Looking for the perfect Finnish winter holiday destination? Ruka-Kuusamo delivers everything you’d expect from a Lapland adventure – authentic Arctic experiences, snow-covered forests, thrilling outdoor activities, and a touch of Christmas magic.
Whether you want to meet reindeer, try husky sledding, or simply enjoy the beauty of Arctic nature, Ruka has something for everyone. From Finland’s most popular ski slopes to untouched wilderness trails, here are 10 incredible things to do in Ruka-Kuusamo this winter.
Getting To Ruka-Kuusamo
Located in one of Finland’s snowiest regions, just 40-50 km south of the Arctic Circle, the charming village of Ruka is among local favorites. Here are several ways to get there:
- By plane: If you’re coming from Helsinki, the most convenient option is to fly to Kuusamo (KAO), which is 25 km away. Finnair operates daily flights that take around 1.5 hours, with additional departures during the winter season. From the airport, you can take a local bus or taxi to Ruka.
- By bus: Buses provide reliable connections from other towns in Lapland. Visit the Matkahuolto website for timetables and ticket reservations. A bus from Rovaniemi to Kuusamo takes about 3 hours.
- By car: Renting a car is a good option if you plan to explore several areas in Lapland, though it’s best if you have experience driving in snow.
- By train: There are no train stations in Ruka or Kuusamo. When traveling by train, you’ll need to go to Oulu, Kemijärvi, or Rovaniemi first, then take a bus to Ruka. You can book both your train and connecting bus tickets on the official Finnish Railway website.
10 Epic Winter Activities In Ruka-Kuusamo
1. Discover The Beauty Of Myllykoski Rapids
Spending time in nature provides real stress relief – it’s scientifically proven. The Ruka-Kuusamo area is surrounded by national parks, offering plenty of opportunities to reconnect with the wilderness. One of the most beautiful places in the region, and our personal favorite for winter photography in Finland, is the Myllykoski Rapids in Oulanka National Park. The combination of fast rapids, suspension bridges, and snow-covered forests creates absolutely stunning scenery.
To reach the Myllykoski scenic area, head to Basecamp Oulanka. From there, it’s just a 10-minute hike to the rapids. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the area and soaking in the views.
The site has useful facilities, including a dry toilet and a fireplace. Grilling sausages over a campfire is a beloved Finnish winter tradition, so bring your own food and join local families gathered around the fire. There’s something special about enjoying a simple meal outdoors in the crisp Arctic air.
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2. Try Snowshoeing on Juhannuskallio Trail
Never tried snowshoeing before? Juhannuskallio is the perfect place to start. This relatively small but beautiful part of the Valtavaara-Pyhävaara nature reserve offers an easy introduction to winter hiking.
This short snowshoe trail to the top of Juhannuskallio Cliffs rewards you with spectacular views of the surrounding fells and snow-covered trees. At just 0.5 km long, the trail takes under an hour to complete, making it ideal for beginners. Look for poles marked with green paint to stay on track.
After your snowshoe walk, head to Ruka Peak for lunch or warm up with hot chocolate by the fireplace. It’s the perfect way to end your first snowshoeing adventure.
3. Meet Reindeer At Kujalan Porotila
One of the most iconic things to do in Ruka is to visit a reindeer farm. These Arctic animals are deeply connected to Sami culture and Finnish Lapland.
The profession of reindeer herder often passes from one generation to another. Kujala Reindeer Farm has been in the family since 1860, making it an authentic place to experience this traditional way of life.
At this working farm, you can join the morning feeding of hundreds of reindeer, take a peaceful sleigh ride through snowy forest, or go for a walk with a reindeer (or rather, let them take you for a walk). There are many experiences to choose from, and meeting reindeer is likely to be one of the highlights of your Lapland trip.
4. Feel The Thrill Of A Husky Safari
A sleigh pulled by husky dogs is a fun activity for the whole family. Huskies have been used as sled dogs for hundreds of years, and they absolutely love running. Watching their excitement as they prepare to hit the trail is part of the experience. We’ve personally been on two different husky safaris in Ruka-Kuusamo, simply because it’s one of our kids’ favorite activities when we visit Lapland.
Lammintupa is home to 150 sled dogs, including Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, and some Alaskan Malamutes. We recommend the 5 km safari (which we did) – it includes a 30-minute ride, time to cuddle with husky puppies, plus a homemade bun, coffee, and grilled sausages by a campfire. If you prefer a more substantial meal, a similar experience with soup lunch is also available. Short on time? The 2.5 km safari offers a 10-15 minute sleigh ride and puppy cuddles afterwards.
Erä-Susi Huskies is another excellent choice. This family-owned company operates responsibly with a kennel of 150 Alaskan and Siberian Huskies. Make sure to book your husky adventure in advance, as these experiences fill up quickly during the winter season.
5. Have Fun at Lammintupa Winter Village
Lammintupa Winter Village is a winter wonderland where you can experience multiple Lapland activities in one place. It’s perfect if you want to pack several adventures into your day.
Besides the husky rides mentioned above, you can try reindeer sleigh rides and feeding, ice karting, snowmobiling, and let the kids loose in the snow playground. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re seeking thrills or just want to relax and enjoy the Arctic atmosphere.
Don’t leave without trying the homemade food. Finnish crêpes prepared over an open fire and served with local berries are a must.
6. Enjoy Local Delicacies At Lappish Hut
There’s no better way to experience Finnish food than enjoying a tasty lunch in a traditional Lappish hut with a crackling fire. The setting is warm and cozy, and the food is absolutely delicious. Best of all, the hut is private just for your group or family.
You’ll try creamy forest mushroom soup, sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes, and for dessert, Lappish baked cheese with cloudberries. It’s an authentic taste of Lapland that goes beyond just the food – it’s about the atmosphere, the traditions, and sharing a meal in a truly unique setting.
7. Take In Stunning Views On Valtavaara Winter Trail
If you’re looking for the most beautiful scenery among all the activities in Ruka-Kuusamo, the Valtavaara Winter Trail won’t disappoint. This is one of the most popular winter hikes in the area, and once you reach the top, you’ll understand why.
The 5 km trail is very well-defined and can be done without snowshoes, taking around 3 hours to complete. Follow the “Valtavaara winter trail” post signs and red ribbons to stay on track. It’s not the easiest hike, but the panoramic views from the top make every step worth it.
Plan a snack break at the Valtavaara campfire hut along the way. Bring sausages to grill – it’s a perfect excuse to rest your legs and warm up by the fire before continuing to the summit.
8. Hit The Slopes At Ruka Ski Resort
Ruka is one of Finland’s most popular ski resorts, renowned for its long and reliable snow season. The ski hills are smaller compared to destinations with big mountains, but there’s still plenty of fun to be had on the slopes.
Beyond downhill skiing and snowboarding, Ruka boasts some of the best cross-country skiing routes in Finland. Whether you prefer the thrill of downhill runs or the peaceful rhythm of cross-country, you’ll find excellent conditions here.
If you’ve never tried skiing or snowboarding before, we recommend booking private ski school lessons. It’s essential for your safety and the safety of others on the slopes, while also helping you build confidence and enjoy your time on the mountain.
9. See Ruka From A New Perspective With Scenic Lifts
To see Ruka and the surrounding fells from above, take one of the scenic lifts to the summit.
The Village-2-Valley scenic gondola and the Village Express chairlift are available for pedestrians. Sit back and enjoy the bird’s-eye view of snow-covered forests and fells stretching as far as the eye can see.
10. Experience Christmas Magic At Santa’s Secret Cottage
If you’re traveling with kids, add a touch of Christmas magic to your trip by visiting Santa’s Secret Cottage. You don’t need to travel to Rovaniemi to meet Santa – in fact, you can have a more amazing and personal experience right here in Ruka-Kuusamo.
The experience lasts around 4 hours and includes plenty of time with Santa himself. Kids can go tobogganing with Santa’s Elves, bake with Mrs. Claus, make Christmas cards, learn elf skills, and sing Santa’s favorite song in Finnish. Everyone receives a small gift to take home.
Kids will remember this special Christmas experience long after the trip ends.
Where To Stay In Ruka-Kuusamo
When visiting Ruka-Kuusamo, we love staying at Ruka Peak Boutique Hotel. This small and intimate property has just 6 double rooms and 2 suites, offering some of the best views in the area. The hotel’s restaurant is the highest quality and our personal favorite in Ruka. If you’re looking for an authentic experience with exceptional food and stunning scenery, look no further than Ruka Peak.
For more accommodation options in Ruka-Kuusamo to suit different budgets and preferences, browse available hotels and apartments on Booking.com.
