Programme description

Trip Highlights

• Sauna Experiences: Experience the wellness benefits of a peat sauna and traditional cupping, a classic smoke sauna, and a panoramic sauna with breathtaking views.
• Stunning Culinary Experiences: Enjoy local delicacies and gourmet dishes that take you on a flavorful journey through the world of local cuisine.
• Beautiful Nature: Admire the magnificent wilderness and soak in its peace and beauty. The “Bear Sauna” is the absolute nature highlight of the trip.
• Relaxed Togetherness: Spend quality time with your friends and create unforgettable memories together.

Distances

• Kuhmo – Villa Cone Beach: 39 km
• Villa Cone Beach – Hossa’s Lumo: 178 km
• Hossa’s Lumo – Arctic Giant: 202 km

Detailed programme

First Stop: Kuhmo & Hotel Kalevala or Villa Cone Beach

The journey begins in Kuhmo, where you can stay at the cozy and stylish Hotel Kalevala. The hotel provides the perfect setting for relaxation. A particularly tempting experience is the hotel’s peat sauna, which offers a true wellness treat. In the peat sauna, you can enjoy the healing effects of nature’s own minerals—the perfect way to start your trip.

In addition to the peat sauna, Hotel Kalevala’s wellness area features two traditional saunas, an infrared sauna, and indoor and outdoor whirlpools. In summer, there is direct access to a sandy beach. Various relaxing treatments are available, such as traditional Kalevala bone-setting or classic massage. Next to the hotel, at Kalevala Camping, you will also find a traditional smoke sauna.

Experience the treatments of Kalevala Experience, including massages, peat and herb treatments, and cupping in an environment where time slows down. The idyllic rural atmosphere and traditional storehouse (aitta) offer a space for calming down and recovery.

Kuhmo offers plenty to do besides sauna bathing. The cultural scene is extensive, headlined by the world-famous Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival every July. The Winter War Museum and Juminkeko are also must-visit sites. More information and tips can be found on the Visit Kuhmo website. For hikers, Kuhmo’s beautiful trails are conveniently listed on OutdoorActive.

For those who cherish privacy, Villa Cone Beach (approx. 40 min drive from Kuhmo) is an excellent choice. A stunning, fully-equipped villa awaits your group’s exclusive use. Here, you can enjoy a private garden, a private sandy beach, and a lakeside sauna. The staff prepares a wonderful breakfast, but other meals are up to you—you can order them pre-set, use the magnificent kitchen, or host your own BBQ. Another accommodation option nearby is Hiisi Lodge.

Second Stop: Hossa National Park & Hossa’s Lumo & Loma-Hossa

The journey continues to Hossa in Suomussalmi. Loma-Hossa offers versatile accommodation; for the ultimate introvert experience, how about a cabin on a private island? Alternatively, Hossa’s Lumo offers everything from camping cabins to new lakeshore villas. Loma-Hossa’s smoke sauna and hot tub provide an authentic, rustic experience—perfect for pampering your body after active hours in the National Park.

Slightly further from the park, accommodation and sauna experiences are also provided by Matkalaisen Pirtti, Arola Farm, and Martinselkonen Wilds Centre.
For the most unforgettable experience, join the Hossa Bears’ evening excursion to the Bear Sauna! This is a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Third Stop: Paltamo & Arctic Giant

The third leg takes you to Paltamo. A stop at the Kiannon Kuohut Spa provides a nice break, followed by a tasty lunch at Kultainen Kukko just a stone’s throw away.

In Paltamo, you will stay at the magnificent Arctic Giant, located at the peak of Kivesvaara fell. This high-class hotel offers spectacular views, and you can enjoy a particularly delightful session in the hotel’s panoramic sauna. The heat of the sauna combined with the vast landscape creates a memory that lasts a lifetime. Restaurant Makuhelmi serves “Giant-sized” portions to crown your stay.

Good to know

Chill like a Finn in taiga saunas is a travel suggestion for independent travelers. Services should be booked directly from each provider. This trip is the perfect choice if you want to combine sauna culture, delicious food, beautiful nature, and relaxation with friends.

If you want more variety, you can explore the region’s sights and various attractions. You can find hiking trails through our route guide.
Embark on this memorable journey and enjoy!