2025 EARLY BIRD SALE NOW ON!

Save up to 15% on selected trips
Aeriel view of Lake Saimaa on a summer evening, Finland
Brand New!

SUP, Bike and Wild Swim in Finland

4 nights
Moderate

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

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

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

Accommodation

4 nights in a wilderness cabin

Meals

All meals are included

Transfers

Your return train journey between Helsinki and Lappeenranta, minibus transfers to and from Lappeenranta to the cabin, and everything in between

Equipment

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

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

Aeriel view of Lake Saimaa on a summer evening, Finland
A woman paddle-boarding on Lake Saimaa at sunset
Campfire cooking while hiking in Lake Saimaa region
Lake mirroring the blue sky, Lake Saimaa, Finland
Two cyclists stopping for a break on the shores of Lake Saimaa
Aerial view of road winding through forest on Lake Saimaa. Taipalsaari.

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

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Lake Saimaa

Lake mirroring the blue sky, Lake Saimaa, Finland

Train Ride

2hrs

Sauna

30mins

Touch down in Helsinki. From the airport, you'll travel by train with your guide to the picturesque town of Lappeenranta, on the way catching your first glimpse of Finland's stunning landscapes, with forests and lakes rolling by. 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

Adult Woman on a Stand Up Paddle Board

Hiking

3hrs · 10km · 80m up · 80m down

Stand Up Paddleboarding

2hrs

Sauna

30mins

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

Lappeenranta Tourist Board via the host

Kayaking

15km · 4hrs

Sauna

30mins

Wild Swimming

30mins

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

Two cyclists stopping for a break on the shores of Lake Saimaa

E-bike

40km · 4-5hrs · 260m up · 260m down

Stand Up Paddleboarding

2hrs

Sauna

30mins

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

Aerial view of road winding through forest on Lake Saimaa. Taipalsaari.

Train Ride

2hrs

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.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Helsinki Central Train Station

16:30 on Day 1

Ends

Helsinki Central Train Station

12:00 on Day 5

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 head 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

Day 1

Cabin · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2 – Day 4

Cabin · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 5

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Wooden table with food laid including lemons, potatoes and bread

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.

What is the accommodation like?

Cabin in the woods.
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.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge. See Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).

This trip has been rated as 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.

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.

This trip is brand new

We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.

Itinerary Activities

  • 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

Guides

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

Accommodation

  • 4 nights in a cosy, lakeside wilderness cabin

Meals

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

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

Transfers

  • 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

Equipment

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

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.

Personal expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like drinks, shopping and laundry.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear

In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.

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)

CLOTHES

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
  • T-shirts/long-sleeved tops
  • Warm hat
  • Buff or neckscarf
  • Underwear and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Sleepwear
  • Hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Trainers
  • A spare pair of shoes you don't mind getting wet (for kayaking)

OTHER

  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Insect repellent
  • Suncream
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Headtorch or torch
  • Reusable water bottle (1-2 litres)
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks - read our article on Best Hiking Snacks
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room Upgrade

Per Person

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

Payable Before Departure

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

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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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.

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.

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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.

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.

Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.

We've got your back

Guaranteed to run

All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details

Flexible payments

Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

Happiness Guarantee

We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details

Full financial protection

To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details

Tried & Trusted

Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

June 2025

Thursday 5th June 2025

to Monday 9th June 2025
Guaranteed to run
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off

Thursday 12th June 2025

to Monday 16th June 2025
Guaranteed to run
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
Illustration of a group of people kayaking

Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

Still Undecided?

A few other trips to tickle your fancy