Finland FAQs

Usually people book their flights based on price and loyalty programs. Cost will be different depending on where you are flying from. In any case, note that this tour starts and ends in Kittilä with most flights arriving from Helsinki (although there are direct flights from other cities).

We recommend a morning or early afternoon flight for arrival into Kittilä. There is an 11:20 a.m. flight out of Helsink that gets you in to Kittila at 12:55 p.m., but there are earlier flights than that as well.

Airport transportation from and to Kittilä Airport is included in the cost of the tour as long as you arrive the first day of the tour at or before 2:30 p.m. and depart on the last day of the tour on a flight that doesn’t require a departure prior to check-out time of 10 a.m. We can arrange transportation outside of those dates/times but it will be at an additional cost. (A taxi between the airport and lodge is approximately $200.)

Residents of many countries do not need a visa to enter Finland. You can read more about whether you need a visa and about getting a visa here.

If you plan to arrive into Finland prior to the tour start date or depart after the tour’s last day, we can make some hotel recommendations for you, but you will get better deals by booking them on your own either through a third-party booking site or directly with the hotel. Note that there is not much to do in Kittilä or the nearby town of Levi, so you may want to spend additional time in Helsinki or elsewhere.

There are typically departure flights out of Kittilä at 9:00 a.m., 1:40 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. The recommended flight for our 2027 tour group is the departure out of Kittilä at 1:40 p.m. on January 30th. Breakfast will be served that morning and then we will leave the lodge for Kittilä Airport at the lodge’s check out time of 10 a.m.

If you have to leave the lodge earlier, you’ll be responsible for the cost of getting to the airport (note that a taxi from the lodge to the airport is about $200), but we can help book a taxi for you.

If you have a flight later in the day or in the evening, we can drop you off in Levi (about 15 minutes from the airport) and you can take a shuttle or taxi to the airport. There are a number of restaurants, cafes and shops in Levi where you can spend your time.

You don’t need to have experience in any or all of the activities. However, to get the most out of this active adventure, consider having a base fitness level where you can hike a few hours a day for a few consecutive days.

There will be one or two guides available for each activity to help teach us each activity and provide feedback and guidance.

Bottled water is not included at our request – we encourage you to bring your own insulated reusable bottle for the tour. Bottles can be refilled at our lodge or at restaurants during your time in Finland.

We will have breakfast prepared at our lodge each morning that will include a variety of baked goods, fruit, eggs, porridge, meats and cheeses.

Our lunches will include a combination of packed lunches (sandwiches, for example) and meals out at wilderness cafes and local restaurants.

Dinners will be a mix of food prepared at our lodge, meals at nearby restaurants and a special evening where we cook our own food at an outdoor firepit.

There will be lots of meats and cheeses available and options for vegetarians, vegans and those who are gluten-free.

Expect to find lots of tea and coffee available, but if you are a decaf drinker, consider bringing your own decaf coffee and/or tea as this can be more difficult to find.

There’s nothing you need specifically for Finland. However, you’ll want to consult with a travel doctor for medical advice.

Our lodge information is listed on the tour itinerary, but we usually don’t have this confirmed until right before the tour (in case there are any last-minute changes). We will provide this information a couple of weeks in advance of the tour start date and we encourage you to leave this with family and/or friends in case of an emergency.

There is shampoo and soap in all the bathrooms but if you need conditioner or have favorite products, it’s best to bring your own travel-sized versions.

Yes, hair dryers are available in each of the rooms at the lodge.

Yes, the only people who have access to the lodge are those in our group and the lodge itself will be locked when we leave. If you have any valuables that you are concerned about, we recommend bringing a luggage lock to secure your luggage zippers together with valuables inside.

No one will be in the lodge other than our group, our guides and a chef and sous chef.

There’s not any equipment at the lodge, but you are welcome to rent your own equipment in Äkäslompolo. We can provide guidance on where to rent once you’ve registered for the tour. You can either reserve gear in advance or once you are in Finland (in which case it would depend on availability).

It’s approximately 200 meters to the start of the cross country ski track from the lodge and there are snowshoeing and hiking trails a little closer than that.

Yes, all equipment is included.

Here’s an online map https://ladulle.fi/en/yllas and you can buy one in Yllas. Our Lapland guide will also have one to share.

Fairly often and every day when there’s regular snow.

No, groomed trails are free to use.

The Yllas area is one of the best places for cross country skiing in the world. This time of the year there are 100kms + of groomed classic and skating trails.

We’re staying on a hill where there are snowshoeing and hiking trails further up and cross country ski trails at the bottom of the hill.

Yes, if you are renting your own gear, you can rent an entire package. If you’d rather, you can bring your own cross country ski boots (or skis and poles but those are much more difficult to pack!).

Given that you’ll be required to have extreme cold weather gear, you will likely need to check a bag for this trip.

For international flights, note that some airlines have a strict weight limit for carry-on bags, so even if you have a small bag, you may be required to check it due to its weight. And if you have any additional flights within Europe that are booked on low-cost carriers, they may have weight restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage and may charge a premium if your luggage is over their weight limit.

You’ll receive a full packing list for the tour that will help guide you. You will not need any dress clothes per se as we will not being going out anywhere that would require them. If you don’t already own extreme cold weather gear and don’t want to purchase it for the trip, there is an option to rent gear for the week of the tour.

Here’s a blog post that gives you an idea of the suggested items to pack.

No, the winter suit is for the non-exertion activities (such as dog sledding). You’ll want full protection during those times that you are outdoors (more protection than you’ll get from your own puffy coat, etc).

Yes, you will need shell pants and padded pants for an outer layer during activities. Shell pants are OK for 14 degrees F and warmer. Colder than that, you’ll need padded pants. The shell jacket will keep your outer layers dry in the snow.

Your outer layer (shell pants or padded pants depending on the temperature) will go over your base layer (long underwear). The idea is that you’ll need some kind of protection from snow/wet/cold over your base layer.

Either way works.

Make sure you have all the items to keep you warm (puffy coat and wool layers), but you don’t necessarily need to double up on them. We encourage secondary items in case what you have gets wet and you don’t have time to dry them.

You don’t “have” to have two pairs of long underwear. You’ll just really need to be on top of keeping these dry. And it’s nice to have the option of a heavier and lighter weight pair, but not required. The fleece jacket will come in handy and the puffy coat you’ll definitely need. The shell jacket will keep your outer layers dry in the snow.

It’s best that these are wool, long-sleeved shirts. You can get away with having one of these if you stay on top of keeping it dry for the next day.

This will depend on you. The balaclava is going to keep your entire head and face warm and may come in quite handy. The buff protects your neck. You can wear a wool hat but your face will still be exposed. The balaclava is really helpful when there’s the slightest bit of wind.

These will be important to have. If we have a snowy and/or windy day, they will work much better than sunglasses. These are super important to keep the falling snow from your eyes and upper face.

Yes, there is free WiFi available at the lodge.

Finland uses what’s considered a type C power plug. It should look like this one.

You will need a converter for any devices unable to handle 220 (hair dryer, curling iron, etc.). Most electronics these days (such as a laptop and iPad) have a built-in converter that protects the device from power surges.

Yes! And there are a few ways to use your cell phone in Finland.

The easiest way is to purchase an international data plan from your provider. Most cell providers offer international day passes for about $10/day. These automatically activate and charge you once you connect to the local provider.

Much more cost effective is to download an e-sim app like Airalo (for $3 off, use code ELIZAB3290). This allows you to connect to the local network to use data. It can be a little tricky getting this set up and using it with your own number, but we can help you once in-country. A plan for your entire time in Finland should cost no more than $20.

Lastly, you can simply turn your data off and only use your phone when there’s WiFi.

The cold weather is going to cause all batteries to die quickly (cameras, phones, etc). When outside, it’s imperative that you keep your electronics in a warm(ish) spot: close to your body; tucked inside a sock with a hand warmer; or by using a padded pouch like this one. Also bring extra batteries or power banks as a back up.

While it’s not necessary, if you are so inspired (financially and photography-wise), consider bringing a camera with a telephoto lens. For those with photography experience, you may already have a favorite brand. For those with less experience or looking for your first camera, consider a more a versatile camera such as the Sony RX10 IV (this is what Beth shoots with).

Euros are used in Finland. Consider downloading an app such as Converter so that you have quick access to the exchange rate.

There are ATMs in Kittilä and Äkäslompolo. You can also use your debit/credit card for any purchases at restaurants for drinks during lunch and dinner (the cost of most meals is included in the tour price but not drinks), as well as for souvenirs.

You’ll want to let your bank know in advance that you are traveling so they don’t deny usage of your card thinking it’s a fraudulent charge.

You’ll also want to find out what, if anything, your bank changes for international ATM withdrawals. If it’s based on each transaction, you’ll want to take larger amounts of money out rather than making numerous small withdrawals so as to limit the charges.

We get this question a lot, and it really does depend on your spending habits. Because you’ll be able to use your debit/credit card for purchases, you likely won’t need much (if any) cash in hand. Having said that, bringing some small bills to tip waitstaff if you like is fine.

We partner with Travel Insured International. We HIGHLY recommend travel insurance (no matter who your provider is) to protect your travel investment from any future issues.

Once you have paid a deposit, there is a cancellation fee if you cannot join us. The cancellation fee depends on the tour and how far in advance of the tour you cancel. Our refund policy is covered in our Booking Terms and Conditions and is also outlined on the Registration Form that you’ll receive within 24 hours of registering with a deposit.

Any refunds will be sent by check within two weeks of our receiving written notification of your cancellation (email notification is fine). We will respond via email and ask for confirmation of your mailing address for any refunds. Address must be confirmed within six months, otherwise expect forfeiture of refund as we close out our books at that time.

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