Step away from the lights of Ruka and discover what the winter forest feels like after dark.
On this approximately two-hour snowshoe adventure at Konttainen, we walk at a relaxed pace through snow-covered forest using headlamps to light our way. Once we find a suitable place away from artificial light, we switch off our lamps for a while and give our eyes time to adjust to the natural darkness.
Little by little, the forest begins to look different. Snow reflects the faint light from the sky, the shapes of trees become visible again and, on a clear night, stars and constellations appear above us.
Along the way, your local nature guide shares stories connected to the northern night sky and helps you notice some of the stars and constellations visible that evening. No previous knowledge of astronomy is needed – this is not an astronomy lecture, but a chance to slow down, look up and experience the Arctic night.
We also stop for hot wild berry juice and take a quiet break sitting on reindeer hides in the winter forest.
The Northern Lights are possible, but this is not an aurora hunt and they cannot be guaranteed. If they happen to appear, we have time to stop and enjoy them. Clouds and snowfall are equally part of winter in the north – even without visible stars, the darkness and quiet of the forest remain at the heart of the experience.
The route is approximately 2 km in natural winter terrain. Previous snowshoeing experience is not required.
The experience includes a professional local nature guide, snowshoes and poles, a headlamp, hot wild berry juice and a reindeer hide to sit on during the break.
