Winter cycling and snowshoeing in Martinselkonen untouched wilderness areas is unforgettable experience. The silent surrounding in middle of the rugged forest is a great place to gather strength and relax after the hectic work period. Tons of pure snow offers great opportunity for cycling and snowshoeing in the beautiful winter landscape. We are moving just next to the Eastern border of EU, seeing the signs telling how near we are to the Russia. In summer time these forests belong to the King of Forest – Bear, but in the winter they are in deep sleep. During the trips to the wilderness we can see many animal tracks in a snow. In the evening we can relax in a heat of a sauna and don’t forget to look outside there might be northern lights dancing in the sky.
Duration: 7 day’s / 6 nights
Group: 2 – 9 persons
Daily Program:
Day 1 Arrival
Guide will welcome you at the Kajaani/ Kuusamo airport. Transfer by private car/coach to the Martinselkonen Wilds Centre (duration 2 hours). Dinner is served at the dining area.
Day 2 Get to know your bike
After breakfast its time to get to know the bikes and equipment. The guide will make sure that everyone’s bike has right adjustment for the rider. We learn to use the bike gears and brakes and guide gives tips for safe cycling in a snow.
At first we will try the bikes on the road. Then its time to move off road. There is a short trail in a forest near the Martinselkonen Centre, length about 7 km. We will cycle this route to get the first touch on cycling on snow. The aim of the day is that everyone is comfortable with the bikes and driving on snow.
Lunch and dinner are served at the dining area.
Evening snowshoeing trip
In the evening we will go explore the forest with snowshoes. We will walk about 4-5 km with the snowshoes listening to the quietness. On the way we will enjoy some hot drink. If we are lucky we might see the Northern Light.
Day 3 Teerilampi trail 17km
After breakfast its time to start our first longer biking day. We will head to the Teerilampi circle trail that will take us to Martinselkonen Nature Reserve. We will drive in the snow-white landscape just next to Russian border. We will enjoy outdoor lunch at Teerilampi wilderness hut.
Day 4 Snowshoeing day in Hossa National Park
Hossa National Park is the 40th National Park in Finland. It had the official opening in June 2017. Hossa offers beautiful sceneries shaped by the Ice Age. Hossa is the meeting point for three waterways, so there is a lot of frozen lakes and rivers. Hossa is an old Sámi hunting ground. There is old rock painting and remains of dwellings, some almost 10 000 years old.
We will drive to Hossa National Park (about 1 hour) and visit first in the Hossa Visitor Centre. Then we will spend the day exploring the Hossa area by snowshoes. Max walking distance 7km.
Dinner and sauna at Martinselkonen.
Day 5 Lake side trail 15km
This day we will head to Lake trail with cycles. This trail goes around beautiful Öllöri-lake. One part of the trail is on ice. On they way we can see the Finland-Russia border poles. Outdoor lunch in enjoyed by the open fire.
Day 6 Your choice
The last day you can choose what you want to do. You can have another Fat Biking day or Snowshoeing day in Martinselkonen area or combine these both. You can also try Ice Fishing in one of the lakes near the Centre.
You can also participate in optional activities (extra fee); spend the day with cheerful Husky dogs or have a sightseeing day in Suomussalmi area.
Day 7 Departure
It’s time to say goodbye. After breakfast transfer to the airport by private car/coach.
The package includes:
* airport transfers,
Kajaani/Kuusamo-Martinselkonen- Kajaani/Kuusamo
* accommodation in twin rooms
* meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
* 3-4 days biking with the Fat bikes (bike and helmet)
* one evening snowshoeing trip and one full day snowshoeing in Hossa National Park, free use of snowshoes
* daily evening sauna
* Guiding in English