Detailed program for 8 days/7 nights
Day 1: Arrival & Welcome
Welcome to Finland! You can reach us via Kuopio or Joensuu, where we will warmly welcome you. After check-in and settling into your cozy room, we will enjoy a delicious dinner in the warm atmosphere of our lodge – the perfect start to your adventure.
Day 2: Introduction to Sledding
After a hearty breakfast, you will receive your equipment and an introduction to sledding and handling our sled dogs. We will harness the dogs together – a valuable experience to help you get familiar with them. Then, our first tour begins! Depending on the group’s skill level, the ride will last between 1.5 and 2 hours. Back at Eräkeskus, we will first take care of the dogs and reward them before sitting down for lunch to discuss our experiences. The afternoon is free for you to relax.
Day 3: Sled Dog Tour through the Wilderness
Today, a more technically demanding sledding tour awaits you through Finland’s breathtaking winter landscapes. Once again, we will harness the dogs together before heading out for about 2 to 2.5 hours on the trails. Upon returning, a warming lunch soup will be served in the lodge. In the afternoon, you can take a relaxing walk with our senior dogs or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
Day 4: Snowshoe Hike & Cabin Night
After breakfast, we set off on a snowshoe hike. Following a short drive, our hike towards the remote Aittokoski cabin begins. We will spend the night there. Depending on snow conditions and fitness levels, the hike will take between 1 and 2 hours – and of course, some dogs will accompany us. We will enjoy our lunch either by the fire along the way or upon arrival at the cabin’s outdoor fire pit. Once at the cabin, we will heat up the sauna, and after a communal dinner, you can relax by the fireplace or enjoy the sauna.
Day 5: Christmas/New Year’s Eve – Festive Dinner & Torchlight Walk
After a leisurely breakfast, our transfer driver will pick us up. If there is not a lot of snow, he will pick us up directly from the cabin; otherwise, we will have a short walk (about 2.5 km) to the pickup point. Back at the lodge, you will have some free time before we gather in the evening for a magical torchlight walk. Our destination is a cozy resting place where we will treat you to hot Christmas Glöggi and Finnish Piparkakku (gingerbread cookies). Afterward, a traditional Finnish festive dinner awaits you in the lodge: Karelian stew, mustard-crusted ham, Karelian pasties with egg butter, smoked salmon, Rosolli salad, various casseroles, and more. Dessert comes with a special surprise: According to Finnish tradition, an almond is hidden in the Christmas rice porridge – whoever finds it is said to have good luck in the coming year!
Day 6: Ice Fishing & Grill Hut Experience
Today, you can sleep in and start the day at your own pace. After breakfast, the choice is yours:If you're up for a little adventure, join us for ice fishing – with a bit of luck, we might catch our own lunch! Back in our cozy grillkota, we'll prepare our catch over the open fire.Or, if you'd prefer a more relaxed day, you're welcome to spend it however you like: take a walk in the snowy landscape, read a good book, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet. In the evening, a delicious dinner awaits you, and you can end the day unwinding in the sauna.
Day 7: Excursion to Koli National Park
Today, we visit one of Finland’s most stunning nature highlights: Koli National Park! After breakfast, we drive about 1.5 hours to the highest point in North Karelia. A short hike will reward us with breathtaking views – a perfect spot for memorable photos. After a one-hour round-trip hike, we will enjoy lunch at one of the many fire pits before returning to the lodge. A hot sauna will be waiting for you to relax after this exciting day.
Day 8: Farewell & Departure
After breakfast, your stay with us comes to an end. We will organize your transfer and say goodbye with our best wishes. We hope you take many unforgettable memories home with you.
Note: Depending on your chosen arrival date, the activities on specific days may vary slightly.
Dates:
- Available Dates:
- Christmas Week: December 20, 2025 – December 27, 2025 or December 21 – December 28, 2025
- New Year's Week: December 27, 2025 – January 3, 2026 or December 28, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Prices:
- Per person: 2379,- € in Double Room
- Single room surcharge (Eräkeskus Guesthouse): 400,- €
- Discount for the 3rd person in an extra bed: 200,- €
- Booking a Half Double Room (up to 4 weeks before departure): Upon request
- No child discount available
Optional:
- Sled damage insurance: 60,- €
Services:
Included:
- Transfers: Round-trip transfers from/to Kuopio or Joensuu, plus all necessary tour transfers
- Accommodation: 6 nights in the Eräkeskus Guesthouse (double room with private shower/WC), 1 night in the Aittokoski wilderness cabin (shared room) with 1 sauna session
- Meals: Full board from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8 (breakfast, lunch, and 3-course dinner), including 1 traditional Finnish festive dinner
- Workshop Program:
- 2 x sledding tours with your own dog team
- 1 x snowshoe hike
- 1 x ice fishing
- 1 x excursion to Koli
- 1 x torchlight walk
- Beverages: Coffee/tea included
- Daily sauna: Alternating between the electric sauna in the lodge and the wood-heated beach sauna
- Free use of skis and snowshoes (subject to availability)
- Guide: English-, German-, and Finnish-speaking guide
- Final cleaning: Included
- Bedding and towels: Provided
- Overalls and winter boots are provided once snow arrives (Overall sizes: XXS – XXL, Boot sizes: 36 – 47)
- Winter equipment for activities: Snowshoes, ice fishing gear
Not Included:
- Travel: Flight, train ticket
- Beverages: Except for tea, coffee, and water
- Clothing/Equipment: Gloves, hat, thermos bottle, headlamp. Please check our Equipment list.
- Day backpack: For hikes and cabin overnight stay
Tips:
- Budget Tip: The train route Helsinki – Joensuu is significantly cheaper than a domestic flight from Helsinki to Kuopio/Joensuu. Train schedules are usually available about 2 months before departure at www.vr.fi.
- Pro Tip: We highly recommend purchasing travel cancellation and return insurance.
Terms & Conditions:
- Our General Terms and Conditions apply.
Want to book? Simply send us an email at office(at)eraekeskus.com with your preferred date! We look forward to your inquiry.
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