Registration for pre-Congress excursions is now closed. Please contact Joel Erkkonen for more details.

Both excursions start from the city center in the front of Hotel Santa Claus at 9:00 (address: Korkalonkatu 29). There will be two clearly marked buses and the excursion hosts will be waiting for you. Please, try to be there at least 10 mins before the departure.

Please note, that the weather conditions might be challenging at this time of year, so bring warm water-resistant clothes, a hat, gloves and outdoor shoes. Preliminary weather forecast for Monday, Oct 8th

• Rovaniemi -3C, cloudy, light breeze, 3 m/s from south-southwest (àhttps://www.yr.no/place/Finland/Laponia/Rovaniemi/long.html)
• Pyhätunturi à -5C, cloudy, light breeze, 2 m/s from south-southwest (àhttps://www.yr.no/place/Finland/Laponia/Pyh%C3%A4tunturi~640394/long.html)

Not able to make it for an excursion on October 8? Rovaniemi has lots of great options for those who are staying longer. Check out VisitRovaniemi and consult their autumn 2018 activities list for all kinds of fun activities you can plan independently.

Full day guided excursion to Pyhä-Luosto National Park

Topics: Biodiversity of coniferous old-growth forests (e.g. Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit), sacred places of the Sámi people, nature conservation and tourism and great views.
Actions: Short walk in Luosto forest to Rykimäkero fireplace (1 km). Coffee w snack. Hike to the Great Gorge of Pyhätunturi and the holy places of Sami people (5 km). Optional hike round the Pyhätunturi fell (3 km). Lunch and coffee at Pyhä-Luosto Visitor and Culture Centre Naava. Exhibition of local nature and culture in Naava and Pyhätunturi tourist resort. For all excursions, please bring warm water-resistant clothes, a hat, gloves and outdoor shoes.

Time: Mon. October 8, 9:00-18:00
Travel: By bus, 3 hours Rovaniemi-Luosto-Pyhä-Kemijärvi-Rovaniemi.
Price: 50 €/person, incl. bus travel, coffee and lunch.
Limits: Min 10 persons, max 50 persons
Links: Pyhä-Luosto NP

Full-day excursion, forestry trip to Jäkäläselkä Forest Area and Arctic Circle hiking area

Topics: Ecological network in forestry areas and connectivity. Protecting cultural history in forestry areas. Habitat based and climate-smart forestry. New forestry planning methods. Inclusive planning and reconciliation of livelihoods (forestry, reindeer husbandry, tourism). Eco-effective logging and logistics.
Actions: Harvesting area with harvester and forwarder in operation. Forestry planner at work. Reindeer herding and corral site in forestry areas. Short hike in forest with nature- and cultural heritage sites. Hike (1 km) in prepared nature trail in Arctic Circle Hiking area. For all excursions, please bring warm water-resistant clothes, a hat, gloves and outdoor shoes.

Time: Mon. October 8, 9:00-16:00
Travel: By bus, NE Rovaniemi
Price: 0 €/person, incl. bus travel, coffee and lunch
Limits: Min 10 persons, max 100 persons
Links: Arctic Circle