Winter Magic in Ruka-Kuusamo

Getting to Ruka – Kuusamo

By air: In winter, you can fly to Kuusamo (KAO) via Helsinki with Finnair. There are also direct seasonal routes from Frankfurt (Lufthansa), Düsseldorf (Eurowings) and Zurich (Edelweiss). Several European tour operators operate charter flights; some sell flight‑only seats, but these often go on sale late, which can limit accommodation choices.

By train + bus: There’s no rail service all the way to Kuusamo. Overnight trains run to Kemijärvi, from where there’s a connecting bus service.

Via Rovaniemi: You can fly or take the train to Rovaniemi, rent a car, and drive to Ruka. The recommended winter route is via Kemijärvi. Do factor in winter‑driving challenges and wild roaming reindeer.

Driving from mainland Europe: If you’re bringing your own car, ensure you have winter tyres (studded or non‑studded winter tyres designed for snow/ice). 

Getting Around the Area

Airport Bus (pre‑book required). Operates for scheduled flights (Finnair, Lufthansa, Edelweiss, Eurowings) from Kuusamo Airport via Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki to Ruka village. Charter flights (e.g., TUI) are not included. Book in advance. Airport taxis also require advance booking. A limited number of rental cars are available at the airport.

Ruka SkiBus – local resort lines:

• Line 1: Ruka village ↔ Ruka Valley (around the ski resort). MastonAitio is along this route.
• Line 2: Ruka village ↔ Rukan Salonki. The largest local supermarket, Sale Ruka, is on this line.

Lines 1 & 2 run hourly with a midday break. They’re free if you have a valid ski pass or are carrying ski/snowboard gear.

Ruka-Kuusamo SkiBus to town: Runs between Ruka village and Kuusamo city centre. Kujala Reindeer Farm is along this route – tell the driver your destination and they’ll signal the right stop. Big supermarkets (K‑Citymarket, Prisma) are on this line in Kuusamo.

Lammintupa Bus (Jan–Mar). From Ruka village via Ruka Valley to Lammintupa; free for Lammintupa guests.

Taxis: 

• App bookings are free; phone calls can incur higher costs.
• Vehicles are often mini‑buses/vans suitable for families and groups.
• By law, commercial accommodations display a safety sign by the door with the exact address – handy when ordering a taxi.
• If you’re staying at RukaSuites, RukaVillage, or Ruka Ski Chalets, the best pick‑up point is the Kumpare Roundabout bus stop (near Stefan’s Steakhouse).
• Uber operates in the area, but only a limited number of cars are available. Many of them are equipped with roof boxes for transporting visitors’ ski equipment and luggage.

Many activities (reindeer visits, husky rides, snowmobile safaris) include transfers from Ruka village or Ruka Valley – check your booking details.

Walking & where not to walk: There are plenty of walking paths, but walking on ski tracks and snowmobile routes is prohibited. You can walk on marked routes on frozen lakes/ponds.

Local guide: The Ruka-Kuusamo Travel Guide (brochure with maps) is available free at Ruka Info, Kuusamo Info, hotel receptions, and grocery stores. 

Where to Stay (and What to Expect)

If skiing is central to your plan, choose Ruka village, Ruka Valley, or accommodation along the SkiBus routes.

• Ruka village puts restaurants, shops, and après‑ski at your door, and connects by gondola to Ruka Valley.
• Ruka Valley is a favourite for families and beginners, with direct access to Rosa & Rudolf Family Park and ski school.

Note that most experiences (husky, reindeer, snowmobiles) take place a bit outside the core resort; check bus/taxi options and included transfers.

In‑village apartments typically include bedlinen and final cleaning; log cabins farther out often charge extra for these, which affects total price. Most accommodations provide a “house book” with equipment instructions (sometimes online). Do read it.

Dressing for Arctic Success

Layering – “kerrospukeutuminen” – is your best friend:

• Base: moisture‑wicking thermal underwear.
• Mid: insulating fleece or wool.
• Outer: windproof, waterproof jacket & trousers.

Rental shops stock quality winter gear (thermal suits, boots, accessories). Book ahead or ask at any rental point.

Pro tips: a thin beanie/hood/buff under your ski helmet keeps you cosy; a face mask helps on cold lifts; many find mittens warmer than gloves; hand/foot warmers are sold everywhere – placing a hand warmer on the back of your hand inside the mitten can be surprisingly effective. 

Slopes, Lifts & Rentals

Slopes are open daily 9.30 AM - 7 PM, with Friday night skiing until 11 PM (Dec–Apr). Runs are well‑lit throughout the dark season, so your ski day can be longer than you might expect. You’ll find multiple rental shops with comparable pricing; online pre‑booking speeds up pickup. Under‑6s with a helmet ski free with an adult (they receive a pass matching the adult’s duration, except the beginner’s day ticket). Helmets are recommended for adults as well. 

Arctic Adventures Beyond the Slopes

For unforgettable moments, try a husky safari through snow‑draped forests or visit a reindeer farm to learn local traditions and enjoy a peaceful sleigh ride. For more adrenaline, go snowmobiling, ice fishing, snowshoeing in national parks, ice climbing, river floating in a dry suit, or even ice karting.

Booking advice: popular activities (huskies, Santa experiences) sell out at peak times, so book early. Most experiences occur outside the core resort and only some are reachable by bus. Many experiences include transfers; taxis can be busy during rush hours – pre‑book.  

If you’re new to snowmobiles, choose a guided safari over renting independently. Local operators typically require a minimum passenger age (often 15+); if a passenger is younger/without a suitable driving licence for specific roles, they may need to ride in a sled towed by the guide’s snowmobile. 

Northern Lights: Where & When

You’ll need a clear sky. A quick real‑time check is the Ruka webcams (Pessari Top), which face north‑east. You can also use aurora apps, but your best chance is to dress warm, pack a hot drink/snack, and head out for a late‑evening walk away from lights – typically 10 PM – 2 AM is prime time.

Great local spots for Northern Lights viewing: 

• Konttainen viewpoint
• Riisitunturi National Park
• Lake Talvijärvi (an easy outing from Ruka village). 

The walking route from the village to the “big lake” (Talvijärvi) can be found in Outdooractive route service. 

Where to Eat

Ruka’s food scene covers cosy local flavours and easy crowd‑pleasers. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Rukan Kuksa serves authentic Lapland dishes (reindeer, fresh northern fish, wild berries).
• Colorado Bar & Grill is great for hearty burgers and steaks.
• Classic Pizza puts a Finnish spin on Italian staples – reindeer & cloudberry pizza is a fun twist.
• For a special night, Stefan’s Steakhouse delivers top‑quality Nordic beef in an atmospheric setting.

Most apartments and cabins are also well‑equipped for self‑catering. 

Daily Essentials & Shopping

In Ruka you’ll find a main K‑Market in the Kumpare Shopping Centre (Ruka village) and a smaller K‑Market in Ruka Valley. Sale Ruka sits near the main road. For a bigger shop, head to Kuusamo city centre (Lidl, Prisma, K‑Citymarket). Do note: prices are typically higher in small resort stores, so a bus trip to Kuusamo for groceries can be worth your money, even if it is more time‑consuming.

Dietary needs: Finnish supermarkets offer an excellent selection of gluten‑free and lactose‑free products. Vegetarian/vegan ranges exist but can be more limited than in big cities. Google Translate is handy for ingredient labels.

Alcohol: grocery stores sell beer/cider up to 5.5% ABV (18+). Stronger drinks (including most wines and all spirits) are sold at Alko; some age limits apply. Prices are generally higher than in many countries. If bringing alcohol or food from abroad, check your airline and customs rules before travelling. 

Kumpare Shopping Centre is also great for winter gear, local crafts, and souvenirs. Card and cash are accepted widely. 

Sauna and ice swimming

Sauna is at the heart of Finnish culture – do try it. Starter tips for sauna visits on Visit Finland's website. 

If your accommodation has a sauna, check the instructions. Many have a two‑zone mechanical timer: one zone for immediate heating (numbers = hours on), and one zone for delayed start. Most saunas heat to 60 – 80°C in 30 – 45 minutes.

In winter, sauna often pairs with ice swimming – a bracing but unforgettable ritual. The most popular ice swimming spot in Ruka is the Hotel-Restaurant Rukatonttu. Those who prefer warmer waters head to the spa area of Holiday Club Kuusamo Tropiikki.

Weather, Daylight & Warming Up

Expect cold: -20°C (or colder) is not unusual, but the dry air often feels less biting than damp cold. Thanks to temperature inversions, it can be warmer on the slopes than down in the forested lowlands. Many activities run in the dark, which quickly becomes part of the charm. Slopes are well‑lit, and the evening atmosphere is magical.

You’ll find lots of places to warm up around the base stations of the ski resort, including cafés and restaurants. A local favourite: small cabins and huts set up as rest shelters, often with a fireplace or fire pit where you can grill sausages (a true Finnish classic) or marshmallows. Firewood (and often sticks) are provided – bring your own snacks and leave everything tidy.

Restrooms in restaurants and rental shops are generally free to use. 

Responsible Travel & Safety

Nature here is pristine – please leave no trace. Stay on marked routes; off‑trail snowmobiling and littering are prohibited. Do not feed reindeer or wildlife without permission, as many animals are part of local livelihoods or are truly wild. On lakes, use marked ice routes; never walk on ski tracks or snowmobile trails. 

Practicalities

Card and cash are both widely accepted. English is commonly spoken, but you might sometimes encounter a language gap – Finns are friendly and helpful, even if a bit quiet by default. Mobile coverage is good in the resort; some remote areas can have patchy reception. Most accommodations and restaurants offer free Wi‑Fi.

Final Smart Tips

• Book popular activities (like husky safaris) in advance.
• Book your transfers in advance, both airport bus and taxi transfers to adventures.
• Keep camera batteries warm for aurora photos.
• Check current opening hours before you go.

Here in Ruka-Kuusamo, winter isn’t something we endure – it’s something we celebrate. Join us for an authentic Arctic adventure, where natural wonders meet modern comfort and every day 

Published 16.1.2026
Text: Sari Kumpuniemi / Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
Photos: Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association