Finland: Wild Taiga Fly and Drive

After arriving in Kuopio, you collect your hire car which will take you to all of the exciting locations you will be exploring over the next eight days on your Wild Taiga fly drive holiday. Those on early flights will be able to take some time to enjoy this wonderful city, which is home to a bustling market and harbour. Perhaps you would like to take some time to admire the beautiful views over Lake Kallavesi before retiring to your accommodation for the night at the Metsäkartano Mansion.

There are two national parks that are in easy reach of Metsäkartano – the Tiilikkäjarvi National Park and the Hiidenportti National Park. Whichever one you choose to visit on your Wild taiga fly drive is sure to blow you away with its scenery and wildlife. Tiilikkäjarvi offers lakeside views, beaches and easy walking routes, whilst Hiidenportti National Park is quite hilly with more demanding walking trails. You might like to take a picnic lunch to the park as there are no dining facilities. Your evening is spent again at the Metsäkartano Mansion.

Today you say goodbye to Metsäkartano and head to the village of Kalevala via Nurmes in Karelia. You can visit the Karelian Bomba House for some lunch before travelling through the Wild Taiga, where you can enjoy a thrilling safari (booked before departure for an additional cost) and observe fascinating wildlife like flying squirrels, beavers and wolverines. The next stop on your Wild Taiga fly drive holiday is Kuhmo. This small village is ideal for learning about the culture of this part of Finland at the Kalevala Information Centre.

In the morning you can take the opportunity to visit Petola Visitor Centre which has information on Finland’s largest wildlife like bears, wolves and lynxes. As you travel along the sparse areas which lie next to the Russian border you will pass through the beautiful villages of Lentilra. During this part of your Wild Taiga fly drive journey you can stop off at the historical area of Raate which was the setting for many battles during the Second World War. There are also fascinating museums in the area called the Raate Frontier Guard Museum and the Winter War Exhibition. For the night you will stay at the village of Juntusranta just beside the Russian border.

By heading north on your Wild Taiga fly drive holiday you will reach Hossa which is a national hiking area. Hossa is home to outstanding scenery like crystal clear lakes and beautiful pine heathlands. As well as hiking, you can enjoy a number of pursuits in the area such as fishing and canoeing. You might like to take a hike in Värikalliot where 4000 year old rock paintings adorn the scenery. Elsewhere in the area the reindeer park enables you to get to know the native wildlife by feeding them or learning to lasso them. Perhaps visit the Tourist and Nature Centre Karhuntassu before spending the night at the cosy Ollila Holiday Cottages.

Today you spend another night of your Wild Taiga fly drive tour at Ollila so there is no need to pack your luggage! After breakfast you can choose to visit Oulanka National Park or Ruka, one of the most popular skiing resorts in the country. The national park is ideal for indulging in the plant and wildlife in the area as well as the hiking trails, a popular one is the Small Bear’s Trail. The beautiful scenery of marshes, sandy banks and pine valleys also make a delightful backdrop to a hike. At Ruka, you can climb hills for spectacular views or if you are feeling less energetic, take the Ruka Lookout Lift before descending on a thrilling speedy summer sled. Both areas offer safaris and activities for different ages and abilities.

The seventh day of your Wild Taiga fly drive holiday gives you chance to experience life in the Arctic. You may like to do some more hiking at the Riisitunturi National Park or the Korouoma Nature Reserve, or travel to Ranua Zoo where incredible wildlife, including the only polar bears in Finland, can be found. Rovaniemi is also known as the city of Santa Claus and it has a wonderfully festive atmosphere even in summer! During your fly drive holiday perhaps visit the Santa Claus Post Office or the Christmas Exhibition to get a taste of their Christmas traditions. You could also find out more about Arctic traditions and the way of life in the Arktikum, which is a fascinating science centre and museum. The last night off your Wild Taiga fly drive tour is spent at Ounasvaaran Plut, where you will stay in a fantastic cabin with a genuine Finnish sauna.

After seven incredible days of your Wild Taiga fly drive holiday where you have explored the wildlife of Finland you begin your journey home. Once you have had breakfast you will drive to Rovaniemi Airport to drop off your hire car and board the flight home.