Treks

Skills for the wild

Go hiking with your friends at a pace you decide yourselves. Learn skills that will give you the confidence to go hiking independently in the future.

Polku offers tailored hiking courses and guided hikes year-round, both on foot and on skis. On our trips, you are not just a passive follower — you are an active learner. You gain hands-on experience in navigation, equipment use, camping, and operating in wilderness environments, safely supported by an experienced guide.

Every hike is an adventure where everything can’t be planned in advance. At times it may be wet, cold, or simply uncomfortable. On the course, you will learn how to make your experience in the wilderness as comfortable as possible. A skilled and supportive guide will assist, advise, and ensure that challenges turn into successful experiences.

Each course is tailored to the group’s wishes and skill level. We can hike along established trails in national parks, making use of maintained facilities, or head into remote wilderness. If needed, you can rent equipment from us, giving you valuable hands-on experience before making your own purchases.

Prices

The price for a tailored trek or wilderness course starts from €300 per day for groups of fewer than 8 participants.

Examples

Your first step into the wilderness – a weekend hiking course in Teijo National Park

Do you want to learn the basics of hiking in a safe and relaxed way?
The Teijo weekend hiking course is a low-threshold way to take your first step towards independent trips.

The course begins on Friday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. Over the weekend, you will learn, for example:

how to pack and adjust your backpack
how to camp and take care of yourself in the outdoors
how to prepare food while hiking
what you actually need—and what you don’t

You will receive preparatory materials in advance (a packing list, a beginner’s hiking guide, and recorded theory sessions), so you can arrive well prepared. If needed, cooking equipment and accommodation (shared between pairs) can also be provided for the duration of the course.

Price: 750 € / group (6 persons or less)
(The price includes preparatory materials, guiding, cooking equipment, and accommodation. Travel to the location, additional rental equipment, and meals are not included.)

A week in the wilderness – a foundational course for independent hikers in Inari

If you really want to learn how to cope in the wilderness by yourself, this course is for you. A week-long hike in the north gives you time to practice, experiment, and grow as a hiker—without rush.

During 7-day, 6-night trek you will learn:

plan the route and basics of orienteering
move efficiently as a group or independently
prepare meals using a camping stove and open fire
build fires in the outdoors
operate in changing weather conditions
maintain your gear and sustain your performance on a multi-day hike
make independent decisions in the field
countless practical tips for wilderness living and insights into the wonders of nature

You will receive preparatory materials before the trip (a packing list, Beginner’s Guide to Hiking, so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare. An experienced guide will accompany you throughout the journey.

Price: starting from €2,200 / group
(Includes preparatory materials, guiding, and the guide’s expenses. Travel to the destination, accommodation before and after the hike, rental equipment, and meals are not included.)

Contact us

References

Luontoliitto – ten years of hiking courses

Polku organized its first hiking course for Luontoliitto (Finnish youth nature and environmental organization) over ten years ago, and the collaboration continues to this day. Over the years, we have guided dozens of first-time hikers to different parts of Lapland, teaching them how to adjust a backpack, understand sleeping bag comfort ratings, and take care of themselves on multi-day hikes.

For many participants, the course has been their first experience in the wilderness. An experience that has turned hiking from an exciting idea into a real, lasting hobby.

“Become your personal wilderness guide”– from a group of friends to independent hikers

An outdoorsy and sporty group of friends wanted to learn how to manage independently in the wilderness for longer periods. Starting point: there was plenty of enthusiasm, but not enough confidence.

The course began with a weekend focused on fire-making, using wild foods, and campfire cooking. In the summer, a week-long wilderness hike, and in winter, a ski-based wilderness expedition in deep snow.

After the course, it has been rewarding to see the group continue their hobby on their own trips.

Frequently asked questions

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