A somewhat more demanding hiking tour of 95 km (approx. 20 km per day) in Eastern Finland near the Russian border.
The route passes through wilderness areas with pristine untouched nature, ending each evening in a comfortable accommodation where you can enjoy local hospitality and delicious regional foods.
Bear watching safari as optional extra.
DAY 1 – Arrival at Martinselkonen
Transportation from Kajaani airport or railway station, or arriving on your own to Martinselkosen Eräkeskus Wildlife Centre.
Introduction to the area and to the GPS device.
Sauna. Dinner. Overnignt in double rooms.
DAY 2 – Martinselkonen to Arola (rural hotel) 16 km
Breakfast and preparing packed lunch.
Hiking through Martinselkonen Nature Conservation Area consisting of old growth forests, bogs and marches. Mostly forest trails and duckboards, and a short bit at the end along a forest road.
Dinner and sauna. Overnight in double rooms. Opportunity to attend bear safari during night of arrival or to stay an extra night.
DAY 3 – Arola to Kovavaara 19 km
Breakfast and preparing packed lunch.
The route follows the Finnish side of the border between Finland and Russia. The border zone protects the wilderness and ensures a silence seldom experienced.
Dinner and sauna. Overnight in cabins for 4 persons or in the attic room of the main building (1 double room). Wilderness cabins w/o electricity or running water.
DAY 4 – Kovavaara to Rajakartano Loma-Hossa 24 km
Breakfast and preparing packed lunch.
A somewhat more challenging day of hiking, that start with 4 km along a forest road and continues through Vieremäsuo Marsh Conservation Area. At the end the route follows a forest road for 2 km and a village road for 2 km.
Dinner and sauna&swimming. Overnight in double rooms with private bathroom.
DAY 5 – Hiking 15 km to Hossa
Breakfast and preparing packed lunch.
Visiting Hossa Hiking Area and Hossa Visitor Centre. Overnight in cabins at Karhunkainalo Camping Ground.
Dinner served in cabin, sauna&swimming.
DAY 6 – Hiking 20 km
Breakfast and preparing packed lunch.
Transport to prehistoric rock painting site and hiking back to Karhunkainalo Camping.
Dinner in cabin, sauna&swimming.
DAY 7 – Departure
Breakfast.
Transportation, at extra cost, to Kuusamo airport, Kajaani railway station, or back to own car at starting point.
MARTINSELKONEN
Martinselkosen Eräkeskus wildlife centre provides comfortable accommodation and dining services. Modern sauna and washing facilities and equipment drying room are also at our guests’ disposal.
There is also a comfortable cafeteria/dining room in the main building. A hot coffee pot is always waiting for our guests, and dining can be arranged to order. We use mainly local vegetables and berries, fish and moose and reindeer meat in our meals.
AROLA FARM
Arola is a former dairy farm, which since the year 1995 has been developed into an agro-tourism destination. The place is close to the Russian border, at the edge of Martinselkonen conservation area.
Arola is a year-round tourist destination and in its historic and renovated farmhouse it is possible to organize events and meals for groups of 20-30 people.
KOVAVAARA
Situated far away from neighboring houses Kovavaara is an authentic rural experience. The main building is an old cozy log cabin.
HOTEL HOSSA
Ideally located beside a conserved lake in the heart of the Hossa natural park. The hotel has 26 rooms (single, double and triple) and two saunas. A conference and recreation room is also available for seminars and private groups.
The hotel restaurant welcomes you all week around in a warm, friendly, authentic atmosphere. Home-style cuisine consisting of regional specialties is on offer. A buffet continental breakfast is served every morning.
HOSSA
At Hossa Hiking Area there is a reindeer park, accommodation ranging from fully equipped cottages to wilderness cabins, a restaurant, and Hossa Visitor Centre with an exhibition which explains the history, livelihood and flora and fauna in the region.
640 € / person / 4-p group
810 € / person / 2-p group
1 570 € / person / 1 personAsk about our reduced prices for large groups (up to 12 persons).
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
SEASON
20.5. - 15.10.
We reserve the right to change prices due to conditions beyond our control.
For inquiries and booking please contact us at
e-mail: info(at)gps-tours.fi
phone: 050-538 5795, international +358-50-538 5795
