Are the foraged foods safe to eat?

Yes, all edible plants and mushrooms are identified and vetted by your expert guide to ensure safety.

Is the excursion suitable for children?

Children aged 4 and above are welcome and can enjoy the hands-on nature of the adventure.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip proceeds in light rain; guests are advised to dress appropriately. Extreme weather may cause rescheduling.

Do I need prior experience with foraging?

No experience is required; expert guidance makes this accessible for beginners.

Is the open-fire meal vegetarian or can it include meat?

The meal is prepared from the collected edible plants and mushrooms; no meat is used during the cooking.

Can I take the foraged items home?

Yes, participants may keep their collected treasures to continue enjoying after the trip.

Foraging Adventures with Wilderness Hotel

Situated in the northern reaches of Finnish Lapland, Sodankylä offers a rugged wilderness backdrop unlike any other—dense forests carpeted with moss, crisp air scented by pine, and a landscape shaped by countless millennia of glacial activity. At the heart of this expanse, Wilderness Hotel - Muotka presents the Forest Treasures Excursion, a three-hour foraging adventure that connects visitors intimately with the rhythms and bounties of the season.

Starting directly from the hotel at Muotkantie 204, guests join an expert guide who knows the forest’s edible secrets: from tart lingonberries to the earthy mushrooms hiding under fallen trees, and herbal finds like chaga mushroom clinging to birch bark. The exact treasures vary depending on the time of year—each excursion shifts subtly as the seasons turn. This dynamic approach not only teaches identification but also fosters respect for the forest’s delicate balance.

What sets this trip apart is its focus on hands-on discovery paired with practical sustenance. After gathering, participants gather around an open fire to prepare and share a meal crafted from their finds—freshly foraged flavours cooked simply, yet profoundly tied to the land. It’s an immersive experience that strikes a balance between education, adventure, and culinary delight.

Wilderness Hotel - Muotka stands out as an anchor in the local outdoor scene by blending comfort, culture, and wild immersion just outside the Arctic Circle. The surrounding ecosystem is pristine, with an abundance of native flora and fauna shaped by the boreal environment and the centuries-old Sámi traditions. For travelers seeking a grounded yet adventurous way to engage with Lapland’s natural heritage, this foraging excursion is a rare and memorable way to tread lightly and enrich the senses.

About Wilderness Hotel - Muotka

Wilderness Hotel - Muotka is a wilderness activity provider based in Muotka near Sodankylä in Lappi. They organize guided Arctic experiences that include husky hikes, husky safaris, husky kennel visits and sled rides, Aurora camps and Northern Lights excursions by snowmobile or car, snowshoeing and snowshoeing adventures, snowmobiling safaris, reindeer meetings and sleigh rides, gold panning at Tankavaara, river sauna experiences, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, e-fat bike tours, hiking days in Muotka and Kiilopää, bushcraft introductions and seasonal workshops. The company emphasizes small-group guided departures led by local guides with knowledge of the Muotka landscape and northern nature. Activities are offered across winter and warmer seasons with specific programs for early winter, autumn and summer. Each trip includes safety briefings, appropriate equipment for Arctic conditions, and opportunities to learn about Sámi culture, wildlife, and local traditions.

Wilderness Hotel - Muotka works from a base in the Muotka area of Sodankylä and coordinates transfers to trailheads and campsites for many excursions. The organization places priority on responsible travel practices and low-impact experiences that respect the natural environment. Guests can expect professional guidance, clear logistics, and authentic outdoor experiences tailored to a range of fitness levels and interests. For visitors seeking aurora viewing, dog-powered encounters, or active outdoor days in Lapland, Wilderness Hotel - Muotka provides a broad program of guided tours and activities in the Arctic wilderness. Detailed tour descriptions and booking information are available through the hotel's reservation channels and local tourism offices for exact seasonal dates and gear recommendations.