try out along with time to relax in comfortable accommodation and excellent quality local food.



As daylight hours at short this encourages you to spend a few hours relaxing in front of the open fire in the late afternoon before dinner.

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A wonderful week of winter activities (all of them a new experience for me from snow shoeing to husky dog sleds) and fun in the snow. The evenings were spent in the community building/hub eating great food and enjoying the company of the rest of the group round the fire with a few drinks.

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I had an awesome time from start to finish. The clothing provided was excellent and protected me well against the temperatures which did sink into the minus 30s. The room was comfortable although i didn't spend too much time in it. Food was great and filling after busy days (there is a lot of fish which I am not usually a big fan of but I loved the fish soups). Activities were well run and the instructors were patient and well skilled in cross country skiing and snowshoeing as well as various winter wilderness skills.

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This is an amazing trip based at a wonderful centre called Basecamp Oulanka. The staff are fantastic, always available to assist and advise you. Mornings are spent trying out different activities and then in the afternoon you can try something different, relax or consolidate your snowshoeing or cross country skiing skills in the national park. Once you have tried these activities the equipment is available free to use during the week, as are the sledges on site. The food is tasty and plentiful, and the accommodation warm and functional. Trying lots of new activities really made this trip unique and now I feel I'm ready for a more specialized trip in the future.

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This trip was one of my favourites ever... breathtaking scenery, yummy food, lovely Oulanka Base Camp staff, and great activities. I would really recommend this trip as there is a different activity each day which makes it so memorable and rewarding especially if like me you haven't done any of these activities before.

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This was one of the most exhilarating holidays I've been on for a long time. I only booked at the last minute which was fine because everything you need is supplied and it just means packing a few changes of clothes for the evening. Oulanka Base Camp is very cosy with really lovely staff who looked after us well - the food was exceptional and all made from fresh. The itinerary lets you try all the activities and then do them with more challenge if you want to. I opted for the additional day-long husky driving and it was wonderful to be travelling through spectacular scenery pulled by these extraordinary dogs - absolutely wonderful!

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Great week with an excellent combo of activities in a fantastic location. Peaceful and relaxing, great food and friendly service.

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It was a really enjoyable week with an opportunity to try many new things in a fantastic setting.

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You may be in the wilderness, but if you like adventure you will run out of time before things to do.

I loved the dog sledging (you can have your own sledge and dog team), the snow shoeing, the cross country skiing, the sledging etc. There is also the option for extra's and I'd recommend the skiing in Rukha and full day dog sledging. There is plenty of option for free extra's too as you can use the equipment to walk the bear route with snow shoes and do local cross skiing.

You can get away with taking little cash and paying for most things by card at the end of the week. For a remote base camp the food is good, the room clean and warm with underfloor heating and the equipment good quality. The only down side is the taster sessions could have covered more ground e.g. the snow shoe taster guide session had a bit too much talking and not enough walking, but a few of us made up for it with a walk to village after. This was a small issue for an otherwise incredible trip.

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The 10km Husky Ride was definitely the highlight . Lauri and his dogs from Kota huskies were absolutely amazing, Lauri's professionalism, the condition of his dogs and his love for his dogs was absolutely amazing! His professionalism enabled us to have the most spectacular day of the whole holiday!

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Great week with congenial company, brilliant guide and instructor and excellent range of activities.

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This was an absolutely fantastic holiday and a true 'week of firsts'. We got to try lots of winter activities that we'd never done before, all in stunning surroundings. The basecamp was excellent and the food was amazing. All of the included and optional activities were excellent, as was sitting in the hot tub and sauna at the end of the day!

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Fantastic holiday with great guides and stunning scenery. This is the first time at -18C and its surprising how warm you get when you are taking part in the winter activities. We were worried about being cold in the rooms but there was no need, all have under floor heating and we were always cosy and warm. The main building has the same heating and also an open fire to sit around at night.

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The Finnish Wilderness holiday is up there with one of my best holidays. Oulanka base-camp was fantastic, the accommodation excellent and the food home made and wonderful. Definitely an experience not to be missed.

The optional activities a must. The Arctic gear provided is fabulous. You can really travel very very lightly.

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Great introduction to various winter sports on offer, made really enjoyable by expert, patient and friendly staff

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I really enjoyed this week so much more than I thought. I had never done any winter sports or activities before, but the team at Basecamp were great at leading us through everything, from walking on snow, to staying warm, from cross country-skiing to ice wall climbing. The food was excellent - warming for the soul and very tasty. No meal was repeated and even my sweet tooth was catered for! The hot tub and sauna area were very clean and the rooms were just as described, with a floor that could dry all your gear overnight.

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This is a truly stunning part of Finland, with a landscape of snow; snow on trees, snow on roofs, snow on lakes, snow on roads. The muffling effect of the snow makes the silence truly unique and special (for when we weren't laughing and chatting as a group). The optional activities meant the trip was as laid back or as full on as you liked and the hot tub and sauna helped recouperate for the next day.

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This is a fantastic holiday for those who enjoy the active outdoors and like to try something new. The range of activities included mean that you are bound to find something you like - if not all of them. A good balance of instructor time to free time meaning you can choose which activity you'd like to try more of. Warm, comfortable accommodation, great local food and plenty of it and great hosts. Beautiful setting. The whole holiday far exceeded our expectations. This was a full on week of activity that excelled in every way.

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A really enjoyable week, full of adventures and learning new skills like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, wilderness skills such as fire lighting, first aid and building and sleeping in a snow hole (quinzee), and also riding on a snowmobile and dogsledding.

It is a great idea to provide a number of optional things to do, in addition to the basic itinerary, so that we could tailor the activities we wanted to take part in according to our wishes.

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A fantastic week.



Great team at the hotel made us feel very welcome. Maarti was a great guy and everyone was always smiling. Anika v helpful too.



Good food (thanks Teddy) and great mixture of activities. Lovely location about 100 metres walk down to the (frozen) lake. Cabins were always warm with heated floor in the bathroom meaning you could dry things out or warm things up. It was obviously pretty cold but the gear provided mostly kept you warm, except toes on the husky trips.

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A very busy and cold week but fantastic fun. Expect to we well fed, exhausted and probably bruised by the end of the week but equally thrilled with the beauty of basecamp and exhilarated with activities.

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An absolutely fabulous winter adventure spent in a log cabin in the most beautiful Finnish wilderness, with plentiful and delicious local food and a good variety of interesting winter activities, this is a trip not to be missed- if you love the outdoors and adventure, book now, you will not be disappointed!

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Base camp Oulanka is great, with a lovely atmosphere, delicious simple food and set in a most beautiful area. I was there at the end of December and it was minus 28 and only four hours daylight a day. The equipment they lend you is top notch and the advice you get from the team is excellent. The only problem I had was keeping my feet warm. Take thick wool socks (not polyester) and wear boots that are a bit too big. Henri was a fantastic guide and everyone who worked at the place were extremely friendly and helpful.

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Exceeded my expectations - accommodation, food, staff, activities and facilities were all excellent.

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A very enjoyable week in a remote part of Finland, balancing guided activities with self-determined time. Being taught to snow-shoe on the first day allowed us to explore the area independently, including a day spent on the breathtaking Little Bear walk. The trails were marked clearly, and the occasional bit of challenging terrain intensified our appreciation of the location’s serenity. Also, the tracks left by Arctic hares are amusingly rude in shape.



Basecamp Oulanka provided a welcome contrast to the physical rigours of days spent outdoors, while upholding the 'green' principles that such an unspoilt place demands. The comforts of the lodge's private accommodation - en-suite wet rooms, under-floor heating and external space in the form of balconies or patios - were equalled by the cosiness of the communal facilities.

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We really enjoyed our Finnish Wilderness week. Oulanka base Camp was  very well run and definitely to be recommended. Our only criticism was that the group was supposed to be limited to 16 and there were actually 21, which was too many for the snowmobiling and the snow shoe safari to Castle rocks

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An absolutely fantastic trip; beautiful country and a great range of activities. Loved it!

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An excellent opportunity to try a variety of winter activities in a wonderful setting.The location is ideal, snow covered woodlands right outside the door and a frozen lake to play on. 

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An incredibly cold, adventerous week full of new experiences and memories to last a life time!

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A trip I could repeat again and again and never get tired of it.

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Fantastic- from start to finish, this really was a holiday to remember. Not only was the place incredible. The people I met on the trip were fantastic! Even before the trip the organisational skills from everyone was brilliant and I felt very well looked after in such a tranquil environment.

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I can't think of a better way to have spent the last xmas than being on this amazing adventure.  The entire staff at the basecamp was welcoming and helpful. The food was delicious and the accomodation is pleasant. The tour is very well organized. We had at least 3 hours of good exercises every day and there were a good variety of them too for everyone. Time went by so quickly everyday and I truely enjoyed every minute of it.

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A fantastic holiday really enjoyed all the activities especially the Huskys and the Quinze Building (felt like a real achievement to build and sleep in it). The surrounding area was beautiful and it felt like a real break to re charge batteries.  Accommodation and food were ideal and the guides were all really helpful, professional, good fun and along with all the other great people I met, made the holiday.

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Great week in the finish wilderness with so much snow. Eventhough we stayed at the same place for one week, there was no boredom: every day we did new activities and got to know the area from a different perspective! Perfect winterholiday, would recommend it to everyone.

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Fantastic week in an absolutely stunning landscape. A great mix of winter activities - definitely something for everyone!

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A holiday that`s completely different-the furthest North I`ve ever been-close to Arctic circle, fantastic scenery and climate- great activities, aching in every muscle when i got home, so I know it`s been a good holiday!

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My holiday starts with the planning. I wanted an experience.   Once I decided on my Lapland adventure I try to book. I have to say this part of the holiday was the worst. Very poor customer service and it did make me think twice about booking with them, especially for the amount of money they charged. I had a call from the office manager and aired my views but was greeted with very little active listening and poor customer service skills. Also note this trip was a 7 days rather then 8 days (as we left the venue at 7am thus missing a whole day of activities). This meant that I couldn’t take part in all the activities I wanted to, as I had to squeeze activities into less time. I didn’t make a quince L but with the promise of a hot water bottle managed to negotiate my sleeping spot in one that was built that day.     The holiday itself was amazing. I hope some of the moments I experienced on this holiday will live with me forever. Flying out, again showed the lack of customer service. I had booked veggie meals all week at the venue but they didn’t book a veggie meal for the plane – so no food for me then!! Landing in Helsinki was magically, icey sea swirls, dim lights peeked through the blank of snow – it looked like a xmas tree to my. The transfer to the final airport and destination was smooth.  All the staff at the venue were amazing – happy, friendly, helpful, caring and great fun. The tour guide was great fun. “The wardrobe” under the dining room was a treasure cave of thermal layers, various boots and equipment.  Personally I enjoyed the snowshoeing and husky sledding the most. The group was a great mix of abilities, ages, and outlook on life. The food was good and the venue was keep clean and warm.  

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Very varied trip. The chance to try out a variety of winter skills in stunning scenery. Oh! And Northern Lights.

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Great winter holiday away from the madding crowds with lots of new experiences and activities to try

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I really enjoyed the weeks activities, I had been concerned about my fitness levels before I went on the trip but as the sessions were usually half a day this was not a problem. All the activities were well supervised and mostly well organised although as nearly all the group wanted to do the whole day optional dog sledding it did give the organisers a few logistical issues.

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Such a beautiful winter paradise. Just point your camera in any direction and click.A great range of fun activities.

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Great week that allowed the group to be as active as they wished. Amazing food and lovely, warm accommodation.

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We chose this holiday as it gave us the chance to try out lots of new activities so even if we didn't see the Aurora Borealis, we'd have a great time. We had high expectations of this holiday - and it exceeded them all!

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A great trip to try various winter-activities and return feeling healthy (if tired!).

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An excellent holiday providing an introduction to a whole range of snowy activities in a stunning location. The only problem is it ends too soon and then you have to go back to the real world.

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Wow....... That all that comes to my head when I think of this week, holiday set in a amazing environment, participating in varied activities with awesome people. Waking up in a snow cave to silence, crawling out to be greeted to a frozen lake covered in snow.......bliss

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Lots of well organised, interesting activities in outstandingly beautiful surroundings.

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Fantastic week in a beautiful setting enjoying a taste of Finnish cuisine and a range of activities. This is a must for anyone who wants to try new things in a unique setting.

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Amazing scenery, great activities and a good group of people from diverse backgrounds made for an interesting and very enjoyable week. Staff were extremely helpful and accomodating throughout and the facilities at Basecamp Oulanka were comfortable and fit for purpose.

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An awesome trip with amazing lovely people and happy helpful staff, I would recomend this trip to all.

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the ice climbing on site should be inclusive. charging a euro to flavour your hot water in the flask seemed a bit petty . easy chairs to relax and socialise in after meals would be really good .

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It was a week of beautiful scenery, good company and experiencing the wonders of winter activities.  This was my first winter holiday, and although slighly nervous about some of the activities as I had never done them before, the experience was not a disappointment and was something I would recommend to anyone.

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I keep telling everyone that I really enjoyed my Finnish Wilderness Weekend, that's exactly how long it felt like! It was a really great holiday and it just went so fast. It was amazing to be the first ones there at the start of the season so that all the snow is pristine and untouched. The setting is amazing and you just couldn't ask for more.

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This was simply one of the most magical and memorable holidays I have been on! Every element from the guides/leaders, the lessons, the food, the scenery, accommodation and the activities was superb - I could fault nothing and hope to return in the future. I really didn't want to come home!

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This was one of the best holidays I've had in a very long time.  If you haven't been to Finland before and you love your winter holidays, then this is for you.  The people of Finland are the most friendly and polite you could ever wish to meet.  Stunning scenery, our lovely Finnish hosts, brilliantly organised activities and great company.  Cross country skiiing is going to be one of my favourite winter sports from now on.  I was sad when ur week came to an end, but came back feeling super healthy (even if slightly k*******d) I loved it!!!!!!

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A fantastic week in the wilderness with the enthusiastic and friendly huskies.

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A week in the snow isn't for everyone but if your even considering this trip i'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it. You get "taster sessions" of a few activities which is great if you haven't done these before. The one drawback is that without signing up for "optional activities", which are pretty expensive and in some cases very poor value for money, you get far too much free time in a place where there are a limited number of things to do.

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A great trip with varied activities each day and the opportunity to use the equipment in the spare time, meant no time for boredom. This along with the fresh air and great, constantly changing scenery, due to the weather, led to total enjoyment

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Wow what a week, we had a fantastic time, Eki was an excellent guide, the food was great, scenery stunning and the activities were brilliant. Only downside was no Northern Lights but still a great week to remember and the weather can't be helped.

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The best holiday I have ever been on!  The trip was perfectly organised from start to "Finnish", Basecamp Oulanka is a wonderful place to stay, our leaders at Basecamp were super, and we had a great group of Exodus travellers.

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A totally incredible experience that will stay with me for a long long time. One of the best holidays i have EVER had! Oulanka is a magical place that will change the way you think and feel about life!

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Without doubt 1 of the best holidays I've been on, the activities, the accommodation, the surroundings and the instructors and food where first class

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I booked this trip as I would be celebrating a special birthday whilst away. I wanted to go somewhere that I would always remember. I can honestly say that this trip did not disappoint, it far exceeded any expectations. Oulanka National Park was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited and in the snow it was truly magical. I enjoyed every moment I was there. The trip was well organised and the staff were brilliant. I would highly recommend a visit to Oulanka in the winter or summer.

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A fabulous holiday in a beautiful winter wonderland! Lots of fun activities. Scenary was stunning, photos just don't do it justice.

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I had an awesome time in Finland, the basecamp staff are brilliant, the location is wonderful, the food is great, everything is well organised, I really couldn't fault anything.*Unfortunately the Northern Lights were a no show all week, but even so, when you get a clear night, the amount of stars on show is really something else.

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Amazing adventure, setting absolutely perfect. 

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Stunning scenery, friendly staff and varied/fun activities

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A great week in a beautiful place and a great opportuity to have a go at a number of different new activities, snow-shoeing, cross-country, husky sledding, ice climbing etc.etc.

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I planned this holiday as a surprise 50th Birthday present for my Husband and boy did it exceed both my own and my husbands expectations.  The trip from start to finish was absolutely fantastic.

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A fabulous week, everything I imagined and even more. Great to be able to be to do as much or as little as you like, with knowledgable guides and fantastic food!

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A fantastic holiday.  We had never been on an Exodus (or group) holiday before and its something I would heartily recommend.  Base Camp Oulanka was a great place and the whole holiday was a wonderful experience, never a dull moment from snow shoe walking, cross country skiing, husky sleding to evenings chatting with the rest of our group.

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A wonderful week of new activities in a fantastic winter environment.  I chose this holiday because I wanted to see the Northern Lights but not to be disappointed if I didn't - it worked (sort of): we did see the aurora, and it was rubbish(!), but the week was so good that I didn't return disappointed.  I'd do it all again.

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Loads of variety, lots to do, could not possibly get bored, scenery stunning (no, this is not anything like Britain in December), just do not expect too much from the Northern Lights.

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A fantastic trip that did exactly what it said on the tin: wilderness, northern Finland a variety of outdoor activities in a setting that seemed more than just a couple of flights away from the big city.

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Very enjoyable holiday playing around in the snow.  There were lots of activities to do and you could do as little or as much as you liked.

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Fantastic holiday - so unique and special. I will remember this holiday always as one of the finest I have ever taken! Beautiful location, everything perfectly organized, delicious food, lovely staff, and everyday an extremely fun activity. It was also a perfect balance between organized and free time, so I returend from the trip feeling relaxed yet energized - what I like to call "active rest". In the afternoons you are free to use any of the basecamp equipment and go cross-country skiing across a beautiful frozen lake, or snowshoeing through the snowy forest to a frozen waterfall. And did I mention, delicious food?

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A wonderful holiday. Well set up in an excellent location. The equipment was top class, and it was particuarly refreshing to be able to decide when and how we used the equipment. Basecamp was comfortable and the staff well organised and lovely.

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It was Winter Wonderland at the Wilderness week at Basecamp Oulanka in Finland.  The week was packed with winter activities, some of which I had never done in my life, filled with excitement and good feelings.  Everything from organization, to program, to equipment, to staff was perfect.  Highly recommended.

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I am still on a high 3 week afterwards - what an amazing holiday.  Everything was in the right balance, the slick organisation, the variety of activities, the freedom, the excitement, the quality equipment ... just everything.

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I didn't know what to expect when I booked this holiday with a friend ... but wow, I can honestly say this has been the best holiday of my entire life (and ive been on quite a few!).  This was an adventure of a lifetime, one that I loved from the moment I arrived.  Ive never had holiday blues so bad before - I want to go back, NOW!

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Although the weather was extremely cold we were always busy. The setting was beautiful: the activities varied with lots of choice. Food was excellent and plentiful. The staff were fantastic - hard working and helpful. A sauna and hot tub were always there at the end of the day before a delicious dinner. This trip at this time of year is a real boost.

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Exactly what it said on the tin - as ever. Beautiful and peaceful location, fabulous range of fun activties, greta accomodation and a fun group of people

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An excellent trip.  With a variety of activities there was something for everyone and most things for everyone!

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The sales team were all very quick to respond with help and guidance by email and by 'phone- and always really nice too!

22 Oct 2024

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Megan at Headwater was incredibly helpful, answering all my (complicated!) questions quickly and thoroughly. Made the booking process really easy

Laurence Reynolds, 16 Feb 2024

1 Jan 1970