Wild Taiga fly drive in Finland

Day 1
Fly with a scheduled airline to Kuopio via Helsinki and collect your hire car. If you arrive on an early flight you can visit the city of Kuopio which is full of life especially in summer. The city, in the centre of the Savo region, is famous for its marketplace, harbour and cheerful people. At the market you can taste the local speciality, “kalakukko”, a Finnish fish pie. About 20 cruises depart daily from the harbour of Kuopio to lake Kallavesi. The symbol of the city is Puijo tower from where you can admire beautiful views over lake Kallavesi. For the first night you will drive to Metsäkartano mansion situated in a tranquil spot in the heart of nature (distance approx 80 miles). Dinner and possibility of a sauna.

Day 2 - Explore National Park

Today you can choose between two national parks that are both within easy reach of Metsäkartano. Tiilikkajärvi National Park offers quite easy routes, beautiful lakeside scenery and beaches. By contrast, the scenery at Hiidenportti National Park is quite rugged; trails include more hills and are a bit more demanding. The heart of Hiidenportti National Park is the majestic Hiidenportti Gorge with its vertical rock walls. Both national parks have some good hiking trails for a few hours’ day tour. Remember to carry the picnic lunch with you because there are no opportunities to purchase food in the parks. Dinner and accommodation at Metsäkartano Mansion.

Day 3 - Observe Beavers and Flying Squirrels

It’s time to say goodbye to Metsäkartano and head via Nurmes in Karelia to the village of Kalevala, Kuhmo (distance approx 66 miles). In Nurmes you can visit the Karelian Bomba House and the Karelian village around it. Bomba House might be a good place to enjoy lunch as well. Midway, in the middle of the wild taiga, is a company organizing wildlife watching tours. During these tours you can observe some interesting native Finnish animals, such as beavers and flying squirrels. You can participate in a safari, at an extra cost, but this must be booked before departure.

By the end of the day you’ll arrive at Kuhmo which is a small village where you can see the Finnish national epic Kalevala reflected in the architecture, events, research, museums and the food. You can learn more about Kalevala and Karelian culture at the Kalevala Information Centre Juminkeko and at Kalevala Spirit Experience Park, close to your accommodation. If you visit Kuhmo during the last two weeks of July – you won’t be alone! At that time of year Kuhmo is full of guests enjoying the annual Chamber Music Festival which is famous and appreciated throughout the world.

Day 4 - Meet the Brown Bears

In the morning you will have the opportunity to visit Petola Visitor Centre which is an information center on Finland’s large carnivores – bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. From Kuhmo the route goes toward north through some very sparsely populated areas following the Russian border. You’ll pass through the beautiful village of Lentiira and cross the road leading to Kostamus and to the international frontier crossing point of Vartius.

Some 16 miles south of Suomussalmi is the historical area of Raate which was the stage of some heavy battles during the Second World War. In Raate it is possible to visit the Winter War exhibition and the Raate Frontier Guard Museum. Your accommodation for the next night will be in the tiny village of Juntusranta just beside the Russian border. Arola, Helena and Eero’s former dairy farm, is well-known for its delicious local food. The farm is surrounded by remote woodland inhabited by European brown bears. In the evening you can take part in a bear safari (extra charge) and observe these majestic animals from the purpose-built log cabins.

Day 5 - Hiking in Hossa

Heading north again you will first arrive at Hossa which is a national hiking area known for its crystal-clear lakes and handsome pine heathlands. The area offers great opportunities for hiking, canoeing and fishing. One good destination for a day hiking trip might be Värikalliot, the oldest rock paintings in northern Finland dating back some 4000 years. Hossa Visitor Centre offers information on trails and there is also an exhibition on the area's history and present day.

In Hossa you can also visit a reindeer park and get to know the semi-wild animals inhabiting the northern area of Finland better. You can try your skills at lassoing reindeer or just pet and feed them. Your final destination today is Kuusamo, which is one of the most important tourist destinations in Finland thanks to its magnificent nature and the vast range of activities available throughout the year. Before settling down for the night at the cosy Ollila Holiday Cottages you could, for example, pop into the Tourist and Nature Centre Karhuntassu and visit a nature photograhy centre there.

Day 6 - Kuusamo – Nature’s Own Amusement Park

This morning you don't need to pack your luggage because you will stay another night at the same place. Today you can head to Oulanka National Park or to Ruka which is maybe the most popular skiing resort in Finland.

The landscape of Oulanka National Park is made up of pine forests; river valleys with sandy banks and rapids; and, in the north, vast marshes. The area is rich in animal and plant species. Hikers can get a general picture of the park’s nature even on daytrips. There are several routes available but one very nice (though very demanding) route is the Small Bear’s Trail starting from the village of Juuma. Departing from Oulanka Visitor centre you can visit the Kiutaköngäs rapids which are some of the biggest rapids in Finland. Many safari companies organize river rafting in Oulanka National Park varying from easy family tours to speedy tours that will make your heart race!

At Ruka you can climb up to some of the hills and admire the beautiful views over forests and lakes. An easier way to get to the top is the Ruka Lookout Lift that takes you up to the hill. If you are brave enough, you can descend on a speedy summer sled! The safari companies of the area also offer many other activities, such as canoe trips, quad safaris, mountain biking and Nordic walking tours.

Day 7 - Southwards to Kajaani

This will be your last and longest day of travelling (distance approx 168 miles), going south along the highway E5 and ending at Kajaani. If you are still willing to do some hiking you can easily visit Kylmäluoma Hiking Area situated by mainroad. The area offers various short circular routes, ideal for daytrips. Before arriving at Suomussalmi you can admire an impressive artwork called “Hiljainen Kansa” (The Silent People). It consists of thousands of human-like figures with bodies of hay, head of peat and dressed in old clothes.

Your destination Kajaani is a small town and the capital of the Kainuu province situated on the shores of Lake Oulujärvi. The best place to enjoy the lake scenery is probably the small village of Paltaniemi where you can also visit the old church famous for its beautiful paintings on the walls and ceilings. Accommodation will be at the Hotel Karolineburg near the town centre.

Day 8

Breakfast and drive to the airport of Kuopio (distance approx 105 miles) where you will leave your hire car.

Fly home via Helsinki on a scheduled airline. It is possible to extend this holiday in Helsinki.