New Fellscape Ruka event opened the gravel season in Ruka-Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland

For international travellers, the appeal is easy to understand. Finland is widely known as the land of a thousand lakes, and official tourism sources note that the country has almost 188,000 lakes or ponds. Finnish Lapland, meanwhile, is associated with Arctic wilderness, reindeer and the midnight sun, when the sun barely sets and outdoor adventures can continue late into the evening. Ruka-Kuusamo brings many of these northern elements together in one destination defined by forests, water, long summer light and easy access to the outdoors. 

Held for the first time in Ruka-Kuusamo, Fellscape offered its 134 registered participants a choice of two distances: 50 miles (approx. 80 km) and 100 miles (approx. 160 km). Both the start and finish were in Ruka Village. The 100-mile route passed through the villages of Virkkula, Säkkilä, Käylä, Liikasenvaara, Suorajärvi, Vuotunki, Määttälänvaara and Rukajärvi. One of the route’s standout features was a memorable crossing of the Oulankajoki River on rafting boats in Oulanka National Park. At the heart of the event were community, a sense of adventure and the pure joy of riding. Timing was included, but the overall mood remained relaxed, friendly and encouraging.

“The first Fellscape Ruka was exactly the kind of opening we had hoped for for the region’s cycling summer. The day brought together smooth organization, a great atmosphere and routes that demonstrated in a very concrete way what Ruka-Kuusamo gravel is at its best. The very positive feedback we received from participants about the routes was wonderful to hear and exactly the kind of message we want to communicate about the area. Special thanks go to the event organizers, local businesses and volunteers who helped to create the aid stations, as well as to Stella Polaris, which arranged a truly unforgettable river crossing for riders halfway through the 100-mile race,” says Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.

The first Fellscape Ruka showed that there is clear demand for this kind of event among gravel riders. At the same time, it marked the start of the area’s gravel season and highlighted how naturally an event like this fits into Ruka-Kuusamo’s wider route network. In spring 2024, the area launched a 900-kilometre gravel route network, described as exceptionally broad and diverse by Finnish standards. The network consists of gravel roads, forest roads, trails and boardwalk sections, with key access points in Ruka Village and Kuusamo town center. 

For overseas audiences, this kind of riding is also tied closely to the wider image of Finland and Lapland. Summer time Lapland is known for its Arctic nature, reindeer and night less nights, while Ruka-Kuusamo’s nature offering is framed around lakes, forests and national parks. Reindeer are a particularly iconic part of the northern experience: spotting one in Lapland is almost unavoidable, and herds often graze freely in forests, fells and along roadsides. And once in Finland, is sauna an essential part of a gravel riding day. 

“I was left with a really good feeling after the day. The route was varied and offered just the right amount of challenge with its hills and climbs, and that was exactly what made the riding so rewarding. It was great to push myself, and the atmosphere at the finish was really good. We also had a fantastic riding group and encouraged each other all the way. What stood out were the route details, such as the river crossing, as well as the aid stations, where the volunteers created a warm atmosphere and the refreshments were excellent and local. I have competed in Ruka-Kuusamo before on the road cycling side and have also returned to the area for family winter holidays. Last autumn I came here to ride gravel, and the area’s peaceful routes and its own calm, distinctive atmosphere made a big impression on me. And the reindeer here are always lovely,” says Tiina Nieminen, former Finnish national road cycling champion.

New additions to Ruka-Kuusamo’s gravel offering for summer 2026 also include Korpi Gravel, a new activity company specializing in the sport. Its founder, Visa Pekonen, leads guided rides to highlights across the region’s extensive route network. At Fellscape Ruka, Pekonen also served as the event’s route master.

“It was a pleasure to accept the assignment of route master from the event organisers. As an active cyclist and now a new entrepreneur in the area, it was great to be able to showcase the highlights of Ruka-Kuusamo’s 900-kilometre route network through the 50- and 100-mile courses. The region’s absolute strength is its versatility, and I believe I was able to bring that out well in the routes. I have also noticed that there is now a positive and encouraging attitude towards cycling in the area, and that is a great thing,” says Visa Pekonen of Korpi Gravel.

Korpi Gravel is also behind Ruka-Kuusamo’s summer 2026 Fastest Known Time challenge, published on the Strava platform under the route name Ultra Loop. The challenge is aimed at active cyclists competing against each other in a digital format. The distance is 200 km, and the route must be completed between 14 June and 30 September 2026. The fastest woman and the fastest man to ride the route on a non-electric bike will each receive a €300 cash prize.

“With Finland’s first FKT challenge for gravel riders, we want to support the development of gravel cycling in Finland and offer both local riders and travelers coming here a fitting challenge for the summer,” concludes Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO of Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.

Further information: 
Janne-Juhani Haarma, CEO, Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association, janne@rukakuusamo.fi, +358400411577 
Visa Pekonen, Entrepreneur, Korpi Gravel, info@korpigravel.fi, +358505632398

Latest news