On 21 December, we travel from Ruka and Kuusamo to Riisitunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland for a special night-time snowshoe adventure.
The winter solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year – and the turning point of the northern winter. From this moment onwards, little by little, the days begin to grow longer again.
We start snowshoeing through the snow-covered forests of Riisitunturi after darkness has fallen. Headlamps light our way as we climb towards the higher landscapes of the national park.
Our timing has a purpose.
At 22:50, the exact moment of the winter solstice, we stop. We switch off our headlamps and let the natural darkness surround us.
With hot chocolate in our cups, we raise a quiet toast to the longest night of the year – and to the returning light.
There are no fireworks or artificial lights. Just the snowy forest, the Arctic night and a moment that happens only once a year.
Afterwards, we begin our journey back through the winter forest.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. If they appear during our adventure, we will take time to enjoy them, so the experience may last a little longer.
Date: 21 December 2026
Duration: approximately 4.5 hours including transportation
Location: Riisitunturi National Park, Finnish Lapland
Group size: 2–8 participants
Minimum age: 12 years
Difficulty: Moderate
Price: €169 / person
The experience includes a professional local nature guide, transportation from the Ruka area and Kuusamo centre, snowshoes and poles, headlamp and hot chocolate.
Previous snowshoeing experience is not required.
Warm winter clothing is essential. We recommend several warm layers, insulated winter boots, warm gloves or mittens and a winter hat.
The route and programme may be adapted according to snow, weather and other winter conditions. Safety always comes first.
Follow the Arctic Light
Winter Solstice is part of MyTrail's Christmas & New Year Snowshoe Adventures – a collection of six small-group winter experiences following the changing Arctic light from the darkest night of the year to the first light of a new beginning.
Discover the full collection and find your winter moment Follow the Arctic Light
If you have questions about this experience or would like advice on other guided nature adventures in Ruka-Kuusamo and Finnish Lapland, we are happy to help you find the right experience.
Contact us: +358 50 5606 633 | guide@mytrail.fi
This experience is created by MyTrail (MunPolku in Finnish).
We offer small-group guided nature adventures in Ruka-Kuusamo and Finnish Lapland throughout the year.
Discover more trails and experiences at mytrailfinland.com.
