A Quiet Finnish Christmas Tradition
Christmas Eve in Finland is a time to slow down.
Before the evening celebrations begin, we leave Ruka behind and head into the snowy forests of Pyhävaara for a peaceful Christmas Eve snowshoe adventure.
We walk approximately three kilometres through the winter forest at an easy pace, taking time to notice the silence, snow-covered trees and small signs of life around us.
Along the way, we discover an old Finnish way of seeing the forest.In Finnish folklore, Metsän väki means the folk or inhabitants of the forest. The forest was not considered an empty place, but a home shared with animals and other beings – a place to enter with respect. On Christmas Eve, we bring a small Christmas greeting to Metsän väki and leave it quietly in the forest. There is no big ceremony. It is simply a small gesture of respect for the forest and those who live there.
During our journey, we stop to enjoy Finnish glögi and piparkakku.
Finnish glögi is a traditional Christmas drink, often made with berry juice and warming Christmas spices. Our non-alcoholic glögi is served hot with piparkakku – Finnish gingerbread cookies – a very typical Finnish Christmas combination.
Then we continue through the forest and return to Ruka, with plenty of time left for your own Christmas Eve traditions and celebrations.
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 may be adapted according to snow, weather and other winter conditions. Safety always comes first.
Follow the Arctic Light
Christmas Eve in the Silent Forest 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 Follow the Arctic Light collection and find your winter moments.
Need help planning your outdoor adventures?
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 mytrail.fi
