Finnish Border Hiking Tour
8-Day Trek in Hossa National Park & Wilderness
Price Per Person
Starting at TWD 69,000
Category
Escape to the Finnish "Taiga" forest! Experience a guided hiking tour through Hossa National Park. Highlights include ancient rock art, crystal clear lakes, and traditional saunas. A once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure.
Transfer and stays
- 7 nights accommodation in rooms for 2-4 persons. Mostly with shared facilities, on day 7 some rooms with private facilities available.
- 7 x breakfast, 4 x picnic lunch, 2 x lunch, 7 x dinner (snack on arrival night on late arrivals), 6 x afternoon coffee / tea with snack
- Single-timed group airport transfers
- Local transfers according to the program
- Luggage transportation between accommodations
- English-speaking guide
- 6 x evening sauna
- Canoe rental with safety equipment (day 4)
Others
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Overseas Travel Accident Coverage: up to NT$3,000,000
- Accidental Medical Expenses (reimbursement basis): up to NT$1,500,000
- Emergency Assistance: up to NT$1,000,000
(Applicable to flights departing from Taiwan only)
- Travel Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident Coverage: up to NT$5,000,000
- Medical Coverage: up to NT$200,000
(Applicable to flights departing from Taiwan only)
- Travel Inconvenience Insurance
- Standard Plan: Personal Overseas Travel Inconvenience Insurance
(Coverage includes flight delays, baggage delays, etc.)
- Standard Plan: Personal Overseas Travel Inconvenience Insurance
- Europe Data Plan
Trip Rules
- Price: Starting from TWD 69,000+ per person for a group of ten
- Travel Period: 2026/5/20-9/30
- Operational Conditions: Subject to actual operating schedules of hotels and transfers.
- Peak Season Surcharge: During trade fairs, exhibitions, or peak seasons, hotel rates are subject to change based on actual booking availability.
- Exclusions: The price does not include: passport and visa fees, surcharges for sleeper cabins on trains, city taxes at hotels (payable locally)
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arrival at Kuusamo airport, a one-hour transfer takes you to Hossa National Park. You will stay at the Jatkonsalmi cabin on the shores of Lake Jatkonjärvi. Surrounded by the dense boreal forest, this is the perfect introduction to the deep silence of the North.
Hossa is designed with accessibility and variety in mind, making it perfect for both hardcore adventurers and families:
- Diverse Activities: Beyond hiking, it is a premier destination for mountain biking and canoeing.
- Accessible Trails: Finland has invested heavily in making Hossa "barrier-free," meaning many of its most beautiful spots can be reached even with strollers or wheelchairs.
- Home of the Reindeer: While hiking in Hossa, you are far more likely to encounter a reindeer than another human. These gentle residents roam freely, adding a touch of magic to the forest.
Three Core Highlights of Hossa:
Hossa Jatkonsalmi
Built in the 1950s, Jatkonsalmi was a typical Savottakämppä (logger's hut) before Hossa became a national park (or even a tourist area). The log cabin, complete with a traditional wood-fired sauna, is just steps from the lake.
Hossa National Park
One of Finland's youngest national parks, it was officially established in 2017 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Finnish independence. Known as a "symphony of water and forest," it's a must-visit for those wanting to experience Finland's most pristine and unspoiled natural beauty.
4,000 Years of History: Värikallio Rock Paintings
Hossa is home to Värikallio, Finland's largest prehistoric rock paintings. Dating back to the Stone Age, these figures depict shamanistic rituals and the connection between humans and spirits. Painted on steep cliffs above the water, these ancient relics offer a profound sense of time, whether viewed in the summer sun or against the winter snow.
A Masterpiece of the Ice Age: Julma-Ölkky Canyon
The park features Julma-Ölkky, one of Finland's most impressive canyon lakes.
- Deep Landscapes: This narrow fracture valley lake is flanked by rock walls rising up to 50 meters high.
- Suspension Bridge: A popular photography spot, the bridge spans the lake, offering a dizzying and majestic view of the deep blue water below.
The Kingdom of Crystal Clear Waters
Hossa is famous for its exceptionally transparent lakes. In places like the Muikkupuro stream, the water is so clear you can see every grain of sand on the bottom.
- Esker Ridges: Formed by retreating glaciers 10,000 years ago, these narrow ridges create a unique landscape where you can hike with shimmering lakes on both sides of the trail.
Day 2: Värikallio – A 4,000-Year Shamanic Journey | 16 km
Today, we set out on a mystical trip back in time to the Värikallio Cliffs.
- Environment & History: These are the largest prehistoric rock paintings in Finland, dating back 4,000 years. They depict ancient shamanistic rituals where spirits and natural forces were part of daily life.
- Experience: Hike through fragrant pine and spruce forests, enjoy a wood-fire picnic lunch, and end the day with a traditional lakeside sauna and a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear lake.
Värikallio
Rising vertically from Lake Somerjärvi, the Värikallio rock wall, over ten meters high, reveals evidence of early life in the area: Stone Age drawings on the rock surface, estimated to be over 4,500 years old, remained undiscovered until 1977 when skiers Leena Mäkelä and Juha Rossi noticed the unusual reddish-ochre markings on the rock.
Day 3: Glacial Ridges & Border History | 13 km
Hike through Hossa’s famous esker scenery—slender ridges formed by retreating glaciers over 10,000 years ago.
Landscape: Hossa is celebrated for its pristine "crystal lakes" and pine heathlands.
Accommodation: Tonight’s stay is at Rajakartano, a former border patrol station renovated into a guesthouse. It offers a unique glimpse into the history of those who once guarded the frontier between Finland and the Soviet Union.
Hossa Rajakartano
Once a border guard station, Rajakartano is now a cozy guesthouse in Hossa National Park. It blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering traditional saunas and access to pristine wilderness—a perfect retreat where history meets nature.
Morning
Walking along the wooden planks in the morning, we arrived at the home of a wild wolverine population. Although these elusive predators are rarely seen, we might encounter their tracks. With luck, we could spot swans and cranes on the lakes and swamps. Don't be too amazed; even the summer forest green here has many layers of variation!
Noon
At noon, the guide will set up a campfire in the field to grill hot dogs and brew coffee and tea. You can also heat up your sandwiches to eat. A closer look reveals that the grills here are simple yet multifunctional, exhibiting a very minimalist and practical Nordic style.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, we continued into Hossa National Park, mostly following typical mountain trails. The forests here boast abundant vegetation, including blueberries, cranberries, and mushrooms. Note: Blueberry season is best in August, making it a fantastic treat for hikers.
Day 4: Canoeing – Gliding with the Reindeer
Experience the serenity of Finland’s waters using open Indian canoes.
- Wildlife: As you paddle through the calm lakes, keep an eye out for reindeer wandering the shoreline or the occasional majestic elk.
- Culture: Canoeing is a quintessential Finnish way to connect with nature. For those preferring land, well-marked trails offer endless exploration.
Rajakartano Restaurant
Enjoy traditional meals at a restaurant near Rajakartano that houses reindeer.
Hossa Hiking with Deer
Hossa is known for its clear lakes and pine-covered moors. Most of the trails widen and become very easy to walk, and surprisingly, you also have the chance to see elk in the forest. There were adults and children, and we were able to quietly photograph these shy deer.
Canoeing – Gliding with the Reindeer
After pairing up, the instructors will provide all necessary equipment such as paddles, canoes, and life jackets. Everyone will work together to move the canoes to the lakeside, and then each group will begin practical operation. The canoes will move on the calm lake surface, but it's not as simple as it seems! It tests not only the teamwork between the two partners but also their ability to observe the water flow and wind direction to paddle.
Day 5: Julma-Ölkky Canyon & Rural Hospitality | 10 km
After breakfast, we transfer to Julma-Ölkky, a several-kilometer-long fracture valley.
- Geology: The canyon lake was formed in a deep fault line, with rock walls rising 50 meters high. The suspension bridge offers a breathtaking perspective of this rugged Ice Age monument.
- Accommodation: We move to Arola, a traditional farmstead where our hosts provide a warm, authentic Finnish countryside experience.
Arola Farm
This place used to be a traditional farm. The hosts will welcome us with the warmest local hospitality and share glimpses of forest life.
Day 6: The Eastern Border Trail | 19 km
From Arola, we hike south directly along the eastern border between Finland and Russia.
- Environment: This area is a haven for foragers. Depending on the season, the forest floor is carpeted with blueberries, lingonberries, and wild mushrooms—nature's own snacks.
- Historical Significance: Walking on the very edge of the European Union, you’ll feel the quiet gravity of this historical boundary.
Finland Russia Border
Traveling north along the Russian border, border signs are visible everywhere; we are only 3 kilometers from Russia! You can see vast, pristine forests all along the way, with only you moving about.
Day 7: Martinselkonen – The Untouched Wilds | 16 km
Our final trek takes us through the Martinselkonen Nature Reserve.
- Environment: This reserve was established to protect Finland’s pristine mires (swamps) and ancient forests from industrial logging. Look for the "beard lichen" hanging from spruce trees—a biological indicator of the world’s purest air.
- Closing: We finish at the Martinselkonen Wilds Center, another repurposed border station, for a final sauna and a well-deserved farewell dinner.
Martinselkonen Wilds Centre
This reserve was established to protect Finland’s pristine mires (swamps) and ancient forests from industrial logging.
Accommodation Guide
Arola Farm
Arola Farm
This place used to be a traditional farm. The hosts will welcome us with the warmest local hospitality and share glimpses of forest life.
Gateway to Hossa National Park
Hossa Rajakartano
Once a border guard station, Rajakartano is now a cozy guesthouse in Hossa National Park. It blends historic charm with modern comfort, offering traditional saunas and access to pristine wilderness—a perfect retreat where history meets nature.
Hossa National Park Jatkonjärvi Lakeside
Hossa Jatkonsalmi
Built in the 1950s, Jatkonsalmi was a typical Savottakämppä (logger's hut) before Hossa became a national park (or even a tourist area). The log cabin, complete with a traditional wood-fired sauna, is just steps from the lake.
FAQs
Why the trip?
Culture of Finland
Into the wilds?
Pre-Departure Tips
An Introduction to Finland: A Young Nation with Deep Roots
Independent from Russia since 1917, Finland is a young but resilient nation. Home to nearly 190,000 lakes and 180,000 islands, the Finnish people share an unbreakable bond with their land, prioritizing conservation and sustainability above all else.
The Finnish Forestry Model: Balancing Economy and Ecology
While Finland is a global leader in paper and timber exports, its heart beats for forest preservation. With 76% of its territory covered by trees, Finland established its "Forest Law" 150 years ago to ensure a green future:
- The 2-for-1 Rule: For every tree harvested, at least two must be planted.
- Zero-Waste Philosophy: Large trunks become timber; thin branches are sent to paper mills or biomass plants for heating; even roots are repurposed. This reflects the Finnish educational value: "No one (and no wood) is left behind."
- Eco-Friendly Logging: Harvesting often occurs in winter. The layer of snow protects the soil from heavy machinery, minimizing environmental impact.
Living the "Forest Life": Saunas and Summer Cottages
In Finland, people don't just visit the forest—they come from it.
- Summer Cottages (Mokki): Having a private cabin by the lake is the ultimate Finnish pride.
- Sauna Culture: An authentic Finnish sauna in the wilderness is a spiritual reset.
- Nature-Based Education: From childhood, Finns learn to identify herbs, track wildlife, and understand the climate. As the saying goes, "Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky."
Everyman’s Right (Jokamiehenoikeus): Freedom to Roam
One of Finland’s most famous concepts is Jokamiehenoikeus (Everyman’s Right). This law allows anyone to roam freely in nature, even on private lands (which make up 61% of forests), provided they respect the environment.
- Wild Berry Foraging: Explore the woods for blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, and the rare Cloudberry.
- Local Delicacies: Don't miss out on artisanal jams sold by locals—perfect for pairing with coffee or desserts.
