Wild Taiga Kuhmo - Suomussalmi

Imagine a wilderness of rich evergreen forests, dotted with pure water lakes and bathed in an endless sun. In Wild Taiga, close to the Russian border in Suomussalmi and Kuhmo you will find a jewel of nature tucked away in the Wild Taiga forests. In fact it's so rare and special a gem, it was awarded the European comissions' Destination of Excellence for 2008.

The forests are filled with mammals, especially large carnivores, which are very rare or extinct elsewhere in Europe. Wild Taiga is one of the few places in Europe where it is possible to watch and photograph such rare animals in their natural environment. This is down to the local knowledge and expertise of the fully trained wilderness guides. In addition to the carnivores such as brown bears, wolves and wolverines, you can see moose, endangered wild forest reindeer and flying squirrels, beavers and birds of prey.

The midnight sun and its surrounding nature create a stage for exhilarating summer activities including hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, berry picking and much more. Especially the Hossa Hiking Area - the Finnish Outdoor Destination 2011 - is known for its many clear water ponds and the surrounding eskers, abundant brooks and streams rich in fish.

Also in the winter, there is plenty to see and experience. The hard, carrying ice on the lakes is nice to ski or snow shoe walk on and the pristine powder snow and the crisp winter air lure you into the nature where you can walk with snowhoes, take a husky or a reindeer ride to enjoy the snowy landscapes. All activity programmes are made to meet customers skills - beginners and children may enjoy shorter, less testing programmes whilst the more experienced may enjoy week-long program packages. The guaranteed international departure dates and weekly activity programmes make it also possible for individuals to participate on the tours.

The location right beside the eastern border has made the area a place of significant historical interest with its battle fields. The exhibitions of the Gateway to Raate and the Winter War Museum tell of the different phases and equipment of the war in a captivating way. The surrounding area includes many reconstructed battle fields and their monuments. The Nature Centres of Petola and Hossa house information of Finnish carnivores bear, lynx, wolf and wolverine.

Area has also a unique cultural background of its own, of which the Finnish national epic Kalevala is the brightest gem. This cultural legacy of Finland is maintained today through craft and song, celebrations and story-telling, delivered with an authenticity and warmth. Since 1970 the Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival has been an essential part of the Finnish summer. The prestigious New York cultural magazine Connoisseur has observed that "for two passionate weeks in July the remote town of Kuhmo hosts a unique chamber music festival that is possibly the finest in the world".

Further information from www.wildtaiga.fi