Basic overnight hiking course in Patvinsuo National Park
Are you hesitant about camping alone in the forest? Do you crave experience and knowledge before your first overnight hike? Do you want to join a trip where the focus is not on the journey itself, but on learning new things and observing nature?
Our hiking course offers you the perfect opportunity to learn overnight hiking skills with the guidance of an expert. You will gain experience and learn skills that will lay the foundation for your own future overnight hikes and longer treks. During the course, there will be time for open discussion and you can get answers to any questions you may have about hiking. Our focus is on hands-on learning, so you don't need any prior hiking experience. The route is easy and suitable for people with normal physical fitness. We will walk mostly on flat terrain along boardwalks. This course can be described as a low-threshold hiking course!
Patvinsuo National Park
The course takes place in the wilderness of Patvinsuo National Park. We will walk a distance of approximately 3.5 km from Kurkilahden parking lot to Teretinniemi where we will also spend the night. Due to the short walking distance, there will be plenty of time for learning hiking skills and observing nature! From the Teretin birdwatching tower, you can observe the vibrant spring rhythms of the bog and you might even catch a glimpse of the "king of the forest" - a bear - without it sensing human presence. The national park is a significant protected and research area for bog nature and its swamps provide nesting and feeding places for numerous bird species. Many species that have disappeared from southern Finland can still be found in Patvinsuo, such as the ptarmigan, ruff, and little curlew. The extensive open bogs also attract migrating birds to rest and feed in the area. We reserve the right to make changes to the route.
Course content:
Packing and adjusting your backpack
Hiking clothing and dressing appropriately for the weather
Camping stoves, hiking food, and water supply, maintenance of camping stove
Use of map and compass, GPS device, and mobile phone apps
Setting up shelter and camping in a tent
Safe handling of an axe and knife, and making a fire
Hiking etiquette and everyman's right
Maintenance of hiking gear
Duration: 2 days
Capacity: 6-12 people
Availability: September 30 - October 1. Starts on Saturday at 10:00 AM and ends on Sunday at 3:00 PM
Languages: Finnish, English
Departure and return: Kurkilahti P, Suomuntie 80, Lieksa
Price: €180/person. Minimum group size: 6 people
Participant's own equipment:
Proper footwear suitable for hiking, weather-appropriate clothing, any personal hiking equipment, and your own food and snacks. We will send a detailed packing list to participants to help them pack and our guide will also assist with choosing suitable gear, if needed. We recommend bringing binoculars.
Equipment available for rent from the organizer:
Some necessary equipment can be rented from the organizer.
Course conditions:
Registration is binding once you have paid the course fee through Koli Nature Center Ukko's online shop! You can cancel your course reservation free of charge up to 14 days before the course date. After that, the course fee will not be refunded. You can transfer your course reservation to another person free of charge if you are unable to attend. In such cases, please notify the organizer of the participant change.
The minimum number of participants for the course is six (6) people unless otherwise agreed. If the course is canceled by the organizer, the course fees will be fully refunded. The course organizer reserves the right to make changes to the
Insurance:
The organizer does not provide insurance for participants. Please ensure that you have your own leisure insurance and any other necessary insurance policies in place.
