Arctic Lakeland is a breathtaking destination where pristine nature, rich culture, and thrilling adventures come together. In summer, Arctic Lakeland reveals a serene and vibrant landscape, bathed in the glow of the midnight sun. This enchanting region is famous for its sparkling lakes, Taiga forests, and unique opportunities to encounter not only iconic and often elusive Finnish Big Five – bear, moose, wolverine, lynx and wolf, but also other Arctic species such as white-tailed eagle and rare wild forest reindeer.
Arctic Lakeland is the perfect destination for outdoor adventures and peaceful escapes. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, a photographer or simply looking to immerse yourself in the sauna culture, there is plenty for everyone to do and experience.
Activities and Wildlife
Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking through lush forests, paddling across crystal-clear lakes, and fishing in some of Europe’s most pristine waters. The region is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to spot reindeer, birds, and other Nordic animals in their natural habitat.
Bear watching in this area is a thrilling and unforgettable experience, offering a chance to observe one of Europe’s most iconic predators, the brown bear, in its natural habitat. The best locations for bear-watching are in the remote wilderness areas in the Taiga forest. The best time for bear watching is from late April to September, with the midnight sun in summer offering extended daylight hours for observation.
Guests typically observe bears from specially designed hides, which are comfortable and camouflaged to blend into the environment. These hides offer large viewing windows and sometimes even sleeping facilities for overnight stays.
Choose from an evening excursion or for a better chance of spotting the bears, stay overnight in the hide. While waiting for the bears, you may spot other wildlife such as wolverines, lynx, moose, reindeer, and a variety of bird species, including eagles.
Culture
The charming town of Kuhmo, is a vibrant cultural hub, rich in music, artistry, and the spirit of the Kalevala. Explore the Juminkeko Cultural Centre, a stunning example of modern Finnish wooden architecture and the world’s largest centre dedicated to the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic.
In July, Kuhmo comes alive with the two-week Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, showcasing exceptional performances by Finnish, Scandinavian, and international artists. The 2025 festival, themed Nordic Utopia, will celebrate the essence of Finnish sisu, Swedish fika, and Danish hygge.
Further north in Arctic Lakeland, discover a truly unique art installation: The Silent People. This field of nearly 1,000 hay-headed, human-like figures is dressed in donated clothing, ranging from traditional costumes to everyday attire. Admire this striking display while savouring local delicacies at the nearby café and restaurant.
Itinerary
Arrive in the vibrant town of Kajaani, a charming gateway to Finland’s breathtaking Arctic Lakeland.
Collect your rental car and set off on a scenic one-hour drive to the Paljakka Lake Resort. The journey takes you through lush forests and open landscapes, offering a perfect introduction to Finland’s pristine natural beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, you might just spot reindeer or foxes in their natural habitat!
Paljakka Lake Resort will be your home for the next 3 nights, with plenty of time to unwind and enjoy a wide variety of water-based activities. Swim in the crystal-clear lake, relax in a traditional Finnish sauna, or try your hand at fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, canoeing, rowing, or even jet skiing.
For those seeking adventure on land, the resort offers rentals for mountain bikes, Fatbikes, and ATVs. And if hiking is your thing, why not make it unforgettable by joining a guided trek accompanied by friendly local huskies?
Two days to enjoy this beautiful resort or make your day more active by visiting some of the local highlights.
Visit the Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve, named Nature Site of the Year 2022 by Finland Naturally Experience, and discover the impressive beauty of one of Finland’s tallest natural waterfalls with a stunning 24-meter drop. The thunderous sound of the waterfall can be heard hundreds of meters away, adding to its dramatic allure. A well-maintained 600-metre footpath leads from the parking area to the waterfall, offering multiple scenic viewpoints along the way.
Just a short distance from your base, explore the untouched wilderness of the Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve, a rare treasure in the Arctic Lakeland and the only one of its kind in Southern Lapland. This exceptional reserve boasts vast expanses of pristine forest, offering a window into Finland’s natural beauty, preserved just as it has been for centuries.
Unlike most Finnish Strict Nature Reserves, which are typically closed to the public to focus on conservation and research, Paljakka is a remarkable exception. Visitors are warmly welcomed to immerse themselves in this unique sanctuary and experience Finland’s unspoiled wilderness up close.
Spend the day to explore some of the rich art and history of the Arctic Lakeland region. Start with a visit to the enchanting Musical Forest (Soiva Metsä), just an hour’s drive away. This magical sound installation invites you to connect with nature through art. Stroll along forest paths, discover hidden musical instruments among the trees, and feel the serene harmony of sound blending with the wilderness.
Next, experience the haunting beauty of the Silent People (Hiljainen Kansa), a mesmerising field filled with hundreds of scarecrow-like figures standing quietly under the open sky. This thought-provoking installation reflects Finland’s introspective spirit. While you are there, don’t miss the chance to savour traditional Finnish pancakes (lettu) cooked over an open fire at the Niittykahvila café.
Continue south to the Raatteen Portti Winter War Museum, located near the historic Raate Road. This poignant museum commemorates the legendary battle between Finland and Russia, offering fascinating insights into the courage and resilience of Finnish soldiers during the Winter War.
End your day at Hotel Kalevala, a charming retreat on the tranquil shores of Lake Lammasjärvi, unwind in true Finnish style. Relax in the soothing warmth of the sauna, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear lake, and indulge in the rejuvenating spa facilities for the perfect end to your day.
For a truly unforgettable experience, spend the night in a cosy bear hide, where you can quietly watch for majestic brown bears and other wildlife to emerge in their natural habitat. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with nature and witness Finland’s wild beauty up close.
Spend two days immersed in the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that Hotel Kalevala has to offer. Nestled amidst pristine wilderness, the hotel serves as a gateway to scenic nature trails, ideal for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Perfectly situated along the shores of Lake Lammasjärvi the hotel offers a variety of water-based activities, such as swimming, paddle boarding, or kayaking on its calm waters.
Drop off your rental vehicle and fly to Helsinki for an overnight stay.
Alternatively, you can opt for a scenic 6-hour train journey to the capital.
Make your way to Helsinki Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Prices & departures
What's Included
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Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
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Daily breakfast
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Car rental from Day 2 to Day 8 with unlimited mileage
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24-hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
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No surcharge guarantee
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Full financial protection
From £1028 Excluding Flights
8 Nights
May-Sep
Prices are per person based upon 2 sharing, subject to availability. Your Travel Specialist will confirm the exact price based on your tailored requirements, inclusions, and travel dates.
Make this trip yours
Every destination and itinerary you see here can be adapted to suit you – so reach for that bucket list and start imagining your next adventure.

Eric
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