A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Nature escape
Starting from the Rajamaa Inn, a multi-sport program with quiet day trips to discover the boreal forest and Saami culture.
Departure guaranteed for 5 participants or more. Hiking (4 days)/Canoeing (1 day)/Mountain biking (1 day) On the border between Sweden and Finland, 200km north of the Arctic Circle, the Rajamaa Inn, lost in the taiga, is our base for an adventure through the great northern forest.
This multi-activity stay (canoeing, hiking, mountain biking) allows us to discover all the facets of Scandinavian nature, between birch forests and arctic tundra, and to observe its remarkable fauna (elk, reindeer, bears). In the evening, after the sauna, while the night is long in coming in these high latitudes, we will enjoy the cozy comfort of Scandinavian duvets. Accommodation: Comfortable wooden chalets (sauna). 1 night in a hut. Canoe level: Accessible to all, you must know how to swim. Carrying: Light bag (5-6 kg).

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE TRIP

Nature escape
Starting from the Rajamaa Inn, a multi-sport program with quiet day trips to discover the boreal forest and Saami culture.

Departure guaranteed for 5 participants or more. Hiking (4 days)/Canoeing (1 day)/Mountain biking (1 day) On the border between Sweden and Finland, 200km north of the Arctic Circle, the Rajamaa Inn, lost in the taiga, is our base for an adventure through the great northern forest. This multi-activity stay (canoeing, hiking, mountain biking) allows us to discover all the facets of Scandinavian nature, between birch forests and arctic tundra, and to observe its remarkable fauna (elk, reindeer, bears). In the evening, after the sauna, while the night is long in coming in these high latitudes, we will enjoy the cozy comfort of Scandinavian duvets. Accommodation: Comfortable wooden chalets (sauna). 1 night in a hut. Canoe level: Accessible to all, you must know how to swim. Carrying: Light bag (5-6 kg).

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Canoeing on the Utkujoki and Muonio rivers
  • Mountain biking around Lake Muodosjärvi
  • 2-day trek in the boreal forest (night in a refuge)
  • Discover Sami culture
  • Observation of forest animals in a specially equipped lookout

THE BEST OF THE PRODUCT

  • Canoeing on the Utkujoki and Muonio rivers

  • Mountain biking around Lake Muodosjärvi
  • 2-day trek in the boreal forest (night in a refuge)
  • Discover Sami culture
  • Observation of forest animals in a specially equipped lookout

Trek-Hiking

Itinerant Stay
Off-site departure, various accommodation during the stay

Ages

18 - 55 ans

Need advice?

OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE OFFER

PHYSIQUE CONDITION
Casual sportsman
i
LEVEL OF PRATICE
Hiking - Level 1
i
LEVEL OF PORTAGE
Carrying level 1
i

Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay with the flights)
  • Local transport
  • The meals
  • Collective and specialized equipment
...
  • Framing
  • All the services indicated in the program

Not Included

  • International flights, air taxes and airport transfers (if you purchased the stay without flights)
  • Individual equipment
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Optional insurances
...
  • Any other supplement not included in the program

The program

Day by day

Day of arrival

Day 1: Flight to Rovaniemi (Finland), or Kittilä (depending on dates and availability) - Transfer to Rajamaa
Reception at the airport and transfer by minivan to the Rajamaa hostel, located in Sweden on a small island in the Muonio River, which marks the border between the two countries.
...
Installation in the chalets, welcome drink and presentation of the week's activities. After dinner, around photos, the first of one of the theme evenings devoted to the presentation of the four main Scandinavian predators. Tonight, the lynx! Overnight in a cabin.
NB: Transfer from Rovaniemi airport to Rajamaa hostel: 240 km, 3 hours drive. Transfer from Kittilä Airport to Rajamaa Hostel: 100km, 1 hour drive.

During your stay

Day 2: Boreal forest hiking day
In the morning, full north through the boreal forest to the great rapids of Äijäkoski on the Muonio River.
...
We will meet Henrik Sevä, a forest Saami whose family has been raising reindeer in this region for generations. He will tell us about a rare culture, ancient times and modern times. Lunch at this magnificent site, then we follow the bank of the river downstream to reach Rajamaa. Themed evening dedicated to glutton. Dinner and night in a chalet. 5 to 6 hours of walking.

Day 3: Canoeing on the Muonio River (Sweden-Finland border)
Transfer by bus north to Yli-Muonio, the starting point for our canoe trip down the river. We embark on the Utkujoki River, a tributary of the main Muonio River that we end up joining. Paddling through a setting of meadows and hills between Sweden and Finland, we reach the Lappish cemetery in Akanmella. Lunch around a wood fire, before continuing our navigation with the bell tower of the church in the village of Muonio in sight on the Finnish shore. Disembarkation and return by bike to Rajamaa. Start of the evening devoted to the wolf. Dinner at the restaurant. After the meal, we will try to see the laborious beavers on the banks of a wild river (45 min drive, observation for about 2 hours). Return to the cottage, night on site.

Day 4: Mountain biking and night on the lookout
Mountain bike hiking day. First stop at Muodoslompolo Church. After riding along Lake Muodosjärvi, picnic on the banks of the Merasjoki River, then back by bike to Rajamaa (30 to 35km, 4 hours of cycling). After dinner, short transfer by minivan (30min) to Metelivaara. A short walk, and we reach our cabin, which has discreet openings to observe the animals of the Lappish forest attracted by bait. Berths are available to rest between two nocturnal lookouts. Overnight in the cabin, back to the inn for breakfast.

Day 5: Cani-rando
Morning rest after a night lacking a bit of sleep. At noon, departure to go see our husky friends (sled dogs). Walk in the forest with the dogs, everyone can walk with a husky attached to their belt (3 to 4 hours of walking). Cold meal along the way, then back in the company of our four-legged friends. After dinner, a themed evening dedicated to the bear. Overnight in a cabin.

Day 6: Hiking - Day 1
Short boat trip to reach the start of our 2-day hike in the heart of Lappish nature. After docking, we set off on foot to the South on ancient paths. Picnic around a fire, then we cross a region of hills covered with pine trees to reach our goal in the late afternoon. Night in a log cabin located in the middle of nature on the banks of the Muonio River (sauna), preparation of the evening meal together. 5 to 6 hours of walking.

Day 7: Hiking - 2nd day
Following an old trail, we reach Mukkaharjut, a former large gathering site for reindeer and Saami people. Meet Henrik Sevä, a Lapland whose family has frequented these places for generations. It introduces us to the traditions and the Lappish way of life, common to all of Northern Scandinavia, in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Picnic around a fire, then back to Rajamaa. Night in a cottage. 5 to 6 hours of walking.

Last day

Day 8: Flight back from Kittilä or Rovaniemi (depending on dates and availability)
NB: Transfer from Rajamaa to Kittilä airport: 100km, 1 hour drive.
...
Transfer from Rajamaa to Rovaniemi airport: 240 km, 3 hours drive. Return flight to Paris.

The course of this program is indicative. It may undergo modifications or adjustments, depending on technical criteria, safety requirements or the climatic conditions of the moment.
In this case, only those responsible for UCPA supervision are authorized to take the necessary decision (s).

SPOT

Rajamaa village

Immerse yourself in the heart of Lapland

The village of Rajamaa is a tiny village (it has only 7 inhabitants) located in the heart of Lapland, on a small island in the Muonio River, on the border between Sweden and Finland. It is the ideal place to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature: the region is the 0 benchmark for measuring European pollution, in other words, that the air is really pure there. In summer, you can go mountain biking or hiking; in winter, the course of the river forms an ideal hiking trail on foot, or with a sled dog. It is also a recognized site for cross-country skiing, with no less than 200km of trails.

ABOUT THE TRIP

Equipment Included

Specialized equipment: mountain bike, helmet, canoe with paddle, life jacket.
Attention: the duvet is not provided.

Equipment Included

Specialized equipment: mountain bike, helmet, canoe with paddle, life jacket.
Attention: the duvet is not provided.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (be careful not more than 15kg)
- 1 travel bag.
- 1 medium-sized backpack (30-40L) for the day's things: camera, sweater, rain suit, water bottle, lunch.
...
- 2 large plastic bags (trash can type) will keep your things dry in case of rain.

Recommended personal equipment
1 sleeping bag (duvet)
1 foam mattress
2 or 3 T-shirts
1 sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt (sunburn)
2 wool or fleece sweaters
1 windbreaker
1 rain cape covering the bag
1 pair of pants
1 shorts
1 swimsuit
Hat or cap
Hat and gloves
1 scarf
Sunglasses, toiletries
1 light electric lamp
1 aluminum bottle
pocket knife
Toilet paper
Camera and binoculars for animal observation

To walk
Trekking type hiking boots, solid and waterproof, with notched soles and good ankle support
A pair of tennis shoes for the evening and 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks
In summer, mosquitos can be numerous in the boreal forest. Plan to buy a repellent product on site, or even a face protection net at certain times

For the canoe
Expect that the clothes worn during the day may be wet (rather than cotton that dries too slowly, prefer wool, which retains heat, even when wet, or synthetic fibers)

For pedaling
Long shorts or tracksuits, comfortable sports shoes, windproof.

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

Equipment not included

Bring 2 pieces of luggage (be careful not more than 15kg)
- 1 travel bag.
- 1 medium-sized backpack (30-40L) for the day's things: camera, sweater, rain suit, water bottle, lunch.
- 2 large plastic bags (trash can type) will keep your things dry in case of rain.

Recommended personal equipment
1 sleeping bag (duvet)
1 foam mattress
2 or 3 T-shirts
1 sweatshirt or long sleeve shirt (sunburn)
2 wool or fleece sweaters
1 windbreaker
1 rain cape covering the bag
1 pair of pants
1 shorts
1 swimsuit
Hat or cap
Hat and gloves
1 scarf
Sunglasses, toiletries
1 light electric lamp
1 aluminum bottle
pocket knife
Toilet paper
Camera and binoculars for animal observation

To walk
Trekking type hiking boots, solid and waterproof, with notched soles and good ankle support
A pair of tennis shoes for the evening and 2 to 3 pairs of hiking socks
In summer, mosquitos can be numerous in the boreal forest. Plan to buy a repellent product on site, or even a face protection net at certain times

For the canoe
Expect that the clothes worn during the day may be wet (rather than cotton that dries too slowly, prefer wool, which retains heat, even when wet, or synthetic fibers)

For pedaling
Long shorts or tracksuits, comfortable sports shoes, windproof.

Pharmacy
A basic pharmacy is planned on site (bandages, antiseptics, bandages, eye drops...)
It is up to you to supplement with a personal pharmacy, of which you will find some useful elements in the Formalities/Health section.

formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/
...


formalities administratives

Indicative data for French nationals: valid national identity card or passport mandatory.

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/

Physical intensity

Casual sportsman

You practice a sporting activity throughout the year, on a regular basis or not. But you are able to run for about 1 hour, swim for 30 minutes, or pedal for about 2 hours.

Physical intensity

Casual sportsman

You practice a sporting activity throughout the year, on a regular basis or not. But you are able to run for about 1 hour, swim for 30 minutes, or pedal for about 2 hours.

Level of expertise

Hiking - Level 1

Ideal for discovering hiking or for casual walkers. Easy terrain, no or little difference in altitude, half-day walking time, these programs can be done by anyone even with little training.

Level of expertise

Hiking - Level 1

Ideal for discovering hiking or for casual walkers. Easy terrain, no or little difference in altitude, half-day walking time, these programs can be done by anyone even with little training.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Portage

Carrying level 1

Bring personal belongings and picnics for 1 or 2 days.
3 to 7 kg.

Restauration

Meals taken in the inn's restaurant are buffet style.
The Scandinavian breakfast is particularly plentiful.
During hikes in nature, lunches are taken outside around wood fires or in Lappish kotas (on the menu: soup, stew, wooden bread, butter, cheese, cheese, dry cakes, coffee or tea).

Restauration

Meals taken in the inn's restaurant are buffet style.
The Scandinavian breakfast is particularly plentiful.
During hikes in nature, lunches are taken outside around wood fires or in Lappish kotas (on the menu: soup, stew, wooden bread, butter, cheese, cheese, dry cakes, coffee or tea).

Management

A French-speaking guide supervises the group throughout the stay, assisted by local guides according to the various activities

Management

A French-speaking guide supervises the group throughout the stay, assisted by local guides according to the various activities

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity: **

This trip is accessible to anyone wishing to discover the Great North Lapland, its nature and culture, through several sports activities without difficulty.
...
No experience is required for hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing, but you should know how to swim 25 m (at least) and be able to put your head under water. You can attest to this ability yourself, or provide a certificate from a qualified authority (Fédération Française de Natation, lifeguard) (Article 3 of the decree of the Minister of Sport of 4 May 1995).

Electricity
220 volt. Same sockets as in France for two-pin sockets (three-pin sockets with ground terminal are different).

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.

Important information

Level/Physical Intensity: **

This trip is accessible to anyone wishing to discover the Great North Lapland, its nature and culture, through several sports activities without difficulty. No experience is required for hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing, but you should know how to swim 25 m (at least) and be able to put your head under water. You can attest to this ability yourself, or provide a certificate from a qualified authority (Fédération Française de Natation, lifeguard) (Article 3 of the decree of the Minister of Sport of 4 May 1995).

Electricity
220 volt. Same sockets as in France for two-pin sockets (three-pin sockets with ground terminal are different).

NB: you are going to participate in an “adventure” program, a travel formula that is totally different from conventional tourist circuits: the discomfort, the unexpected, the health conditions, which we may encounter, suppose everyone has a good spirit of tolerance and a taste for adventure.
Through your active and positive participation, you will contribute to the cohesion and good understanding of the group, which is a guarantee of the success of the trip.

Health and formalities

Vaccinations: No vaccination is mandatory. However, as with all outdoor sports, tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.

...
European Health Insurance Card: Before your departure, remember to get the European Health Insurance Card, it will allow you to benefit from medical care coverage. This card is individual and nominative; it is free and valid for one year. To obtain it, contact your health insurance fund.

Personal pharmacy
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Insurance: No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
IMPORTANT: We remind you that it is essential that you have at least one “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the “General Insurance Conditions” pages on our website:
https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

Health and formalities

Vaccinations: No vaccination is mandatory. However, as with all outdoor sports, tetanus vaccination is strongly recommended.

European Health Insurance Card: Before your departure, remember to get the European Health Insurance Card, it will allow you to benefit from medical care coverage. This card is individual and nominative; it is free and valid for one year. To obtain it, contact your health insurance fund.

Personal pharmacy
Your current medications
Pain medication (paracetamol type)
Antispasmodic (Spasfon type)
Antiseptic (Betadine type)
Anti-inflammatory
Arnica in capsules or in stick
Bands, plasters and elastoplastic
Water purifying tablets (micropur type) according to your destination
Antiseptic eye drops
Anti-diarrheal
Tire tick
Sterile pads
Tweezers, scissors, safety pins

There is no current antibiotic in the UCPA pharmacy, each participant must bring, if they wish, their own treatment according to their tolerance.

Insurance: No additional travel insurance is included in your registration.
IMPORTANT: We remind you that it is essential that you have at least one “medical care abroad” guarantee and a “repatriation” guarantee including “search and rescue costs”.
We advise you to consult the “General Insurance Conditions” pages on our website:
https://www.ucpa.com/assurances
Whatever your insurance, do not forget to take the necessary information with you during your trip abroad: name and contact details (telephone, email) of your assistance company and the number of the contract taken out.
This information will be requested upon arrival by our local correspondent.
https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/

Weather

In winter:
Length of day: In January, the sun only slightly exceeds the horizon line, but the light reflected from the snow makes the landscape look unreal.
...
In February, the days are already longer and in March, they last the same as in France.

Temperatures:
Average highs in January/February -10°C.
Average low in January/February of -20°C.
However, the dryness and stability of the air make it easy to withstand these temperatures.


In summer:
Lapland has a very marked continental climate. At the end of May, summer comes almost abruptly, the Sun is getting hotter and hotter and, north of the Arctic Circle, it no longer sets at the end of May. At the end of June and beginning of July, the tundra is covered with a carpet of wild flowers.
Although summer is also the relatively wettest season of the year, the level of precipitation remains fairly moderate. The temperatures are comparable to those that can be found in the middle French mountains between 1,500 and 2,000m above sea level at the same time.
Plan your equipment accordingly: warm and waterproof clothing

Average maximum/minimum temperatures in °C in Muonio
16/06 in June
20/08 in July
17/06 in August
10/02 in September

Weather

In winter:
Length of day: In January, the sun only slightly exceeds the horizon line, but the light reflected from the snow makes the landscape look unreal.
In February, the days are already longer and in March, they last the same as in France.

Temperatures:
Average highs in January/February -10°C.
Average low in January/February of -20°C.
However, the dryness and stability of the air make it easy to withstand these temperatures.


In summer:
Lapland has a very marked continental climate. At the end of May, summer comes almost abruptly, the Sun is getting hotter and hotter and, north of the Arctic Circle, it no longer sets at the end of May. At the end of June and beginning of July, the tundra is covered with a carpet of wild flowers.
Although summer is also the relatively wettest season of the year, the level of precipitation remains fairly moderate. The temperatures are comparable to those that can be found in the middle French mountains between 1,500 and 2,000m above sea level at the same time.
Plan your equipment accordingly: warm and waterproof clothing

Average maximum/minimum temperatures in °C in Muonio
16/06 in June
20/08 in July
17/06 in August
10/02 in September

Hosting

Isolated in the middle of nature, the Rajamaa inn consists of a dozen wooden chalets with simple and rustic comfort. Each chalet has 3 bedrooms with 2 beds for one person, equipped with duvets, a shower, a toilet and a common room with table and chairs.
...
During the nordic ski raid, one night in a rustic refuge surrounded by nature, heated by a wood stove (provide a normal duvet).

Hosting

Isolated in the middle of nature, the Rajamaa inn consists of a dozen wooden chalets with simple and rustic comfort. Each chalet has 3 bedrooms with 2 beds for one person, equipped with duvets, a shower, a toilet and a common room with table and chairs. During the nordic ski raid, one night in a rustic refuge surrounded by nature, heated by a wood stove (provide a normal duvet).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Finnair, Air France, Air Baltic.

...
On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

Transport

In accordance with the regulations, we are giving you the names of the airlines that may be used by UCPA on this destination: Finnair, Air France, Air Baltic.

On these airlines, the maximum authorized baggage weight will be 23kg in the hold, and up to 5kg in the cabin within the limits of the authorized dimensions (unless modified by the company).

THIS HOLIDAY IS OFFERED BY