Pre-tour to Arctic Lakeland and Midnight Sun Workshop 06.-12.06.2026

Welcome to discover Finland’s Most Versatile Year-round Holiday Destination 

Vuokatti is one of Finland’s most popular holiday destinations and one of the seven destinations located in the Arctic Lakeland Finland region. As a true year-round destination, Vuokatti offers the perfect balance of authentic Finnish experiences, nature, wellbeing and soft adventure — all easily accessible. The nearest airport is Kajaani Airport, only 35 minutes away.

Located in the Arctic Lakeland region, Vuokatti beautifully combines the best landscapes of both southern and northern Finland: vast lakes, peaceful forests and rolling hills — all within a compact area that allows visitors to experience the essence of Finnish nature in a single trip, in winter and in summer.

FAM TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

The program highlights a range of soft adventure activities and relaxing outdoor experiences suitable for all fitness levels, while showcasing some of Vuokatti’s accommodation, dining from open-fire lunches in traditional wooden huts to contemporary Finnish cuisine in atmospheric restaurants and nature activities. We will also visit the new venue opened in December 2025 for Meet Santa programs and the location for the new 44 lakeside holiday apartments to be opened for winter 2026-2027. The program comes a unique cultural experience — a short visit to a Finnish baseball game (“pesäpallo”). It is Finland’s national game and a very important part of local community life. We will explore the lakes onboard of a variety of vessels: canoes, speedboat and a charming, historic steamship S/S Kouta, the northernmost steamship in Finland and whole Europe. Each journey offers a unique way to experience the beauty of the lake. 

Flights to Finland

17:25 Flight from Helsinki to Kajaani

The journey begins in Helsinki, where you meet your host at the airport before boarding the evening flight north to Kajaani. During your flight, in just over an hour, the landscapes below transform from city views into endless forests and shimmering lakes — a first glimpse of the Arctic Lakeland region.

18:45 Arrival in Kajaani Airport

You meet your guide for Vuokatti Leena Penttinen at the airport.

19:15 Bus Transfer to Vuokatti

Check in at Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti

Your home for the first night is Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti, located in the heart of the resort area and surrounded by forested hills. Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti offer newly renovated spacious hotel rooms and cozy holiday apartments for enjoyable visits. Comfortable rooms are beautifully decorated with natural colour tones inspired by the surrounding nature. New 44 apartments with a peaceful location next to a beautiful lake with views of the Vuokatti hills will be opened for winter season 2026-2027.

20:30 Welcome dinner at your hotel, Restaurant Kippo

The evening continues with a welcome dinner at Restaurant Kippo, where the flavours of the Arctic Lakeland region take centre stage. The restaurant is known for its use of local ingredients and traditional smokehouse cooking — a perfect introduction to the culinary traditions of the region.

As the Nordic summer light lingers late into the evening, the journey into Finnish summer has truly begun. Sweet dreams under the midnight sun!

Breakfast

09:15 Lobby call

You meet your guide at hotel reception. Short transfer (5 min) to Safari Centre / Vuokatti Safaris

09:30 Site visit Safari Centre / Vuokatti Safaris

We start our day with a short site inspection of Safari Center operated by Vuokatti Safaris. It is the main place for the guided activities to start for FIT clients and small groups. After the visit a short (5-min) transfer from the Safari Centre to the top of the Vuokatinvaara Hill, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the area. From here, the scenery opens into a breathtaking panorama of forests, lakes and rolling ridges — a landscape often quoted as one of the national landscapes of Finland. 

10:00 Finnish Nature Tour on top of the Vuokatti Hills by Vuokatti Safaris

We will be chilling our like Finns this morning. A gentle guided Finnish nature walk takes you along forest paths and to a traditional wooden hut, where your guide tells you by the fire about the Finnish nature and shares stories about how people used to live in this area in the older days and how the forest was key for their living. In the wooden hut, you will learn the simple skill of lighting a campfire the Finnish way. Length of the walk about 1km. For photographing we will visit also the observation tower and the viewpoint deck on the top of the hill. After the activity a short (5 min) transfer back to your hotel. 

Check out from your rooms. 

12:15 Transfer (5-10 min) to your second hotel in Vuokatti

12:30 Site visit to Holiday Club Katinkulta

Top-class Spa hotel Holiday Club Katinkulta is the most versatile resort in the Nordic Countries. It offers various service. es, including homey accommodation, playing fields and courts indoors and outdoors, sandy beach as well as different restaurants. After the site inspection it’s time to check-in to your room.

13:30 Transfer (10-15 min) to Sotkamo Village Center

Sotkamo is the municipality where Vuokatti is situated. The Sotkamo village centre is situated in a scenic area, surrounded by water, around 7 km from Vuokatti. The centre is a typical Finnish municipality centre with a selection of shops and services.

13:45 Lunch at Restaurant Messi in Sotkamo Village Center

Lunch is served in the nearby village of Sotkamo at Restaurant Messi, a local favourite known for its welcoming atmosphere. Restaurant Messi offers its customers tasty buffet lunches on week­days and delicious dishes from the à la carte menu.

15:00 Short (5 min) walk to Sotkamo Harbour

15:15 Speed Boat cruising by Vuokatti Safaris

In the afternoon, the landscape reveals itself from the water during a scenic speedboat cruise across the lakes and the Tenetinvirta waterway. Surrounded by forested hills and untouched shoreline, the experience offers a new perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

16:45 Short walk to Hiukka Beach

We take a short walk from the harbour to Hiukka Beach, of the area’s most beautiful sandy beaches. Hiukka is a perfect swimming spot and a great place to visit for magnificent views. In addition to being a beautiful beach, Hiukka is a natural attraction with its sand ridges. 

Brief visit to see Finnish Baseball Championship League Game

Our visit to Sotkamo village centre continues with a unique cultural experience — a visit to a Finnish baseball game. Known as pesäpallo, this fast-paced sport is Finland’s national game and an important part of local community life and Finnish culture. We will take 10-minute peek to see the stadium with passionate local fans. The local club it has won the national championship 21 times, so you get the opportunity to see Finnish Baseball at its best! Before leaving the stadium, we enjoy a drink in the pop-up restaurant for VIP guests.

17:30 Transfer back to your hotel Holiday Club Katinkulta

17:45 Katinkulta Water Park (Spa & Sauna World) or Free time

Back at Katinkulta, the evening invites relaxation in the resort’s Spa & Sauna World. Enjoy the pools, sauna experiences and the peaceful atmosphere that Finns associate with wellbeing.

We would like also you to go and enjoy the saunas, swim in the fitness pool, relax in the hot tub, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or have fun on the waterslide. Please visit also the pool bar for a complimentary drink.

19:30 Dinner at Restaurant O’Learys, Holiday Club Katinkulta

Dinner is served at O’Learys Restaurant, where a relaxed setting and generous menu conclude an active summer day. 

Breakfast

09:45 Short transfer (10-15 min) to husky kennel

10:00 Husky Hiking & Kennel Life at Wild Ride Sled Dogs

After breakfast, the morning begins with a visit to a local husky kennel, where the dogs enjoy their summer life between winter sledding seasons. Guided short hike (2-3 km) with selected, safe, calm husky dogs. You meet your guide at the kennel and after welcoming words and safety instructions for hiking with the dogs you meet your dog. After the short hike you will spend more time with the dogs at the kennel and the guide will tell you more about the training and lives of the dogs at a kennel farm. Total duration of the program: 3 - 3,5 hrs, but this time around we will have a shorter taster of the program for around 1,5 hrs. After husky hiking a short transfer to Ruokola Mansion

12:00 Site visit and lunch at Ruokola Mansion / Vuokatti Safaris

The journey continues to Ruokola Manor, the venue used for larger groups and charter operations. First, we will get a short presentation in a meeting room on the guided activities offered by Vuokatti Safaris, including the Meet Santa Claus programs at their new Xmas & Winter venueFor Q & A, or deeper discussions, we will sit down in a wooden hut (“kota”) for our lunch by open fire. After lunch a short transfer to Lake Särkinen

13:30 Paddling in the landscapes of Vuokatti Hills by Feel Nordic Vuokatinmaa 

In the afternoon, the adventure moves to the water for a canoeing and kayaking experience on Lake Särkinen. After a short introduction to paddling techniques, you set out onto the calm lake pampered with scenic views over the Vuokatti Hills. The experience is peaceful, accessible and suitable for beginners, allowing everyone to enjoy the rhythm of paddling in pristine nature. Two-person canoes and single kayaks are available. Easy, offering a peaceful water experience in the breathtaking nature. Following the paddle, we gather by the fire for soft drinks and traditional Finnish grilled sausages — a simple but beloved outdoor tradition. Duration: around 3 hrs. but this time around we will have a shorter taster of the program for around 2 hrs. After barbequing a short transfer to Vuokatinmaa Holiday Apartments

15:00 Site visit at Vuokatinmaa Holiday Apartments

A short visit to Vuokatinmaa Holiday Apartments, located on the peaceful shores of Lake Nuas, introduces another accommodation option and nature activities offered by Vuokatinmaa under Feel Nordic Vuokatinmaa brand. After the site visit a short transfer (5-10 min) to Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti

15:30 Presentation on Vuokatti and Arctic Lakeland Finland region

We sit down for a short presentation on Arctic Lakeland Finland region and Vuokatti as year-round holiday destinations to open the discussions and any questions you might have regarding the services and activities offered in Vuokatti. After the presentation a short transfer (5-10 min).to Holiday Club Katinkulta

19:15 Lobby call and short transfer to Haapala

You meet your fam trip host at hotel lobby

19:30 Dinner at Haapala Restaurant & Brewery

The day concludes with a memorable dinner at Haapala Restaurant & Brewery, where rustic Finnish cuisine meets modern creativity. The menu celebrates the nostalgic flavours of the region while offering a contemporary twist. Haapala is also the only brewery in Arctic Lakeland region. 

21:00 Short transfer (10-15 min) back to your hotel.

Breakfast

08:45 Lobby call and short transfer (5-10 min) to Vuokatti Ski Service. You meet your host at hotel reception.

09:00 Guided eFatbike tour by Vuokatti Ski Service

Our last morning together begins with an active start: a guided eFatbike tour through Vuokatti’s forest trails. We will discover Vuokatti from the seat of an electric fatbike. Electric fatbikes make cycling effortless, allowing you to explore the varied terrain of the area — from forest paths to scenic lake views. Easy. During our tour we will stop for a short break with snacks. Our short and easy biking tour in varied landscapes provides a small taste of what you can experience on Vuokatti's diverse trails. After cycling a short (5-10 min) transfer to your hotel Holiday Club Katinkulta

Time for taking shower, changing into comfortable outdoor wear for golfing and maybe some pre-packing for check-out later today.

11:15 Soup lunch at Robert’s coffee, at Holiday Club Katinkulta

Robert’s Coffee is a cosy coffee house offering delicious pastries, tasty lunches, a variety of coffee drinks and gelato.

12:15 Lobby call and Golfing / Private golf lesson at Holiday Club Katinkulta

You meet your guide at hotel reception. 

The afternoon offers a taste of golf at Katinkulta, where three scenic courses are set among forests and lakes. Located just steps from the hotel, Katinkulta Golf welcomes golfers of all levels with three scenic courses: an 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole course and a Par 3 course where no green card is required. 

All of us who has never tried golfing will learn the basics skills in our private lesson conducted by certified PGA professional. The other option is to go golfing on the Par 3 course with your host if you have played or are still playing golf. No Green Card is needed for our round. Duration for both options is 1,5 hrs.

Check-out from your rooms

15:15 Lobby call and transfer (35-40 min) to City of Kajaani

You meet your fam trip host at hotel reception. 

16:00 Scenic cruise on Steamship S/S Kouta to Kajaani River

Steamship Kouta is the northernmost steamship in Finland and whole Europe. Ship and its original steam engine were built in 1921, and the ship has been steaming since. 

On our scenic cruise, Steamship S/S Kouta cruises along River Kajaaninjoki and passes by some beautiful historical landscapes on Lake Oulujärvi. During the cruise we enjoy also light meal.

18:00 Transfer (10-15 min) to Kajaani Airport

19:25 Finnair Flight AY416 from Kajaani Airport to Helsinki

20:40 Flight arrives at Helsinki Airport.

Transfer from Helsinki Airport to your hotels in Helsinki 

Dinner start time at your hotel, hosted by the hotel, depending on your arrival time in Helsinki:

Hotel Grand Hansa: 20:30
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi:  20:30
Hotel Mestari: 20:30
Hotel Torni: 20:30 

Note: if you have a very late arrival in Helsinki, a separate evening snack has been organized at your hotel room, please check with your fam trip host for further details.

Breakfast

08.00 -17:00 Helsinki – Espoo Destination Day 
Details sent via email by Helsinki Partners and Visit Espoo (sent on 2nd of June)

Program organized by Visit Espoo and Helsinki Partners

17:00-20:00 Get-together event in Temppeliaukio Church (Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki)
and dinner at Restaurant Töölö (Runeberginkatu 14–16, Helsinki)

Evening hosted by Visit Finland, Finnair, Visit Espoo, and Helsinki Partners

Breakfast

9:00-17:00 Workshop day - see program here

18:30-00:30 Party Like a Finn - see program here

Breakfast

Optional Helsinki Day

Helsinki Day is an annual celebration in Finland, held on 12 June, to celebrate the city of Helsinki. 

Helsinki Partners offers the opportunity to participate in various events held in Helsinki: Explore and unwind the day after. This optional day offers a light, flexible program with a focus on summer vibes and memorable city experience during the birthday of Helsinki. Dip into depths of local sauna culture and enjoy a dinner experience under the open sky.

Expect:
• Slow morning & free time with tickets to Allas Sea Pool
• Casual lunch with Helsinki hosts and fellow guests
• Recreation and city experience in laid-back setting
• Relaxed dinner (under the sky if weather permits) to close the week

Flights back to home.

Thank you for visiting in Finland!