Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival
You'll arrive at Pihlajapuu guesthouse and get settled in. After dropping your bags, you'll meet the rest of the group and hear about what the week has planned during dinner.
- Start point
- Kuopio, Northern Savonia, Finland (Airport or railway station)
- Meals
- Dinner
- Day 2
Guesthouse Surroundings
Start with a 6 km walk from the guesthouse through village roads and forest trails to explore the area around you. The afternoon brings a beginner's Finnish course back at the guesthouse, and canoeing on nearby Viemenjärvi Lake is available if you're interested. Wrap up with dinner and sauna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/Tea, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of guesthouse surroundings (6 km, easy trail)
- Sauna at guesthouse
- Guided hiking tours
Optional Activities
- Finnish language course for beginners
- Canoeing on Viemenjärvi Lake (300 m from guesthouse)
Landmarks Viemenjärvi Lake 
- Day 3
Raesärkkä Nature Reserve
Drive out to Raesärkka nature reserve for a 10 km circular hike that takes you through ridge landscape, marshes, and old forest. There's a chance to swim at Ahven-Valkeinen Lake if you'd like. By evening, head back to the guesthouse for dinner and time in the sauna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/Tea, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking at Raesärkkä nature reserve - Raejärvi circular route (10 km)
- Sauna at guesthouse
- Guided hiking tours
Optional Activities
- Swimming in Ahven-Valkeinen Lake
Landmarks Raesärkkä Nature Reserve Ahven-Valkeinen Lake - Day 4
Hiidenportti Gorge
Travel to Hiidenportti National Park and hike through a gorge with towering cliffs and spruce forest surrounding you. You'll follow the Hiidenkierros circular trail and stop by the historic Kovasinvaara cabin. Return to the guesthouse for dinner and sauna.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/Tea, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking at Hiidenportti - Hiidenkierros Trail (5 km)
- Visit Kovasinvaara cabin
- Sauna at guesthouse
- Guided hiking tours
Landmarks Hiidenportti Kovasinvaara 
- Day 5
Tiilikkajärvi
Head to Tiilikkajärvi for hiking on sandy beaches and through forested hills. Pick from three different routes depending on fitness level, ranging from 3.2 km to 17 km. You'll see the historical peace treaty memorial stone with Swedish and Russian symbols. Finish with dinner and sauna back at the guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/Tea, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking at Tiilikkajärvi - circular routes (7 km, 3.2 km, or 17 km options)
- Visit Vänäjänhiekka memorial stone
- Sauna at guesthouse
- Guided hiking tours
Landmarks Tiilikkajärvi Vänäjänhiekka Memorial Stone - Day 6
Koli
Drive to Koli and walk the 7.2 km Mäkrä circular trail, climbing to Ukko-Koli at 347 metres. From the top you can see Lake Pielinen, which once inspired composer Jean Sibelius. Return for dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/Tea, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking at Koli - Mäkrä trail (7.2 km)
- Summit visit to Ukko-Koli
- Sauna at guesthouse
- Guided hiking tours
Landmarks Koli Ukko-Koli Lake Pielinen - Day 7
Toivo Tower & Lipinlahti
Hike 4 km to Toivo Tower for views across Lake Pielinen, Finland's 4th largest lake. Stop in the village of Lipinlahti for a campfire snack, then check out the Karelian hotel area at Bomba and an orthodox chapel. The evening brings a smoke sauna at Minna's, which you can reach by canoe, bike, or car.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee/Tea, Snack (Snack by campfire), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hiking to Toivo Tower (4 km)
- Snack by campfire in Lipinlahti
- Visit Bomba Karelian hotel area
- Visit tsasouna (orthodox chapel)
- Smoke sauna experience at Minna's
- Guided hiking tours
Optional Activities
- Canoe across lake to Minna's smoke sauna (1 km from guesthouse)
Landmarks Toivo Tower Lake Pielinen Lipinlahti Bomba - Day 8
Departure
Have your final breakfast at the guesthouse, say goodbye to the group, and head home.
- End point
- Kuopio, Northern Savonia, Finland (Airport or railway station)
- Meals
- Breakfast
