5.0

SUP, E-Bike and Wild Swim in Finland

  • Finland
  • 4 nights

A wilderness adventure of pedalling, paddling and hiking through the Saimaa Archipelago, pausing for saunas, swims and crackling campfires

What's Included?

  • Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides
  • Accommodation4 nights in a wilderness cabin
  • MealsAll meals are included
  • TransfersYour return train journey between Helsinki and Lappeenranta, minibus transfers to and from Lappeenranta to the cabin, and everything in between
  • EquipmentAll equipment you'll need for e-biking, kayaking and paddleboarding
  • Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people

From…excluding flights

Highlights

  • Pedal along the stunning Saimaa Archipelago Trail on e-bikes, soaking up views of pristine shores, and hike the ancient forests of the Orrainpolku Trail

  • SUP and kayak on Lake Saimaa, gliding through calm waters past towering pines and hidden coves – keep your eyes peeled for rare Saimaa ringed seals

  • Unwind Finnish-style with daily saunas, refreshing wild swims in glassy waters and fireside lunch breaks

  • Stay at a cosy lakeside cabin surrounded by wilderness views while enjoying the magic of starlit evenings

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Welcome to Lake Saimaa

    Train Ride
    2hrs
    Sauna
    30mins
    Cabin
    Twin or triple share
    Dinner included
    Show Day 1 detail

    Touch down in Helsinki. From the airport, you'll need to take a thirty-minute train to Helsinki Central Station, where you'll meet your guide and hop on another train to the picturesque town of Lappeenranta. Catch your first glimpse of Finland's stunning landscapes, with forests and lakes rolling by on your way. Arriving in Lappeenranta, a private minibus will take you to your lakeside base camp – a secluded lodge on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Unwind by exploring the surrounding nature or take a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the lake. This evening you'll relax with a traditional Finnish sauna, followed by a locally sourced dinner at the lodge.

    Day 2

    Hike the Orrainpolku trail, SUP and sauna

    Hiking
    3hrs · 10km · 80m up · 80m down
    Stand Up Paddleboarding
    2hrs
    Sauna
    30mins
    Cabin
    Twin or triple share
    All meals included
    Show Day 2 detail

    Start the day with a breakfast of local ingredients at the lodge. You can even opt for a pre-breakfast swim in the lake's fresh, drinking-quality waters to wake you up. A short minibus ride takes you to the Orrainpolku trailhead, where you’ll set off on a 10km hike through ancient forests, over rocky ridges, and along the pristine shores of Lake Saimaa. Midway through, enjoy a lunch break by a fireplace - perfect for warming up during the cooler months of spring and autumn. After the hike, you'll jump back in the minibus to return to the lodge. In the evening, head back out on the water for a stand-up paddle boarding session on the sheltered, calm waters of the lake. Whether you’re looking for a workout or just want to float in the golden light of the sunset, this paddle is the perfect way to end the day. With some luck you might even spot an endangered Saimaa Ringed seal. Round off the day with a traditional Finnish sauna and a well-earned dinner at the lodge.

    Day 3

    Kayak Lake Saimaa and sink into a hot tub

    Kayaking
    15km · 4km
    Sauna
    30mins
    Wild Swimming
    30mins
    Cabin
    Twin or triple share
    All meals included
    Show Day 3 detail

    Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before setting off from the lodge on a kayaking adventure across the vast waters of Lake Saimaa and the Saimaa Geopark area. Navigate along sand beaches and pine forests to Sarviniemi, a beautiful moraine cape formed by the ice age around 12000 years ago. At Sarvienimi there'll be a stop for a relaxing lunch break by a crackling fire at a shelter. Enjoy the opportunity for a refreshing wild swim in the crystal-clear waters or have a short stroll in the woods before paddling your way back to the lodge. In the late afternoon, you'll unwind with a traditional Finnish sauna experience. Bask in the soothing warmth of the sauna, before heading outside for a soak in a wood-fired hot tub with panoramic views of Lake Saimaa stretching out before you. Cool off with a swim in the lake under the summer sun before ending the day with a delicious dinner at the lodge.

    Day 4

    Scenic e-bike adventure and sunset SUP

    E-bike
    40km · 4km · 260m up · 260m down
    Stand Up Paddleboarding
    2hrs
    Sauna
    30mins
    Cabin
    Twin or triple share
    All meals included
    Show Day 4 detail

    Begin your day with breakfast at the lodge before setting out on an e-bike adventure along the scenic shoreline roads to the town of Lappeenranta. This cycle trip takes you through the picturesque landscapes of Saimaa Geopark, mostly following smooth asphalt roads with occasional gravel sections, offering stunning countryside and lake views. The route follows the renowned Saimaa Archipelago Trail, known for being one of Finland’s top scenic cycling routes. It’s almost flat the whole way, and the e-bike will give you a boost on any small hills you encounter. In the afternoon you will arrive at the Lappeenranta harbour area where you will have time to explore the harbour area and the old town fortress area. From the old town, it is a short walk to a lunch stop at a restaurant offering the best pizza in town with a sourdough base topped with local ingredients. After lunch, return to the lodge in a private minibus and late afternoon, you can enjoy a sunset stand-up paddle-boarding session on the lake. Finish your day with a special farewell dinner by the fireplace and unwind with a relaxing sauna while sharing memories of your trip with fellow adventurers.

    Day 5

    Farewell Finland

    Train Ride
    2hrs
    Breakfast included
    Show Day 5 detail

    Enjoy your final breakfast at the lodge before transferring to the train station for your journey back to Helsinki. If you’d like to extend your stay, you can book a post-trip night or two to explore the charming town of Lappeenranta or the vibrant city of Helsinki.

Practical Stuff

Getting There

Nearest airport
Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Pick up
Helsinki Central Train Station
16:00 on Day 1
Drop off
Helsinki Central Train Station
12:00 on Day 5

Detailed Logistics

Transfers

Your adventure begins at Helsinki Central Train Station where your guide will meet you.

If travelling directly from Helsinki Airport, head to the train station located directly below the airport and take a train to Helsinki Central Train Station. It will take approx 30mins by train and your guide will be there to meet you at 16:00.

On the last day of your trip, Day 5, you’ll be dropped off at Lappeenranta Train Station at 10:00 for the 2 hour journey back to Helsinki Central Station. You will have a ticket provided to get back to Helsinki Central Train Station and can then jump on a train to the airport from there (a 30-minute journey). To ensure enough time for transfers and security checks, we recommend booking flights departing after 16:00.

For those arriving early or wanting to stay on longer to explore Helsinki, extra nights at a hotel may be arranged with your host at an additional cost. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

Travel options

There are regular direct flights to Helsinki from major airports across the UK and Europe, offering a variety of flight times to choose from

Trip level explained

Level 2

Easy-Moderate

No previous experience is needed for any of the activities, only a good level of fitness and a sense of adventure. The itinerary is quite busy to make the most of the time on the lake, but all activities will be conducted at a leisurely pace and are not overly challenging. A brief introductory training and safety briefing will be provided for the kayaking, paddle-boarding and e-biking activities so this is suitable for first-timers.

The cycling is on mostly flat terrain throughout with stops along the way. For kayaking, you'll be on flat water, and you'll stop for lunch and a rest half way through. For safety reasons, as there are water based activities on this trip, you must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

What will I need to carry?

Your larger bag suitable for all your belongings will be transported for you, and then a small rucksack to carry personal items during each day of activities is needed.

Remote environment: factors to consider

Some parts of this trip take place in areas where access to medical facilities and emergency services may be limited. This may mean that reaching medical care takes longer than you might normally expect, or that local medical facilities have fewer resources than those you may be used to at home.

If someone becomes unwell or injured, initial treatment may be provided locally before onward travel to a larger hospital or city for further care. Evacuation could involve changing the planned route or using different forms of transport to reach appropriate medical facilities. Mobile phone coverage may also be intermittent in some locations.

Your guide is trained to manage situations in remote environments and will monitor the group and respond appropriately if any issues arise. However, it’s important that you let your guide know straight away if you feel unwell or experience any health concerns during the trip.

Before booking, consider your personal health and ability to travel in locations where access to medical care may be delayed. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns, we recommend seeking advice from a medical professional and discussing them with your host before travelling.

All travellers must have suitable travel insurance that covers the activities included in the trip and emergency medical evacuation if required.

What is and isn't Included?

What's included

  • Guided hike on the Orrainpolku Trail
  • Guided e-biking on the Saimaa Archipelago Trail
  • Guided kayaking on Lake Saimaa
  • Two stand-up paddleboard sessions at sunset
  • Daily swim opportunities in Lake Saimaa
  • Daily Finnish saunas

  • All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides

  • 4 nights in a cosy, lakeside wilderness cabin

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 4 fresh breakfasts
  • 3 picnic-style lunches
  • 4 locally sourced dinners

  • Group arrival transfer from Helsinki Central Train Station on Day 1
  • Group departure transfer to Helsinki Central Train Station on Day 5
  • All transfers throughout the trip

  • All equipment you'll need for e-biking, kayaking and paddleboarding

Where You'll Stay

Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.

Cabin in the woods.

Lake Saimaa

Stay

Lake Saimaa

You'll be staying for four nights in the charming Kalliola Farm Cabin, nestled along the shores of Lake Saimaa Archipelago – the true Finnish wilderness experience! Surrounded by lush forests and crystal-clear waters, this traditional wooden cabin is the perfect base for your time in the wild. Inside, you'll find cosy twin or triple rooms and inviting communal spaces. Within the site, you’ll find a traditional Finnish sauna (plus a wood-fired hot tub by the lake, which will be part of your experience on Day 3). In the evenings, you'll gather around the cosy campfire pit, sipping hot drinks and enjoying the warmth of a bonfire below a breathtaking starry night sky in the wilderness.

What You'll Eat

Summer in Finland is a great time to experience the country’s cuisine. Summer dishes draw inspiration from nature and use ingredients at their peak. Freshly caught fish like perch, pike, and salmon are often grilled or gently cooked to preserve their…

Food and Dietary info

Summer in Finland is a great time to experience the country’s cuisine. Summer dishes draw inspiration from nature and use ingredients at their peak. Freshly caught fish like perch, pike, and salmon are often grilled or gently cooked to preserve their delicate flavours. New potatoes, harvested early in the season, are boiled and served with a generous dollop of butter and a sprinkle of dill – a simple yet beloved dish. Local berries, including bilberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries, are enjoyed fresh, incorporated into desserts, or used as tangy condiments to enhance savoury dishes. Foraged wild mushrooms from the forests are transformed into creamy sauces or sautéed with herbs. Traditional summer favourites include mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie) and vispipuuro, a light and fluffy berry porridge.

Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.

Optional Extras

Upgrades

Optional Private Room Upgrade
…/per person

The number of rooms at the cabin is limited, and optional private room upgrades cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking (availability depends on the gender mix of the group and overall booking numbers). However, if you enquire with our host close to your departure date (within 45 days), it may be possible to upgrade at that point - see Optional Extras for prices.

Transfers

Private arrival transfer from Lappeenranta train station to cabins (1-4 guests)
…

To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.

All extras must be paid before your trip starts.

Ratings & Reviews

5.027 reviews
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)

Category rating

Food
5.0
Guides & crew
5.0
Accommodation
4.0
Itinerary
5.0

Latest Reviews

  • Lindsay T.

    Our guides, especially Tiina, were amazing. Calm, knowledgeable and created a lovely welcoming atmosphere. The trip was brilliant with lots of fun activities. Would have enjoyed a little more time to explore Lappeenranta after the cycle day. Also the hot tub would have been nice to have daily and not just the last day. The food was amazing, especially the Finnish Salmon on the last night cooked by Verneri. Accommodation was fine, the rooms were basic and shared toilets but a few tiny upgrades would have been good, such as mirrors in the rooms and a bin. Would recommend this trip and the level was beginner friendly!

  • Deborah C.

    This was a magical trip - we loved the combination of nature and the activities (especially the kayaking). The guides were fantastic, and I'd highly recommend this experience. The early June weather as perfect, and activity level just right - the evening saunas meant there was no muscle soreness at all!

  • Justine C.

    Fantastic Trip! Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and attentive. The activities were well planned and the level of fitness required was accurately judged. The scenery was spectacular, the lake and sauna divine. I cannot thank Tiina and Maija enough for all they did for us. A truly memorable trip!

  • Rebecca S.

    I loved every minute of my 4 day trip. Beautiful surroundings, great food and a perfect balance of activities. Frequent dips and saunas were the icing on the cake. Our guides Tiina and Maija were perfect in every way and made this trip very , very special.

  • Teresa G.

    I have returned feeling refreshed from what has been an amazing trip in beautiful Finland. The location is stunning, so peaceful and tranquil. Our guides were exceptional, Tiina, Jaakko and Maija were so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They made us feel so welcome, ensuring we were comfortable, enjoying ourselves, taking care of everything and everything went so smoothly. We were kept well informed and prepared for each activity. The group were lovely too, we were all like minded people which made it fun.

  • Fiona M.

    Lake Saimaa is just the most wonderful place and our trip was made even more special by our guides Tiina and Maija. They were both incredibly special people and worked so hard to ensure we had an exceptional time. They were both so knowledgeable about the environment and very proud of their country and its culture. The cabins location was beautiful, the food was tasty and plentiful and the activities were fun.

  • Natasha K.

    A fabulous trip…great combination of activities shared with an amazing group and fantastic guides.

  • Amanda B.

    Amazing time with exceptional guides Tiina and Maija who never let their enthusiasm diminish in the slightest and also created a super friendly homely experience . The activities were great fun amongst stunning scenery that was very tranquil and unspoilt .

  • Lesley M.

    The opportunity to spend time in Finland, particularly with the blend of activities, gave us a real taste of nature in all it’s glory. Serene. The Finnish sauna culture is something I will hanker after for days to come. Tiina, our guide…well what can I say? The perfect guide - fun, knowledgable , well organised and proud of her country. Her fellow guides Jaakko and Maija made a really good team. My fellow adventurers entered the whole trip with great enthusiasm and a sense of fun. It was amazing! I’m not going to say any more…you just have to give it a go…you won’t be disappointed!!

  • Richard H.

    Thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic 4 nights in a stunning location, the lakeside cabin was an amazing place to stay. The mix of activities was ideal for the trip, and also gave us enough time to enjoy down time at the lodge - definitely recommend a cold dip in the lake followed by the hot tub or sauna! Jarkko and Jaakko were amazing guides and made it a brilliant trip, made even better by sharing the experience with a great group. If you want a good mix of activities in an incredible location with fantastic guides, this is definitely the trip for you.

Customer Photos

5.027 reviews
  • 5 stars (26)
  • 4 stars (1)
  • 3 stars (0)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Showing all 27 reviews

  • Wonderful guides

    Lindsay T. June 2026
    Our guides, especially Tiina, were amazing. Calm, knowledgeable and created a lovely welcoming atmosphere. The trip was brilliant with lots of fun activities. Would have enjoyed a little more time to explore Lappeenranta after the cycle day. Also the hot tub would have been nice to have daily and not just the last day. The food was amazing, especially the Finnish Salmon on the last night cooked by Verneri. Accommodation was fine, the rooms were basic and shared toilets but a few tiny upgrades would have been good, such as mirrors in the rooms and a bin. Would recommend this trip and the level was beginner friendly!

  • Glorious nature!

    Deborah C. June 2026
    This was a magical trip - we loved the combination of nature and the activities (especially the kayaking). The guides were fantastic, and I'd highly recommend this experience. The early June weather as perfect, and activity level just right - the evening saunas meant there was no muscle soreness at all!

  • Wonderful Finland!

    Justine C. June 2026
    Fantastic Trip! Our guides were excellent, very knowledgeable and attentive. The activities were well planned and the level of fitness required was accurately judged. The scenery was spectacular, the lake and sauna divine. I cannot thank Tiina and Maija enough for all they did for us. A truly memorable trip!

  • Fantastic finland

    Rebecca S. June 2026
    I loved every minute of my 4 day trip. Beautiful surroundings, great food and a perfect balance of activities. Frequent dips and saunas were the icing on the cake. Our guides Tiina and Maija were perfect in every way and made this trip very , very special.

  • Magical and restorative

    Teresa G. June 2026
    I have returned feeling refreshed from what has been an amazing trip in beautiful Finland. The location is stunning, so peaceful and tranquil. Our guides were exceptional, Tiina, Jaakko and Maija were so knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They made us feel so welcome, ensuring we were comfortable, enjoying ourselves, taking care of everything and everything went so smoothly. We were kept well informed and prepared for each activity. The group were lovely too, we were all like minded people which made it fun.

  • Wonderful!

    Fiona M. June 2026
    Lake Saimaa is just the most wonderful place and our trip was made even more special by our guides Tiina and Maija. They were both incredibly special people and worked so hard to ensure we had an exceptional time. They were both so knowledgeable about the environment and very proud of their country and its culture. The cabins location was beautiful, the food was tasty and plentiful and the activities were fun.

  • Would highly recommend.

    Natasha K. June 2026
    A fabulous trip…great combination of activities shared with an amazing group and fantastic guides.

  • June 2026

    Amanda B. June 2026
    Amazing time with exceptional guides Tiina and Maija who never let their enthusiasm diminish in the slightest and also created a super friendly homely experience . The activities were great fun amongst stunning scenery that was very tranquil and unspoilt .

  • Love Finland!

    Lesley M. June 2026
    The opportunity to spend time in Finland, particularly with the blend of activities, gave us a real taste of nature in all it’s glory. Serene. The Finnish sauna culture is something I will hanker after for days to come. Tiina, our guide…well what can I say? The perfect guide - fun, knowledgable , well organised and proud of her country. Her fellow guides Jaakko and Maija made a really good team. My fellow adventurers entered the whole trip with great enthusiasm and a sense of fun. It was amazing! I’m not going to say any more…you just have to give it a go…you won’t be disappointed!!

  • An incredible Finnish adventure

    Richard H. September 2025
    Thoroughly enjoyed a fantastic 4 nights in a stunning location, the lakeside cabin was an amazing place to stay. The mix of activities was ideal for the trip, and also gave us enough time to enjoy down time at the lodge - definitely recommend a cold dip in the lake followed by the hot tub or sauna! Jarkko and Jaakko were amazing guides and made it a brilliant trip, made even better by sharing the experience with a great group. If you want a good mix of activities in an incredible location with fantastic guides, this is definitely the trip for you.

  • Fantastic trip in the Finnish Lakes

    Keith S. September 2025
    Couldn't have had a better time. The guides Jarkko, Jaakko and Nina were excellent and Jarkko was great host. All the activities were very well organised and the Lodge was very much out in the woods. The other thing that made it special was great group of people I spent the time with. Unforgetable. Keith

  • Highly recommend

    Jane S. September 2025
    This was a great mix of activities, with a good group dynamic. Location of the accommodation, view of the lake and sunset was excellent. The guides were all fantastic especially Jarkko

  • Perfect getaway

    Alex R. September 2025
    Really loved this one. Great mix of being active and chilling out. The real star of the show was the beautiful lake and forest, and our guides felt like part of the group. They made sure that everything was very special for us.

  • Wonderful weekend

    Naomi C. September 2025
    Thank you to Jarkko and Jaakko for being such amazing guides. We had such a fab weekend. Would highly recommend this trip.

  • Lake Saimaa Wilderness Adventures

    Philippa B. September 2025
    What an amazing adventure in the beautiful setting of Lake Saimaa. If you like the outdoors, lakes and forests, a mix of activities and meeting lovely like minded people then this is the trip for you. Really enjoyed the e-biking and kayaking and being able to swim in the lake in the mornings and evenings. Jarkko and Maija were fantastic guides, very knowledgeable, personable and nothing was too much trouble. Carrying firewood and kettles so we could have tea and coffee on the hike was definitely going above and beyond - thank you Jarkko!

  • Great adventure from start to finish

    Jessica L. September 2025
    Having never been on this kind of trip before and first time with Much Better Adventures, I thoroughly recommend. As an active person, spending a long weekend with a like-minded group of people was an amazing experience. Finland was beautiful and every activity we did was exceptional. Big shout out to the guides Jarkko and Maija who really made the trip. They worked tirelessly to ensure everything was ok and their knowledge, passion and dedication is a credit to MBA

  • Wonderful Wilderness

    Sarah R. September 2025
    The wilderness cabin was perfectly located in the forest on the edge of the vast Lake Saimaa and it felt like there was nobody else for miles. Jarkko, our guide for the trip, was really friendly and knowledgeable and he calmly managed the range of capabilities in the group during all the activities. The lake was the perfect temperature for swimming (in August) and saunas helped to remove the chill in the evenings. If you like a combination of activity and peaceful chill-time, then this trip is for you!

  • Do it!!

    Debbie B. September 2025
    The most amazing few days of adventure peace and relaxation. Absolutely loved it. Excellent hosts and guides could not have asked for more.

  • Amazing trip!

    Francine G. September 2025
    The most amazing accommodation and setting. Really quite a magical experience. Our guides were brilliant and very organised.

  • This was a most enjoyable

    Janine B. August 2025
    This was a most enjoyable trip, very well organised with lovely, friendly and attentive hosts/guides who looked after us and our safety during activities

  • Excellent mix of tranquility and activity

    Pip S. July 2025
    Even as the first group to to do this trip, everyhing was smooth and organised and we were so well looked after right from the beginning, meeting Jarkko at the station. The lakeside lodge is in a beautiful setting- listening to the birdsong whilst watching the mirror lake was very tranquil. The water temperature made for a good contrast for our daily dips between sauna sessions! I enjoyed the mix of different activities which were well supported by our guide Jaakko (I'm not sure we got the pronunciations of Jarkko/Jaakko right!) and easy paced, allowing us to really enjoy them. Equipment was well maintained and safe (the e-bikes were brand new and fun to play on although the route was flat so not completely necessary!). Food was provided by local people and allowed us to experience some local delicacies including salmon soup, delicious rye bread and traditionally cooked sides of trout on an open fire (dietary requirements catered for). The pizza place and tap room was also a great addition (who knew nettle pesto, wild strawberry and asparagus was such a winning combination!) The amount of daylight was delightful and the sunsets were stunning (although remember mosquito spray and don't forget an eyemask!) Most of the group came solo and we had such a fantastic time meeting like minded people. I would highly reccomend booking this trip

  • Fantastic Break!

    Tom June 2025
    The Finnish Lakes is a gem of an active summer holiday destination and this trip is a great way to experience this beautiful part of the world. As soon as Jarkko met our like minded group at the station, we all knew we were in excellent hands. Throughout our stay, Jarrko and his expert team ensured that we would experience the best of this area and the activities were fun and engaging, the scenery was beautiful, the accommodation was comfortable and the food delicious. Thanks to all at MBA and Jarkko for this wonderful trip!

  • SUP, E-Bike & Wild Swim in Finland – Unforgettable!

    Susie June 2025
    This Much Better Adventure was everything I needed and more. Paddleboarding across glassy lakes under the midnight sun, e-biking through pine forests, wild swimming in crystal-clear water – it felt like stepping into another world. The balance of activity and calm was perfect. The guides were brilliant – knowledgeable, down-to-earth, and made everything feel seamless. From the lakeside cabins to the reindeer stew by the fire, every detail was thoughtful and special. No phones, no stress – just pure freedom in the Finnish wilderness. I came back recharged, inspired and absolutely glowing. If you're on the fence – book it. You won’t just make memories, you’ll rediscover a part of yourself

  • Out of this world!

    Hollybennett96 June 2025
    What an amazing trip! The location and scenery are absolutely stunning with the accommodation being clean and comfortable, perfect after the action packed days. The food was delicious as a vegetarian I was well catered for throughout. The guides were incredible, well prepared, friendly and knowledgeable. They made sure we got the best out of our trip and went above and beyond for us. Pack lots of swimwear for dips, bug spray and wet shoes were helpful. Only wish the trip was longer as I didn't want to leave!

  • Escaping the hustle and bustle of life

    Rebecca W. June 2025
    If you like being in, on or by the water, then this jam packed weekend adventure is for you. A great way to escape the day to day in a remote location by the lake and get back to nature.

  • An Adventure to Nourish the Soul

    Deborah S. June 2025
    From the moment of arriving on to the platform in Helsinki to begin our adventure, I started to feel relaxed, because it was very clear we were in capable hands. The lodge that we stayed in was postcard picture perfect, next to the lake, with an incredible view, particularly of the sunsets, which were breathtakingly beautiful. There was a good mix of activities, with kayaking, swimming, hiking, cycling, which gave us the opportunity to meld into the stunning and rugged beauty of the Finnish countryside, to live and breathe in the peace of it all. The nightly sauna was bliss. Big shoutout to our guides Jarkko and Jaakko who looked after us all so well. Loved Finland.

  • From stressed to chilled in a few short days

    Denise D. June 2025
    Feeling blessed to be part of the first group to experience this new adventure. The tour was extremely well run and the itinerary was a perfect blend of hiking, SUP, kayaking, and cycling through some of Finland’s most stunning natural landscapes. Each activity was well-paced, allowing us to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed or exhausted. The equipment was high-quality, and safety was clearly a top priority throughout. What really made the trip special, though, was the group dynamic, our guide and host Jaakko and Jarkko, the nightly saunas, dips in the lake (chilly), foraging and our accommodation in the middle of nowhere. It felt less like a tour and more like an adventure with friends. By the end of the trip, I felt completely recharged. The fresh air, peaceful surroundings, and physical activity worked wonders, and I’d highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to unplug and reconnect with nature. I was really sad to leave, wish the tour was longer.

Before You Travel

What to Pack

Backpack with hiking gear laid out

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.

Kit List

What's included?
  • All equipment for e-biking (including helmet), kayaking and SUP
What do I need to bring?

BAGS

  • Soft duffel bag or rucksack
  • Daypack (20+ litres)
  • Small dry bag and/or waterproof phone or camera case

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts/long-sleeved tops
  • Merino wool base layer (especially useful in early or late season)
  • Rash vest or swim wetsuit (optional—for extra warmth if you tend to feel cold in the water)
  • Warm hat
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses (ideally with retainer strap for water activities)
  • Sunhat
  • Sleepwear
  • Eye mask (for sleeping during the long days of sunlight)
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Trainers
  • Water shoes or an extra pair of trainers you don’t mind getting wet (for kayaking)
  • Sandals, Crocs, or flip-flops (for around the lodge, sauna, or hot tub)

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Headtorch or torch (departures from late-August onwards)
  • Reusable water bottle (1-2 litres)
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks (opens in new tab)

FAQs

Your local host will aim to follow the planned itinerary, but adjustments may be needed for your safety and enjoyment due to weather conditions. While the weather in Finland is generally mild from May to September, strong winds can affect activities like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. Your host will keep an eye on the weather and if conditions look unfavourable, your host will suggest sheltered areas for SUP or swap kayaking for hiking, which is not impacted by wind. In the rare case of extended bad weather, your host may adjust routes or arrange a visit to the town of Lappeenranta.

Classic sea kayaks are used on this trip, which are suited to the open water conditions on the expansive lake. If you are taller than 195cm in height, please let your host know in advance so that they can arrange for a larger kayak with adequate leg room for you.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

From May to June, the weather in Finland is mild and gradually warms up, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. This is the perfect time to witness nature awakening, with blooming wildflowers and lush greenery. Nights will be cooler, dropping to around 5°C to 10°C, so bringing layers is essential. As summer peaks in July and August, temperatures rise to between 15°C to 25°C and evenings cool down to about 10°C to 15°C, making it a great time to enjoy a cosy campfire under the stars. By September, the air starts to crisp, with temperatures falling by 5°C. Rain becomes more frequent, and the forest undergrowth can be damp, so packing waterproof shoes or boots is crucial for keeping your feet warm and dry.

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 78kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

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Departure dates

  • Thursday 13th August 2026

    to Monday 17th August 2026

    …

  • Thursday 20th August 2026

    to Monday 24th August 2026

    …

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