Most travellers arrive in the afternoon – just in time to unwind, check in, and enjoy the first experience without any hurry. Here’s a ready-made itinerary designed for relaxed enjoyment, from arrival to departure.
A relaxing summer escape for two – the perfect long weekend in Ruka
As your holiday begins, the rush fades away already on the journey towards Ruka-Kuusamo
Arrival day – a gentle start to holiday mode
Arrival and accommodation
Most accommodation in Ruka-Kuusamo welcomes guests from 2 pm to 4 pm, making an afternoon or early evening arrival ideal.
Kuusamo is known as one of Finland’s most beloved cottage destinations – you can stay by a lake, on a fell, or choose modern northern luxury at Lumo Resort or Iisakki Village.
The first indulgent experience: sauna & dinner
Once you’ve shaken off the journey and unpacked, it’s time to ease into the evening. Soft sauna heat, refreshing pools and stunning fell views await at BASE Eat & Heat on top of Saarua – a perfect place to start your holiday at a relaxed pace. You can reach Base Eat & Heat on foot or take a scenic ride on the Village-2-Valley gondola. If you'd like to take in even more views before your sauna session, you can ride a scenic lift up to the top of Ruka and enjoy a thrilling ride down the Ruka Summer Sled Track.
You can begin dinner here or head to the heart of Ruka village. Hanki Baari serves relaxed vibes and high-quality drinks, Vespino specialises in Italian flavours, and Kuksa offers northern wild food in a warm, cosy setting.
Day 1 – nature experiences and flavours in the village
Morning: E-bike ride at your own pace
Your first full day begins gently in the saddle of an e-bike. The areas around Ruka and towards Hossa offer numerous high-quality routes where you can ride at your own rhythm – enjoying the scenery without a rush.
Afternoon: Choose your experience
A perfect afternoon or evening includes one memorable experience. No rush, no pressure – just enjoying nature with all your senses.
Evening: Dining in Ruka
Head to Ruka village or Ruka Valley and choose your atmosphere and flavours depending on your mood.
- Camp Kitchen offers world flavours in a relaxed setting in Ruka Valley (open in July)
- Hanki Baari is perfect for evening drinks in Ruka village
- Rukan Kuksa serves Lapland’s wild food in a cosy atmosphere
- On Tuesdays from 5:30 pm, you can also enjoy a sauna evening and wild food dinner at Pohjolan Pirtti. This experience is part of the Ruka-Kuusamo summer weekly programme, which offers activities for every day of your holiday. Transport from Ruka to Vuotunki village is included.
Day 2 – iconic landscapes and a relaxed farewell
Morning: A hike to Riisitunturi or Valtavaara
The morning is unhurried, yet even a short hike takes you to breathtaking landscapes.
- Riisin rääpäsy Trail (4 km) at Riisitunturi National Park offers the iconic view over Lake Ikkunalampi – a perfect spot to capture a highlight of your trip.
- Valtavaaran huiputus Trail takes you to the highest point in the Ruka area, with views in every direction. You can combine the hike with a scenic gondola ride from Ruka village to Ruka Valley, making the route shorter and more enjoyable.
Afternoon: The rapids of Oulanka
On your way back or as a separate outing, visit the iconic rapids of Oulanka National Park:
- Kiutaköngäs waterfall at Oulanka river, along Kiutaköngäs hiking trail (2,4 km)
- Jyrävä waterfall at Kitka river, along Pieni Karhunkierros Trail (Little Bear's Trail, 12 km) and note that the distance from the starting point at Retkietappi to Jyrävä is only 3 km one direction, altogether 6 km.
If the morning hike has already taken most of your energy, you can instead spend the afternoon at a day spa in Ruka village or at Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki.
Final evening – a gentle return to everyday life
At the end of the day, it’s time to slow down at your cabin or hotel, enjoy the peace, and perhaps one last sauna. For dinner, keep it light – either something small from a village restaurant or a simple meal prepared at your accommodation.
Departure morning – slow moments and lasting memories
This holiday has been all about unhurried experiences, and the same pace continues on your departure morning. Enjoy a slow cup of coffee, pack at ease, and let the landscapes of Ruka stay with you as a gentle memory.
The Land of National Parks is exactly what indulgent travellers are looking for – effortless moments, great flavours, and the quiet luxury of nature.
