About Us
What can we offer?
We offer unique adventures and wild camping in true wilderness of Lapland. You choose a hike according to your wishes and fitness level, whether it is introduction to the world of hiking in wilderness or extreme winter trekking far away in the remote backcountry. Our adventures are made by foot, skis, snowshoes, canoes and bikes – powered by your own muscles. In Lapland we have pure air and water, peace and quiet. Pure luxury.
Pihka Outdoors is owned by Minttu Heimovirta, Joona Kivinen and Tommi Heinonen.
We make memories for a lifetime.
The concept
We offer unique experiences in the remote wilderness of the Arctic Finnish Lapland. The luxury we offer is something else – solitude, extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime adventures in nature with local guides. We conduct sustainable tours with top quality equipment in all seasons. The air in Lapland is the purest in the world, the water is drinkable straight from streams and it is unlikely that we see any other people. This is the luxury to remember.
Simply creating the most amazing memories of your life.
Our values
We all have left our old lives in cities in southern Finland to pursue dreams and fulfilling life instead of working in an office 24/7. Life is short, better make the most of it! We want to live slow life in the middle of nature, as one species among the others.
Our base value is sustainability – we have small groups on treks to prevent pressure on vulnerable arctic tundra up in the open fells, leaving no trace. Adventures are powered by your own body, not motorised vehicles.
Meaning of Pihka?
Pihka is Finnish and means the resin of coniferous trees, such as pine and spruce. You know, the sticky stuff. It actually has superpowers – antimicrobial pihka protects trees from hazardous bugs and disease. Like a helping band-aid!
Meet The Team
Minttu Heimovirta
Co-owner, biologist, wilderness guide, journalist.
For her, nature is where creativity thrives, in the middle of exciting stories. She is especially interested in the behaviour of plants and animals in forests and fells – who is doing what and why. Her background is in TV but she has also written a book about the amazing inhabitants of Finnish nature. Her favourite season is late Spring, when days are already longer, it’s not super cold anymore, but there is still lots of snow to play around with.
Joona Kivinen
Co-owner, wilderness guide
His greatest passion is to pack his bags and head out to the extreme conditions of the wilderness with a compass in his hands. Long hikes on skiis or by foot are his favourites. He enjoy especially exploring the nature, skiing in deep snow, through the forests and up the fells. He has vast knowledge of survival and wilderness skills and is more than happy to share this with you. He also trains new wilderness guides.
Tommi Heinonen
Co-owner, wilderness guide.
Experiencing the extreme conditions and the everflowing change of seasons never gets old for him. He has a past in web development and marketing but inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s writings he decided to leave the buzz of the city and live simply surrounded by the arctic nature. He feels the most happy and content in the wilderness by a small river or lake with a fly fishing rod in his hand. He also trains new wilderness guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to the questions we receive the most about our services.
If we missed anything, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help!
Where is Pihka Outdoors located?
We are located in Ylläs, Finnish Lapland. How to get to Ylläs? Take a train from Helsinki to Kolari or fly to Kittilä airport. Both are only 35km from Ylläs and there is bus connection from both stations.
Do i need travel insurance when participating in your adventures?
Travel insurance is always required on our adventures.
Are your adventures safe?
We take safety very seriously. We do our best to make our adventures as safe as possible and follow strict safety guidelines. The wilderness guides are trained professionals and locals who know the area and the weather circumstances of Lapland.
Do you arrange longer hikes?
Yes we organise longer hikes and ski treks in Lapland. Take a look at our multiday adventures!
Are private tours available?
Yes! We can also arrange a customised experience for your group only. Privacy is a priority. Contact us.
What should I wear in Lapland during winter?
Warm winter clothing is all about layers. Wool and down are the warmest products there is. Make sure you don’t get too sweaty in winter. Check out our blogpost on winter clothing.
What kind of winter shoes will I need?
Best winter shoes are at least one size bigger than your normal shoes. This is important so you can fit at least one additional woollen sock in there. Cotton is not good in winter, your toes will get cold quickly. Also, thick sole is good as the cold creeps in from beneath. We wear Sorel Caribou winter boots or similar.
Can you see northern lights in Lapland?
Yes! The possibility of seeing Auroras in Lapland is very good, more than 60% if the sky is clear. The rule is, if you can see stars, you can see the northern lights. You just need to wait. Generally the best time is between 10pm and midnight but it’s possible to see them earlier too. As long as it’s dark. The Aurora season starts in September and lasts until the end of March. After that it starts to get too light again. We combine the hunt for northern lights with other activity such as snowshoeing to our secret hideaway.