International Expert Praises Ruka’s New Gravel Routes

Published April 9, 2025

The "Ruka – House of Gravel" campaign kicks off today, inviting Finnish gravel biking influencers to explore the area’s routes. International experts have already praised the trail network as a unique experience.

Opened last summer, the Ruka-Kuusamo gravel network is a 900-kilometer combination of gravel roads, forest tracks, trails, and boardwalks – with lakes or rest spots around nearly every bend. Cyclists can ride all the way to the starting point of the *Pieni Karhunkierros* trail in Oulanka National Park, park their bikes, and walk to the Niskakoski suspension bridge to admire the roaring river. The network’s hubs are located in Ruka village and Kuusamo town center.

Gravel biking in Ruka is smooth and peaceful – no queues like in popular Southern European destinations. At the same time, visitors can explore iconic nature sites.

“All this is so everyday for us that its uniqueness can easily go unnoticed,” reflects Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.

Ruka’s Gravel Routes Are Top Quality

Ruka’s 900 kilometers of gravel routes offer unforgettable experiences for both beginners and seasoned cyclists. British cycling expert and journalist Phil Gale, who has biked around the world, visited Ruka-Kuusamo last summer and raved about his experience:

“I didn’t know such a vast, untouched, and high-quality gravel biking network existed in Europe. Ruka offers space, wilderness, and rideable terrain – things usually associated with America. Endless forests where you can get lost in a good way, maybe spot bears from a distance at the end of the day, enjoy a sauna, and dip into a clean lake – what more could you ask from a gravel biking destination?”

Ruka – House of Gravel: 900 km and 90 Days of Gravel 

Ruka – House of Gravel opens its doors to gravel influencers from Midsummer week until mid-September – offering nearly 90 days of cycling celebration. Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Association provides selected influencers with free three-night accommodation near Ruka village, with space for ten people. The official "Ruka – House of Gravel" lodge includes bike washing and maintenance stations, as well as storage facilities. The campaign also involves VR and local businesses. Free Social Ride group rides will be organized from June 17 to August 19, open to everyone.

“Gravel biking is growing faster than any other cycling discipline, and this campaign gives us the chance to showcase what Ruka has to offer. We’re thrilled to have received amazing feedback from international experts about our new gravel biking network – and now we’re inviting Finnish gravel biking influencers to experience it for themselves,” says Haarma.

Ruka – House of Gravel is open from June 16 to September 14, 2025. Applications are now open and close on April 27.

Ruka-Kuusamo’s International Tourism Development Receives Project Funding

The Ruka-Kuusamo region is currently implementing the project Rethinking North – Year-Round Tourism as a Key to Success, which aims to increase international awareness and tourism demand in the area, particularly during the snow-free seasons. The project focuses on developing sustainable and responsible tourism, improving accessibility, and creating new products tailored to international target groups.