This winter, Ruka-Kuusamo invites travelers to experience nature at its most enchanting: snow-laden forests by day, reindeer safaris by night, and – if luck is on your side – the Northern Lights dancing overhead.
Aurora Gazing Instead of Counting Sheep
Forget counting sheep and start chasing the magic of the arctic sky!
Published November 12, 2025
To make these moments unforgettable, three spectacular new retreats join the region’s portfolio of unique stays. Think panoramic glass walls, private saunas, and outdoor whirl-pools – all designed for stargazing and spending the evening with your loved one in cozy comfort. Here are six extraordinary romantic escapes for magical nights in Finnish Lapland.
1. Arctic Lumo Resort – Sleep Beneath the Aurora
Opening this winter, Arctic Lumo Resort is an exclusive hideaway in the heart of Ruka-Kuusamo’s pristine snowfields. Its 13 Aurora Rooms and seven Aurora Spa Rooms feature glass roofs and panoramic windows that bring the northern lights straight to your bed. Spa Rooms add a private whirlpool for starlit soaks.
Guests enjoy Nordic breakfasts, reindeer feeding, snowmobile adventures, and evening sauna rituals with ice dips. Sustainability is woven into every detail – from architecture to cuisine.
2. Lumo Lakeside Lodges – Boutique bliss by the water
Set on the serene shores of Lake Rukajärvi, the Lumo Lakeside Lodges offer 12 design chalets with 55 m² of stylish living space, floor-to-ceiling windows, private saunas, outdoor hot tubs, and double-sided stone fireplaces.
Part of Iisakki Village and created by Ruka Safaris, the lodges provide access to husky rides, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and wild food experiences. Minimal light pollution ensures perfect aurora viewing – right from your bed or hot tub.
3. SKI INN Parkside Apartments – A Dream Come True for Skiers and Outdoor Enthusiasts!
Opening in December 2025, the brand-new SKI INN Parkside accommodation at Ruka Ski Resort is located next to the Saarua slope area, just below Ruka Park. Slopes, cross-country ski tracks, and the trails of Valtavaara start right at your doorstep. The Parkside apartments are compact and practical studios for two people. Parkside is ideal for skiers, cross-country skiers, and nature hikers who value functional accommodation in a prime location.
After an active day, the Village-2-Valley scenic gondola will take you to the top of the fell, where you can relax in the Base Eat & Heat panoramic sauna and outdoor pool while admir-ing the northern night sky. The high-quality culinary experiences offered by Ruka Village’s restaurants and a lineup of top Finnish artists ensure that your evening can continue well into the night.
4. Rukan Salonki & Pyhäpiilo Sauna Resort – Wild Food Meets Winter Romance
A Lapland classic, Rukan Salonki enters a new era with 14 chalets and 10 villa apartments offering fireplaces, saunas, and optional in-chalet catering.
Its crown jewel, Pyhäpiilo Sauna Resort, sits on Lake Pyhäjärvi and promises an extraordinary sauna journey: smoke sauna, ice sauna, outdoor jacuzzi, and icy plunges in the “sacred lake”. Dining celebrates Wild Food – local, seasonal ingredients from forests and lakes, including game, fish, berries, and herbs.
5. Ruka Peak – Boutique Hotel with Summit Views
Perched atop fell Rukatunturi at 430 meters, Ruka Peak offers ski-in/ski-out convenience and breathtaking views of the snow-covered fells. With six bespoke rooms and two suites – including the luxurious Ahma Suite with private sauna – this boutique gem combines adventure and indulgence.
The on-site restaurant serves Nordic cuisine with global flair, while yoga and massage treat-ments add a touch of wellness. Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups seeking serenity and aurora magic.
6. House of Northern Senses – A Creative Retreat by the Lake
Once a village school, now a boutique sanctuary, the House of Northern Senses offers eight designer rooms for up to 22 guests. Located on Lake Pikku-Porontimajärvi, it’s a haven for retreats, workshops, and quiet reflection.
Expect Alvar Aalto design, spa saunas, and curated activities from husky tours to yoga. Certi-fied by Green Key and Sustainable Travel Finland, this retreat proves that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand.
