Finland school trip · 6 days
Autumn Adventure in Kuusamo
Develop navigation, camping and leadership skills in Finland, preparing for guided and independent hikes in Riisitunturi and Oulanka National Parks.
About this trip
This autumn adventure offers a real challenge for those students who want to put navigational, camping and leadership skills to the test. We arrive in Kuusamo, known for its stunning natural landscapes, which include vast forests, numerous lakes, and the rugged hills of the Koillismaa region. Over the course of our trip we will develop our skills and test our fitness as we embark on two separate hikes. The first of these will be a guided 10km hike in Riisitunturi National Park where we will take turns navigating through forests and fells. On our penultimate day our skills are put to the test as we set off on an independent hike in Oulanka National Park. This adventure will be the ultimate lesson in teamwork, leadership, planning and personal development.
Trip highlights
- Orienteering and outdoor cooking
- Guided hike in Riisitunturi National Park
- Independent hike in Oulanka National Park
- Finnish sauna culture
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1
Day 1
Arrival in Kuusamo and preparations
Meal included: dinner
Our adventure begins today as we fly to Kuusamo airport. After a 30-minute drive we will arrive at the Adventure Apes Lodge where the guide team will welcome us with a homemade dinner and tour briefing. Together with our guides we will get familiar with all the personal and common gear, ensuring we have everything we need to stay warm, dry and happy during our adventure. We will also have the opportunity to familiarise ourselves with any equipment that may be new to us. Later we will get an introduction to Finnish sauna culture and have the chance to kick off our adventure by relaxing in a traditional wood-heated sauna.
- 2
Day 2
Preparations for guided day hike
All meals included
After a big healthy breakfast, we will take part in a short orienteering exercise in the Lodge surroundings. Following this we will practice how to use our gas cooker and cook our lunch outdoors in pairs. We will also brush up on our fire-making skills under the supervision of the guides and enjoy our snack by the open fire we have made in small teams. Later on we start packing our backpacks and prepare our meal plan for the next day. When everything is packed we will go through the safety plan with our guide. After the evening sauna it is time to enjoy our dinner at the Lodge and get a good night's rest before our hike tomorrow.
- 3
Day 3
Day hike in Riisitunturi National Park
All meals included
Today it is time to kick off our day hike to Riisitunturi National Park. We will arrive at the National Park after a 30-minute transfer and our guide will give us an introduction to the coming hike. We will take turns in navigating and leading the team through forests and fells. After a busy morning we stop for lunch outdoors and cook our lunch together in pairs. Our guide will also tell us interesting facts about Finnish nature. Following lunch we continue the hike and enjoy a snack in a fireplace along the way. At the end of the hike we will return to the starting point in the dark and the bus will take us back to the Adventure Apes Lodge in the evening. After a relaxing sauna we gather around the dinner table together and enjoy a meal together as a team.
- 4
Day 4
Preparation for independent day hike
All meals included
After a good night's sleep it is time to enjoy breakfast together at the lodge. Today is the day we will step up as a team and take initiatives planning the route, meals and appointing team responsibilities for tomorrow's independent day hike. In the afternoon it is time to have some fun and play indoor games in the sports hall. For those of us that would like to have an extra challenge, there is the opportunity to do some night-time orienteering in the dark.
- 5
Day 5
Independent hike in Oulanka National Park
All meals included
The hiking day begins with breakfast at the lodge. We will take a bus transfer to Oulanka National Park where we will test the skills learnt during the week in small teams. We will navigate through Small Bear Trail, the most popular hiking route in Finland and do some team tasks along the way. We will plan our meal stops and prepare our own meals over an open fire, with a leave-no-trace policy. We will cross hanging bridges over white-water rapids and take turns in leading and practicing our leadership skills. Following the hike, we return to lodge late in the evening and after some gear maintenance, will have the chance to relax in the warmth of a traditional wood heated sauna. To finish the day we will take some time for self reflection and think about the adventure we have been on together. After a delicious farewell dinner party we head to bed for our final night in Finland.
- 6
Day 6
Departure and return to UK
Meal included: breakfast
A great adventure never ends, it merely changes form to become part of who you are. On day six our hiking adventure in the Finnish Lapland will transform into some of our best memories. Finally, we will transfer back to Kuusamo airport to catch our return flight back to the UK.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
How long is this itinerary? The suggested itinerary is 6 days.How will we use our navigation skills? We will navigate through Small Bear Trail, the most popular hiking route in Finland and do some team tasks along the way.