Route Type:
Cultural tour with snowshoes
Distance:
1-2km
Elevation Gain:
Less than 100m
Difficulty:
1/5 (see below): No experience necessary!
Group size:
2-8
Dates:
January to May
Want to book a private tour? Get in touch.
Tour Description
Location: Finse Village, Norway
Finse is the gateway to one of the world's most accessible polar environments. It's often described as mini-Antarctica, and especially in early winter it can be cold, windy, wild and... completely magical!
If you're thinking of coming up for an afternoon from Oslo or maybe you're staying for a few days and don't want to go out far but want someone to tell you what you're looking at then this trip is for you.
Particularly if you enjoyed Channel 4's 'Nordic Train at Christmas' show then you will enjoy this mini experience!
Local guides
Your local guides (genuinely local- we live here!) will meet you on the station and show you around this unique little village. You can hear more about the history of the settlement, the building of the railway and how it is to live there today.
Snowshoeing
Your guide will help you put on snowshoes and you can experience walking off the platform straight into the wilderness. You can walk on the frozen lake and enjoy the chance to stop and stare and take in the adorable little place.
The tour ends in Hotel Finse 1222, the hotel from the show. Here, you can treat yourself to hot chocolate and cinnamon buns, or maybe even a Finse cocktail in the lounge watching the sunset.
Physical Requirements
1/5: Suitable for those with normal physical fitness. Easy snowshoe walk. Likely you will be exposed to cold and windy weather.
What to bring
Finse's weather is often wild and windy. But don't be afraid of the weather, our guides are trained to help you be comfortable in bad weather and storms often make the best stories!
But to be ok, you must bring the right clothing.
Choose layers to wear so you can easily remove them you get warm while walking and add them if you get cold.
You must bring:
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Footwear to keep your feet warm and dry. No trainers.
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Windproof pants and jacket. We recommend a jacket with a hood.
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Hat and gloves.
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A buff or scarf to protect the face from wind. Thermal base layers for legs and body.
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Extra warm layers, like 1 or 2 fleeces or a wool jumper.
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A warm jacket for example a down jacket or puffy coat.
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Some snacks.
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A small thermos with water or juice for hydration.
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A backpack to carry your extra layers.
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From February, bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
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If it’s windy, goggles are needed to protect the eyes.
Included:
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Use of snowshoes and poles
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Trained and qualified guide
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All safety and group equipment
Not included:
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Snacks or drinks
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Activity insurance
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Personal clothing
Important:
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You must be able to communicate in English to join our excursions.
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To ensure your safety we may refuse participation if you are not properly dressed for hiking in the conditions.
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Minimum age is 12.
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This activity is dependent on conditions and weather. We might need to adjust it for your safety but we'll still do our best to make it a good experience.
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Please read our terms and conditions before booking.
Getting to Finse
Finse can only be accessed by train; there is no road. Book train tickets at www.vy.no Read about getting to Finse in detail in our blog 'Getting to Finse by train.'
We time the start and end of our trips to coincide with the trains for your convenience.
Accommodation
Staying overnight in Finse is highly recommended to fully experience the remoteness of this little village. It really is worth spending at least a night here.
Accommodation options include DNT Finsehytta and Hotel Finse 1222.
Read about all the accommodation options in Finse in our blog, 'Where to stay in Finse, Norway.'
