Family Fit & Fun – Family Adventures in the Wilderness
Unforgettable moments with your dog and nature for the whole family
Immerse yourselves in the wild beauty of Finland, explore the forests with our friendly sled dogs, make your own dog leads and create personalised wooden mugs – each day brings a new surprise. Whether cooking over an open fire, enjoying a peaceful canoe trip with an overnight stay under the stars, or cuddling with our huskies, this is a place where families can grow closer and create memories to last a lifetime. Thanks to our small groups and personalised approach, the programme can be adapted to your wishes and to the stamina of all participants.
What to expect:
Exciting encounters with our lovingly cared-for Alaskan Huskies
Creative Workshops: Make Your Own Dog Leash and Design a Personalized Wooden Mug
An adventurous 2-day canoe trip with an overnight stay in a tent on an idyllic riverbank
Active Hiking with Sled Dogs Through the Untouched Forests of North Karelia
Cooking together and enjoying cozy evenings around the campfire and in the sauna
Plenty of time for play, fun, and cuddles with the huskies
Small groups for personalized attention and flexible program planning
Recreational activities involving rowboats, canoes, and bicycles
Experience unspoiled nature, exciting adventures, and quality family time—up close with the huskies and the Finnish wilderness!
Detailed program
Day 1: Arrival and welcome
You’ll arrive at Eräkeskus—whether by plane and rental car or in your own car. Our warm and welcoming Eräkeskus team will greet you and make sure you feel right at home. After settling into your cozy rooms, you’ll enjoy dinner together, where you can soak up the special atmosphere of our lodge and the tranquility of nature. The view of the lake and the clear, fresh air will quickly help you forget the stresses of everyday life.
Alternatively, a transfer can be arranged for an additional fee.
Day 2: Meeting the Huskies and Creative Adventures
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll start with an exciting guided tour of our husky farm, where the fascinating world of our sled dogs awaits you. You’ll get to know the animals, feel that special connection, and have plenty of time to pet them.
After a grilled snack in our grill kota, crafting experiences await you: With great joy, you will make your very own dog leash and engrave your name on a Kuksa (traditional wooden cup) – perfect companions for the upcoming adventures .
The afternoon offers time to relax or explore on your own—rent a rowboat or canoe, explore the area by bike, or enjoy the soothing electric sauna. The day wraps up with dinner together in the cozy lodge.
Day 3: Setting off on a 2-day canoe trip – experiencing nature up close
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll be well prepared for the adventure that lies ahead: a two-day canoe trip through the idyllic lake and river landscape of North Karelia. Together, we’ll pack our gear and carefully stow all our essentials in our canoes right on the shore of Lake Nurmijärvi near Eräkeskus.
After a few kilometers, we reach a secluded wild beach with a rustic barbecue area —here we take a well-deserved break and prepare a fresh lunch together.
Refreshed, we continue our journey, passing the impressive river delta where the Jongunjoki and Mukajoki converge and flow into the Lieksanjoki.
After a total of about 12 kilometers, we reach our campsite on the banks of the Mukajoki River. Here we pitch our tents while the last rays of the sun make the water’s surface glisten.
Anyone who’d like to can try their hand at fishing and maybe catch something for dinner. Together, we’ll prepare the meal over an open fire and enjoy the warmth and the crackling of the flames as nature slowly settles into silence. A day full of adventures comes to a peaceful and contented close—before we finally crawl into our sleeping bags and let the sounds of the forest lull us to sleep.
Day 4: Continuing the river cruise and returning to the farm
The day begins with breakfast by the campfire, which gives us new energy for paddling. After we’ve taken down the tents and carefully packed everything away, we leave our campsite clean and set off.
We’ll start by paddling along the calm Mukajoki River before reaching the Lieksanjoki. There, we’ll encounter the small Kohosenkoski rapids, which even beginners can easily navigate. Just before the rapids, we’ll take a lunch break—and anyone who wants to can take a refreshing dip in the river.
We then glide across Lake Pankajärvi until our driver picks us up with the trailer on the western shore. Back at the Eräkeskus Farm, we secure the boats and unpack our things.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy: Rent badminton or bocce equipment, or relax in the soothing warmth of our wood-fired sauna. Spend a cozy evening in the lodge or on the porch overlooking the lake.
Day 5: Hike with Huskies to a Mysterious Peninsula
After breakfast, you’ll start the day on foot—accompanied by our friendly sled dogs. You’ll hike through enchanting forests along Lake Puuruu to the mysterious ET Peninsula. Along the way, your guide will tell you the history of the region and why it bears this special name. On the sandy beach, you can cool off and relax. If the weather makes the hiking bridge impassable, you’ll head to the Änäkäinen Lakes Nature Reserve instead, where you’ll walk around an idyllic lake and prepare lunch together over a campfire. Back at the farm, fun and games await you—play badminton or Viking Kubb—before dinner is served.
Day 6: Hiking with Sled Dogs Along the Bear Trail
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll set out for one of the week’s highlights: a longer hike with the huskies. Following a short transfer, you’ll head to the Änäkäinen Lakes, where the Karhunpolku—the Bear Trail—winds through pristine forests. The dogs are full of excitement and will pull you along in their harnesses on a route that winds past idyllic forest streams and small lakes. At the picnic area by Jynkkälampi, the dogs can take a refreshing dip while you enjoy lunch over an open fire. The trail continues through pine forests to another laavu—a small wind shelter—where you can take a short break. The final leg takes you to the moraine hills and the Suuri-Pilonen laavu, where you’ll wrap up the day with marshmallows over the campfire. Upon request, the route can of course be shortened and adapted to your needs.
Day 7: Free day – Experience whatever excites you the most
After breakfast, the day is all yours. How about some exciting whitewater rafting in Ruunaa? Or would you rather explore the area by bike or try your hand at fishing again? Of course, you can also visit the huskies again and give them some cuddles. You can put together your own lunch from the buffet, and in the evening we’ll meet again for dinner together at the lodge to look back on the week.
Day 8: Farewell & journey home
After one last breakfast at the cozy lodge, it’s time to say goodbye to your new four-legged friends, the team, and the fascinating nature of North Karelia. Whether you continue your journey on your own or have booked a transfer to the airport through us—the memories of this intense week will stay with you for a long time. If you’d like, you can extend your stay with additional tours or some relaxing days on your own.
Note: This program is an example. Depending on the weather, our group dynamics or other circumstances, the days and activities may change slightly. Flexibility is part of the adventure – but one thing is certain: every day will be special!
Prices
Our prices are per person and include all services mentioned.
Prices in May, June, and September:
- Adult in a double room: 1,265 €
- Child (up to 14 years old) in an extra bed: 830 €
- Child (up to age 14) in a private double room: 930 €
- Single-room supplement: 105 €
Prices in July & August
- Adult in a double room: 1,365 €
- Child (up to 14 years old) in an extra bed: 890 €
- Child (up to age 14) in a private double room: €990
- Single-room supplement: 140 €
Travel & Transfers:
Travel to the destination is on your own. Transfers to and from Lieksa, Nurmes, Joensuu, or Kuopio can be booked separately upon request and subject to availability. For more information, see our FAQ under “Travel & Transfers.”
Travel Dates
- Available dates: May 17, 2026 – September 20, 2026.
- Arrival is only possible Saturday–Saturday or Sunday–Sunday
- Check-in for guests arriving on their own: 3 :00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Check-out for guests arriving on their own: by 12:00 p.m.
Services
Included:
- Transfers: All necessary tour transfers.
- Accommodations: 6 nights at the Eräkeskus guesthouse, 1 night in a tent or laavu
- Meals: Full board from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 8 (breakfast, lunch, and a two-course dinner).
- Weekly program:
- 1 kennel tour and information on caring for, feeding, and training the dogs
- 1 x creative work
- 2-Day Canoe Tour Including an Overnight Stay in the Wilderness
- 1 hike to ET
- 1 x Hike with Sled Dogs
- Drinks: coffee/tea included.
- Sauna: 1 wooden sauna (beach sauna), 1 electric sauna (in the lodge).
- Free use of bikes, canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, subject to availability
- Guide: German, English, Finnish speaking guide.
- Final cleaning: Included.
- Bed linen and towels: are provided.
- Equipment: Canoe, life jacket, paddle, duffel bags, tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, cooking utensils.
Not included:
- Travel: Flight, train ticket, rental car.
- Drinks: Except tea, coffee and water.
- Clothing/Equipment: Weather-appropriate clothing, hiking boots, water bottle, headlamp.
- Daypack: For hikes.
Tips:
- Pro tip: We recommend taking out cancellation and return travel insurance.
- Travel Tip: We recommend that all summer visitors travel by rental car—this way, you’ll stay flexible, can easily reach even remote natural destinations, and can explore North Karelia on your own.
General Terms and Conditions:
What to Bring & Physical Requirements
Bring along:
Clothing suitable for the weather (depending on the weather also rain jacket).
Comfortable shoes or sandals that can get wet.
Hiking boots.
Sun protection (sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses).
Water bottle.
Hiking backpack.
- At will: Camera, binoculars, mosquito repellent.
Physical requirements Our family program is designed for healthy, active people with an average level of fitness. Activities such as canoeing and hiking are designed to be easily manageable even with children—no prior experience is required.
The requirements are:
You must be a strong swimmer to participate in the canoe trip. Life jackets are provided.
A willingness to be active outdoors.
Off-road capability: You should feel comfortable on uneven forest trails, narrow paths, and along riverbanks.
Independence: You’ll help set up and take down the tents and carry your own gear—team spirit counts!
Minimum age for children: 8 years (younger children by request).
Why you should choose us:
Eräkeskus stands for authentic experiences in the untouched wilderness of Finland – far away from mass tourism and in a family-like atmosphere. You can expect real adventures, a deep connection to nature, and a truly relaxing slowdown.
- A Family-Like Atmosphere – With us, you’re not just guests—you’re part of a small, close-knit community—with personalized service, a warm atmosphere, and very small guest groups.
- Unspoiled wilderness instead of mass tourism – North Karelia is one of the quietest regions in Europe, where you can experience unspoiled nature and the peace of the wilderness.
- Close Bond with the Dogs – We work with passion and respect for and with our dogs—we take their natural instincts and needs into account so that they can live in an environment that promotes their well-being
- Gentle tourism & respect for nature – We focus on sustainable experiences with minimal impact on the environment – for adventures in harmony with nature.
- It’s simple: Because summer and early winter in North Karelia aren’t just breathtakingly beautiful—they also offer you the chance to experience the interplay between people, animals, and nature in a way that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.