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Explore the beautiful Oulanka National Park by fat bike.
Trip Code: MEF
Countries Experienced: Finland
Price From: R 21 850
Trip Type : Active Adventure - Small Group
Take on the wilderness in an entirely new way on this new fat biking trip. This is mountain biking turned up to the max – chunky, extra grip tyres allow you to ride your bike through the snow like never before. You’ll be out on the incredible Finnish taiga, cycling through primordial forests, along frozen lakes and towards spectacular snow-covered horizons. Pre-prepared tracks in the snow allow you to ride with relative ease, whilst seeing the best of arctic Finland from the saddle. As if that isn’t enough, you’ll stay in remote wilderness cabins with traditional saunas and authentic cuisine to keep you cosy when the daylight fades, and if you’re lucky, the chance to watch the dance of the Northern Lights. This is the ultimate winter biking adventure, a truly unique experience!
Take on the wilderness in an entirely new way on this new fat biking trip. This is mountain biking turned up to the max – chunky, extra grip tyres allow you to ride your bike through the snow like never before. You’ll be out on the incredible Finnish taiga, cycling through primordial forests, along frozen lakes and towards spectacular snow-covered horizons. Pre-prepared tracks in the snow allow you to ride with relative ease, whilst seeing the best of arctic Finland from the saddle. As if that isn’t enough, you’ll stay in remote wilderness cabins with traditional saunas and authentic cuisine to keep you cosy when the daylight fades, and if you’re lucky, the chance to watch the dance of the Northern Lights. This is the ultimate winter biking adventure, a truly unique experience!
Why you will love it
Why you will love it
Cycle through the remote Finnish Wilderness
Cross snow-laden forests and fells
Chance to see the Northern Lights
About Fat Biking
About Fat Biking
Fat biking is a fast growing sport, allowing enthusiasts to cycle year-round and enjoy a range of terrains previously inaccessible to standard bikes. Here we use them to explore the Finnish wilderness in an entirely new way.
They are essentially mountain bikes fitted with 4-inch wide tyres that are inflated to a much lower pressure than normal tyres.
A reasonable level of fitness and bike handling skills are required.
Things to consider
Things to consider
Accommodation: Simple lodge with shared facilities (2nts), Wilderness Lodge (5nts)
Single supplement available if you would like your own room
Rental of fat bikes inlcuded
Warm winter clothing: We will provide you with everything you need to stay snug and cozy. You will get: Thermal base layer; top and bottoms; Thermal second layer; top and bottoms; Hard shell outer layer; coat and trousers; Salomon ski gloves and thermal liners; Head torch; Woolly hat; Large backpack; Thermal seat (for snack stops); Thermos flask; Salomon Winter boots
This is a group trip with maximum 16 participants.
Minimum age to join the group: 16 years
Detailed itinerary - Finland Fat Biking
Detailed itinerary - Finland Fat Biking
DAY 1 - Start Logging Lodge by Basecamp Oulanka
DAY 1 - Start Logging Lodge by Basecamp Oulanka
Start at Basecamp Oulanka for the first briefing and to visit the kit room to collect all the clothing needed for a week of fat biking in arctic conditions. Depending on the arrival time we may have dinner here or later when we arrive at the Logging Lodge in Oulanka National Park.
DAY 2 - Wilderness skills session and an introduction to fat biking on snow.
DAY 2 - Wilderness skills session and an introduction to fat biking on snow.
In the morning we are provided with all of the equipment needed for a week spent in arctic conditions, before joining the tracks and heading into the heart of the taiga forest. We stop for lunch in the wilderness prepared by our guide on an open fire. This beautiful area is home to ancient forests bursting with fragrant pines, spruces and larches lining the trails ahead of us. After cycling through the crisp snow we head back to our lodge where we can enjoy a well deserved sauna. And for the brave a roll in the snow.
DAY 3 - Cycle over frozen rivers and along the Russian border to a remote wilderness lodge.
DAY 3 - Cycle over frozen rivers and along the Russian border to a remote wilderness lodge.
In the morning we will be given a large drysack to pack up all the equipment, clothes and essentials we might need for the next two nights. The drysacks will then be taken on to the Russian End cabin via snowmobile meaning we only need to carry the items for that days' ride. Once packed we get on the bikes and ride east following the Oulankajoki River, there are some small ascents and fun descents before we stop by a fire pit for a lesson on how to make a camp fire in the wilderness and a mid-morning snack and coffee break. After our break we have a short ride to the border zone with Russia, we follow this all the way to our cabin which is situated on the Oulankajoki River. Once at the Russian End cabin we will have a hot lunch and some free time to enjoy the sauna, go for a walk to the river or head out on a self-guided ride.
DAY 4 - Fat bike exploration along the Russian border; climb to a viewpoint for spectacular views over Lake Paanjärvi.
DAY 4 - Fat bike exploration along the Russian border; climb to a viewpoint for spectacular views over Lake Paanjärvi.
After breakfast we have a loop ride south following the River Oulanka and the Russian/Finnish borer line to the beautiful viewpoint which overlooks Lake Paanajärvi on the Russian side, a wonderful spot from which to admire the pristine untouched natural surroundings. Our ride back takes us through forest inhabited by Elk so there is a high chance of seeing one. In the evening we can relax in the traditional Finnish sauna and head out to the frozen river for an amazing view of the night sky.
DAY 5 - Ride across a vast pine forest back to the Lodge.
DAY 5 - Ride across a vast pine forest back to the Lodge.
Today we pack up our kit for the return journey to the Logging Lodge then head out on the bikes following the same route as day three in reverse. We pass a reindeer herders farm where we will stop and look for the Reindeer which wander freely in the area before stopping off at the fire pit for a coffee, hot chocolate and snack break. Once back at the Logging Lodge there is a free afternoon for relaxing in the sauna or heading out on a self-guided ride.
Day 6 - optional activities from the basecamp.
Day 6 - optional activities from the basecamp.
Free day to enjoy a variety of optional activities on offer today including unguided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, dogsledding or snowmobile safaris.
Day 7 - Cycle across frozen lakes and through the Oulanka N.P. to the visitor centre.
Day 7 - Cycle across frozen lakes and through the Oulanka N.P. to the visitor centre.
Today is the longest day of the trip as we head north along the Oulanka River towards the visitor centre. Our route starts by crossing a small frozen lake before heading into the thick woodland of the Oulanka National Park, there are some undulations on this route and a few short sections which need to be pushed up, though the descents make this effort well worthwhile! At the end of the ride we have lunch at the visitor centre and have time to see the exhibition about the national park as well as ride the short distance to the Karhunkierros rapids. Then we ride back to the Logging Lodge for dinner and time for a final sauna.
DAY 8 - End Logging Lodge
DAY 8 - End Logging Lodge
Our trip ends at the Logging Lodge.
We have various options to extend your Finland adventure.
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