Sisu Instead of Winter Blues

While darkness is often perceived as burdensome in Central Europe and UK, in Finnish Lapland it is considered a special time. Finns face the polar night with Sisu – an attitude that stands for strength, calmness, and making the best of every situation. Snow and ice reflect the light, the sky glows in shades of blue and violet, moonlight and northern lights create an unique atmosphere. 

Instead of brooding, people on the Arctic Circle swear by outdoor activities, warmth in the sauna, sources of light such as candles and fireplaces, and socializing, like sharing meals or having sauna with friends and family.

Ruka-Kuusamo offers countless ways to enjoy the magical light of the Blue Hour and the coziness of the North – here are eight inspiring ideas:

1. Snowshoeing and Lantern Walks During the Blue Hour

Short winter days create perfect conditions for snowshoe hikes in the nearby Oulanka and Riisitunturi National Parks. When the sun hangs low, soft light bathes the snowy polar landscape and the famous snow-covered “Tykky” trees in spectacular colors – ideal for photography during the magical Blue Hour. 

Recommended routes include the Little Bear Trail (Pieni Karhunkierros, approx. 12 km) in Oulanka and the Riisin rääpäsy trail (4.6 km) in Riisitunturi. Both lead through silent winter scenery, past rapids and suspension bridges – an unforgettable nature experience. For extra atmosphere, guided lantern walks with reindeers are available at Reindeer Farm Erola.

2. Reindeer Sled Rides and Husky Safaris – Tradition Meets Nature

A sleigh ride with reindeer or huskies through Ruka-Kuusamo’s winter wonderland is unforgettable, especially in afternoon blue light hours. Snuggled under blankets, guests glide through snowy forests, accompanied by the jingling of bells and the crunch of hooves in the snow.

For more speed, try a husky safari: after a musher’s briefing, guests steer their own sled as the dog team races through the white wilderness. Short or long tours explore areas wilderness with their iconic Tykky trees. Afterward, huskies get treats while guests warm up with hot drinks and snacks by the fire.

3. Candlelight and Winter Lounges – Northern Coziness

Light is an essential part of life in Ruka-Kuusamo’s dark season – especially at Christmas. Hotels, chalets, and restaurants glow with candles, lanterns, and open fires. Stylish winter lounges, such as at Isakki Village by Ruka Safaris, invite guests to relax after snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with a mug of Glögi, Finland’s version of mulled wine, by the fireplace. 

Traditional kotas and modern glass igloos also use candlelight to enhance the Blue Hour and polar night. Tip: enjoy the blue hour by candle light in your cozy cabin surrounded by snowy landscape.

4. Wild food Dinner in a Kota – Lapland Cuisine by the Fire

Wild food dinners combine local flavors with rustic charm. In a traditional wooden kota, meals are cooked over an open fire: grilled trout, reindeer fillet, wild mushrooms, and berries – all sourced from northern nature. 

For a vegetarian twist, Wild Out Finland creates outdoor dishes like herb-and-berry pirogi in their wilderness kitchen. The Wilderness Restaurant Kymppi at Rukan Salonki Resort serves a three-course menu by the fireplace. Kujala Reindeer Farm also hosts Wildfood dinners and offers a guided tour on sustainable reindeer husbandry – perfect for small groups and families.

5. Photo Spots for the Blue Hour – Kiutaköngäs Rapids

The Kiutaköngäs rapids on the Oulankajoki River are a winter highlight: ice-coated rocks, thick floes, and sparkling snow crystals make this 325-meter natural spectacle a top photo spot. A short 1.9 km trail leads directly there. The Blue Hour’s cool twilight casts a magical blue glow over the ice formation. More photo tips are available at the Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Information.

6. Ice Outside – Heat Inside: Sweating in the Ice Sauna

When stars glitter overhead, the ice sauna offers a unique thrill. Built from compact snow and ice, it stands in the silent winter wilderness. Inside, steam rises while northern lights shimmer through frosty openings – a fusion of warmth and Arctic light that soothes body and soul.

The ice sauna at Pyhäpiilo sauna resort is part of the “SaunaTour – Wellbeing in Wilderness”, featuring five certified saunas in Ruka-Kuusamo, each with its own story and traditional treatments like birch whisk massages, herbal infusions, and peat wraps. Highlights include authentic smoke saunas and icy plunges or heated outdoor whirlpools. Finnish sauna culture has been UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2020.

7. Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre – Nordic Light in Focus

The Hannu Hautala Centre in Kuusamo honors the “father of Finnish nature photography,” showcasing decades of work and over 50 photo books. His images capture Nordic wilderness in all seasons – from serene winter landscapes to rare wildlife. Current exhibitions, including “In Hannu’s Footsteps”, reveal how light and shadow shape nature. For those avoiding the cold outdoors, this is a warm way to experience Lapland’s magic in large-scale photography.

8. Polar Night Light Festival – Art Meets Arctic Darkness

From January 9 to February 2, 2026, the Polar Night Light Festival brings color to the polar night. International artists transform Ruka-Kuusamo into a stage for light installations and interactive art. Under the theme “Aurora Glow – The Northern Lights”, ski slopes blaze with color, village façades glow with modern light art, and visitors stroll the Aurora Glow trail through snowy forests. Torch-lit ski runs, Nordic festival menus, and sauna dining at Base Eat&Heat add to the fun.

A highlight: Mentalscape 1 & 2, video installations by media artist Arttu Nieminen, depicting snow-laden Tykky trees as luminous worlds set to electro-acoustic accordion compositions by Harri Kuusijärvi. The immersive show runs daily from 3:00 p.m. to midnight across Ruka village and at the “Village Express” ski lift station.

Published Dec 31st, 2025
Text: Sari Kumpuniemi/Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
Photos: Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association