Suspension bridge over a tumultuous river, surrounded by autumn-coloured trees.
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The wild river of Oulanka, surrounded by green forests and a gentle Lappish landscape.
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Panoramic view of the deep river, surrounded by lush green forests under a sunny sky.
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An adventurer crosses a suspension bridge, surrounded by the lush greenery of Lapland.
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Panoramic view of a wild river lined with lush trees, an invitation to adventure in Lapland.
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Two adventurers cross a wooded path in Lapland, loaded down with rucksacks, ready to explore.
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A wooden Mountain hut in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by trees, ideal for a Lapland adventure.
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The rustic interior of a light-filled wooden chalet, with table and benches, is an invitation to get together.
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Wooden shelter in the heart of a forest in Lapland, with a campfire and stacked wood.
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Two packrafters explore the rivers of Oulanka, surrounded by autumn landscapes.
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The wild Oulanka river, lined with rocks and surrounded by lush green forests under a blue sky.
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The wild river of Oulanka, surrounded by rocks and greenery, an invitation to adventure in Lapland.
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A wooden hut on the banks of a tumultuous river, surrounded by trees with golden leaves.
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Two adventurers paddle peacefully on a wild river surrounded by lush nature in Lapland.
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A cauldron hanging over embers, with a golden forest in the background, beckoning adventure.
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A wild river surrounded by lush forests and dazzling rapids, inviting adventure.
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An enchanting landscape of the Oulanka rivers, with colourful forests and a suspension bridge.
1 / 0
A breathtaking panorama of the rivers and forests of Oulanka, an invitation to adventure in the heart of nature.
1 / 0
Suspension bridge over a tumultuous river, surrounded by autumn-coloured trees.
The wild river of Oulanka, surrounded by green forests and a gentle Lappish landscape.
Panoramic view of the deep river, surrounded by lush green forests under a sunny sky.
An adventurer crosses a suspension bridge, surrounded by the lush greenery of Lapland.
Panoramic view of a wild river lined with lush trees, an invitation to adventure in Lapland.
Two adventurers cross a wooded path in Lapland, loaded down with rucksacks, ready to explore.
A wooden Mountain hut in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded by trees, ideal for a Lapland adventure.
The rustic interior of a light-filled wooden chalet, with table and benches, is an invitation to get together.
Wooden shelter in the heart of a forest in Lapland, with a campfire and stacked wood.
Two packrafters explore the rivers of Oulanka, surrounded by autumn landscapes.
The wild Oulanka river, lined with rocks and surrounded by lush green forests under a blue sky.
The wild river of Oulanka, surrounded by rocks and greenery, an invitation to adventure in Lapland.
A wooden hut on the banks of a tumultuous river, surrounded by trees with golden leaves.
Two adventurers paddle peacefully on a wild river surrounded by lush nature in Lapland.
A cauldron hanging over embers, with a golden forest in the background, beckoning adventure.
A wild river surrounded by lush forests and dazzling rapids, inviting adventure.
An enchanting landscape of the Oulanka rivers, with colourful forests and a suspension bridge.
A breathtaking panorama of the rivers and forests of Oulanka, an invitation to adventure in the heart of nature.
View 2 departures
Packrafting

The wild rivers of Oulanka in packraft

August to September
11 days| 10 nights
Level 3
Eco-score 1/5

What you will experience

Descend the legendary Kitkajoki by packraft, from its first Class I rapids to the impressive Class II passages of Peurakoski and Saarikoski.
Paddle between the cliffs and canyons of the Oulankajoki, one of the most beautiful stretches of river in Finland, with a wild bivouac on a sandy beach.
Walk the forest paths of the Oulanka National Park, among the lodgepole pines and wooden footbridges overlooking the gorges.
Learn how to read a river, spot a line and cross a rapid safely, accompanied by Caj and Katja, guides with a passion for the Far North of Finland.
Set up camp each evening in some exceptional locations: beaches, clearings, the banks of waterfalls and traditional Finnish lean-to shelters.
Reach Pähkänä, one of Finland's most spectacular viewpoints, overlooking the meandering river.

Itinerary

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  1. DAY1/ 11
    • Accommodation - Base campAccommodation·Base camp
    • On the programme - GîteOn the programme·Gîte
    Welcome at Kuusamo airport by your guides Caj and Katja, your packraft instructors and nature guides for the next few days. Transfer by minibus (40 min) to our base camp, a traditional chalet on the edge of a peaceful lake surrounded by boreal forest.

    Settle into your comfortable accommodation and enjoy dinner in a traditional kota. Around the fire, Caj and Katja will introduce you to the programme, safety instructions and basic techniques. First immersion in the Nordic atmosphere, with a sky that, depending on the season, can already be tinged with the light of the midnight sun or the first aurora borealis.

The guides who will lead your adventure

Guide Caj - White Water Rescue Technician

Caj

White Water Rescue Technician
FrenchFrench
EnglishEnglish

Katja and I (Caj) are nature guides and have been packrafting in the Nordic regions for almost 10 years. Some people call me the Finnish Viking because of my big beard. I like telling jokes and I have a rather quirky sense of humour, like most Finns. Katja and I are also packraft instructors and have taken the White Water Rescue Technician - Pro course.

Find out more about Caj

What's included in the price

Included

Guiding: You will be accompanied by two local English-speaking guides, Caj and Katja. Our guides will look after your safety and share their technical expertise and knowledge of the region with you.
Accommodation: 2 nights in a base camp in the Oulanka National Park (before and after the expedition). 8 nights in tents in the wilderness, close to shelters or traditional huts, for total immersion in the wilderness.
Meals: All meals are included, with the exception of breakfast. Before departure, you can buy breakfast and a few snacks directly at the base camp to round off your days on the water.
Technical equipment: Packraft and paddle, lifejacket, wetsuit or suitable equipment, camping equipment (tent, mattress, washbasin, cooking equipment).
Transfers on site: All transfers required during the expedition, including shuttles between Kuusamo and the departure/arrival point.

Not included

Transport to Kuusamo: The flight or other means of transport to Kuusamo (Finland) is not included.
Personal equipment: Technical clothing, hiking boots, sleeping gear (warm sleeping bag), personal belongings.
Breakfasts & snacks: Free and not included. You can buy them directly from the kiosk at the base camp, under the expert guidance of your guides.
Personal expenses: Snacks, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs or any expenses not included in the programme.
Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "What's included" section.

What level should you expect

Level 3
You should be at least 18 years old to participate
  • You're ready to put in several hours of paddling on a river (sometimes with rapids up to class II/III).
  • You're not afraid of working independently: nights in tents or shelters, changing weather, cool temperatures, rustic comfort and logistical autonomy.
  • You're ready to learn and apply whitewater navigation techniques, including scouting and managing fast passages, with guidance.
  • You can walk up to 10-19 km a day on paths and forest tracks, sometimes carrying your packraft and equipment, without technical difficulty but with sustained effort.
  • You're looking for a truly committed expedition, isolated from civilisation.

Getting there

Start: Kuusamo airport (16h00)
End: Kuusamo airport (09h00)

Transport

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  • Departure airport > Kuusamo airport

A shuttle bus will take you from the airport to our base camp (40 min).

How to register

1

Step 1

Choose your departure date and number of participants

2

Step 2

Book online by paying a deposit or the full amount directly. It is also possible to book by telephone by calling +32 460 25 61 85 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).
  • If the minimum number of participants is reached, departure is confirmed!
  • If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will give you a full refund.
Departure is confirmed 15 days in advance for adventures lasting more than 4 days. Departure is confirmed 7 days prior for adventures lasting less than 4 days.
3

Step 3

In the case of a deposit, the remaining amount will be debited from your account before departure.

Your reviews

The opinions of our participants who have placed their trust in us

Frequently asked questions

Can I recharge my devices during the shipment?

Not during the bivouac. Remember to bring an external battery. Refills available at the basecamps.

Is there any portage involved?

Yes, some sections require you to carry your packraft and equipment for 1 to 2 km. The packraft can be stored in a rucksack with the rest of your gear.

What language will be used during your stay?

Briefings and activities are mainly in English, but your guides also speak Finnish and understand some French.

How comfortable can you expect your bivouac to be?

The campsites are rustic: no electricity or showers, dry toilets at some sites, and meals cooked on wood fires or stoves.

When is the best time to come?

Most expeditions take place between June and September, when the days are long and the temperatures mild (10-20°C). From June to September, the days vary between 10 and 20°C, and the nights between 5 and 10°C. River water remains cool (6-12°C). Bring warm, waterproof clothing.

What do classes I to V mean for rapids?

This is an international scale: Class I-II: easy to moderate, light to medium waves Class III: more powerful rapids, requiring precise manoeuvres Class IV-V: very technical or dangerous, generally carried during this holiday.

What happens if I don't want to cross a rapid?

No problem: most of them can be portaged (avoided on foot). The guides will always decide on the safest solution according to the level of the group.

Can we meet wild animals?

Yes, the region is home to reindeer, elk, beavers, otters and many birds. Bears are present but very discreet and avoid humans. The guides know how to secure food.

Are instalment payment options available?

Yes, that's right! At checkout, you can choose the Alma option to pay for your booking in 2x, 3x or 4x. All you have to do is select Alma at checkout and follow the instructions. It's simple, fast and secure.

Can I privatise this expedition for my group?

Yes, all our expeditions can be privatised for a group already formed, on the dates of your choice.

To make your request, go to the expedition that interests you and click on "Privatise the expedition". We'll take care of the rest!

What happens if the weather is bad?

At Wildhartt, nature is our playground, rain or shine. Rain, snow or wind: our guides adapt the itinerary, activities and accommodation to guarantee you the best possible experience.
Unless safety is at stake (storm, avalanche, flood...).


In this exceptional case, we can cancel an expedition, at least one week before departure.
If this happens:
→ You can postpone your adventure at no cost,
→ Or receive a full refund.


What kind of people usually join Wildhartt expeditions ?

You don’t need to be a top athlete or adventure expert to feel at home. Most Wildhartt participants are between 25 and 60 years old, with a balanced mix of women and men.


Many join solo or in small groups of two or three. They often live in cities and are looking for a meaningful brea some time to reconnect with nature, slow down, and enjoy something real.


They usually have a regular movement practice (hiking, running, yoga...), but not with a competitive mindset. They’re in good shape, but don’t necessarily have technical skills. What brings them together is a shared desire to disconnect, observe, learn, and experience nature in a more grounded, accessible way.


If that speaks to you, you'll feel right at home. The group spirit is kind and open, and the pace adapts to everyone.

What does the price of a Wildhartt adventure include?

At Wildhartt, transparency is essential. The price of your expedition reflects a clear breakdown of costs:

  • 30% for our guides, the mainstays of every adventure.
  • 35% for accommodation and meals, essential for your comfort.
  • 10% for equipment and transport, to guarantee safety and fluidity.
  • 25% for organisation and logistics, from first contact to the end of the expedition.
  • 1% for the rewilding of Europe, a concrete commitment to give back to nature what it gives us.

Our priority: to offer you a quality experience, with complete clarity.

Do you have any questions? Contact us.



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Want to choose your own date with your own group?

Select Alma to pay in 2, 3, or 4 installments.

Hassle-free from start to finish.

Full refund if departure is not confirmed
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure
Instalment facility available

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