Ruka Adventures
Ruka Adventures
4.5
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About
Ruka Adventures is a full-service safari house that organizes activities all year around in the Ruka-Kuusamo area, Finland. We offer wide selection of activities for families, friends, individuals and groups, grom beginners to experienced adventure seekers. Our activities includes snowmobile safaris, husky- and reindeer rides, ice karting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, visits to national parks, river floating and skiing during winter time. Summer programs are :river rafting, hiking, floating, and various cultural experiences. All activities comes with complimentary pickup services from the main hotels in Ruka.
Kuusamo, Finland
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
156 reviews
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122
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17
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6
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5
Terrible
6
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Sylvia S
13 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
- [ ] Our trip to Oulanka Nationalpark has been absolutely amazing. We were picked up from a hotel in Ruka by our guide Silja for this tour. We arrived at the park after approximately 30 minutes. Silja gave us an instruction how to put on the snowshoes and helped us to do so. And after a short introduction about our location, the park itself and our route for the day we started our walk through an absolutely amazing landscape. It wasn’t difficult walking in the shoes and the speed was adapted to the participants of the group. Silja always waited when someone was behind and at the same time she gave us a moment to take in the panorama and to take some pictures. We walked to an old mill next to a half frozen river where you can spot the white throated dipper -a bird who is famous for diving into the icy water for food. Then we walked alongside the river and crossed it on a rope bridge twice. Our guide Silja who was accompanied by one of her dogs gave us lots of information about the landscape, the flora and the fauna. She explained the various footprints of animals in the snow, how animals survive the cold and snowy winter, the birds around us and the lichen hanging off the trees. And she didn’t get tired answering our millions of questions to the park and its animals. The tour ended with a cup of hot chocolate and some cinnamon rolls that Silja has carried around with her. So all in all it was a very lovely and relaxing experience with our guide Silja through a calming landscape that we can only recommend.
Written 11 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sandrafawcett2023
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Family
This was our first time on a winter holiday. We booked cross country skiing and husky sleigh riding with RUKA adventures and hired warm clothing for the duration of our stay. The skiing was excellent, a perfectly pitched session for a family who had never worn ski’s before. When we competent enough we were taken on a section of the World Championship course for a bit of an adrenaline rush. Really great afternoon for everyone and felt like we had done a work out.
The highlight for us was the husky sleigh ride. We did the 10km tour through forest and frozen lake as the sun was rising. It was spectacular. The husky’s were excited and playful. Lots of time to play with them after the ride. We were disappointed when we got to the end. We could have carried on all day.
All of the guides were brilliant. Really enthusiastic, personable and interesting to talk to.
The highlight for us was the husky sleigh ride. We did the 10km tour through forest and frozen lake as the sun was rising. It was spectacular. The husky’s were excited and playful. Lots of time to play with them after the ride. We were disappointed when we got to the end. We could have carried on all day.
All of the guides were brilliant. Really enthusiastic, personable and interesting to talk to.
Written 17 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dannyh22022018
Eastbourne, UK18 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Booked the 60km skimobile trip with Ruka Adventures and had an experience of a lifetime!
Trip was around 5 hours and we stopped halfway for lunch in a quiet cabin in the middle of the woods next door to a reindeer farm!
Jaarni (hopefully spelt it right) our guide was amazing as he chatted to us very stop and explained some of the areas we are in and also chatted with us about his lifestyle which we were very interested in, to a point where he might have felt we were grilling him!
We were so glad we chose this trip as it wasn't just the usual snowmobile along a track and there you go ... it took us across frozen lakes, through wooden areas and across main roads..... just incredible!
We will be back and will choose Ruka Adventures for the list of other amazing trips they have on offer!
Trip was around 5 hours and we stopped halfway for lunch in a quiet cabin in the middle of the woods next door to a reindeer farm!
Jaarni (hopefully spelt it right) our guide was amazing as he chatted to us very stop and explained some of the areas we are in and also chatted with us about his lifestyle which we were very interested in, to a point where he might have felt we were grilling him!
We were so glad we chose this trip as it wasn't just the usual snowmobile along a track and there you go ... it took us across frozen lakes, through wooden areas and across main roads..... just incredible!
We will be back and will choose Ruka Adventures for the list of other amazing trips they have on offer!
Written 24 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tuija232
Male'2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
My friends and i were very excited to go for this snowmobile safari. I have participated several times on snowmobile safari but this was my worst experience. We were about 15 snowmobiles with one guide in front and the other one was the last one. The weather was nice and sunny with -30 degrees. There were spots were we could have taken some beautiful photos but unfortunately, we couldn't as our guides didn't stop, we were just driving. Driving too fast and ended up loosing one of our friend. Given that there was too much distance between the snowmobiles and our guides, they didn't even notice that one of us was missing. We found her more than one hour later.
We took the break in the middle of the lake, we got some hot Mustikka juice and Gifflar cakes (which you can buy in IKEA stores by the way :)).Last time when i did the snowmobile safari we took the break next to a KOTA where we grilled saucisses and drank coffee and tea ( Finnish tradition ! ). Why changed it ! You should have kept our finnish tradition!.
We took the break in the middle of the lake, we got some hot Mustikka juice and Gifflar cakes (which you can buy in IKEA stores by the way :)).Last time when i did the snowmobile safari we took the break next to a KOTA where we grilled saucisses and drank coffee and tea ( Finnish tradition ! ). Why changed it ! You should have kept our finnish tradition!.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Koen_en_Lydia
Katwijk, The Netherlands2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
After telephone and email contact, I still feel compelled to write this negative review.
We booked 3 trips with Ruka Adventures: ice karting, husky sleigh ride and aurora experience.
Due to circumstances we asked if we could move the ice karting to another day (there was still space and the site says that this is possible, sometimes with a fairy). First I was told by phone that this was possible.In wanted to consult with my friends the new day/time and called back within 45 minutes and then suddenly nothing was possible?? We could book for the other day, but then we had to pay the whole amount! We were also rudely addressed when we asked about this.
In addition, on the site they show pictures of the typical husky as everyone imagines it (Siberian husky). However, once there, it appears that they have a different mixed breed on the husky farm. Also our trip would be from 15.30 to 17.30, but due to an unnecessarily long transfer (picking up a lot of different people and still having clothes) we were only 16.15 when it was already dusk so we didn't see anything of the husky farm but left immediately at 16.30. So almost the whole ride was in the dark. We'd only been back at the hotel for 19 hours. This ensures that the experience was a lot less as you see much less, it was colder, it was too dark for good pictures and we didn't see anything of the farm / kennels themselves.
All in all we have been very satisfied with the guides who were with us on the excursions. Very friendly, are helpful and try to show you a good time! That's why we didn't want to give just one star.
We booked 3 trips with Ruka Adventures: ice karting, husky sleigh ride and aurora experience.
Due to circumstances we asked if we could move the ice karting to another day (there was still space and the site says that this is possible, sometimes with a fairy). First I was told by phone that this was possible.In wanted to consult with my friends the new day/time and called back within 45 minutes and then suddenly nothing was possible?? We could book for the other day, but then we had to pay the whole amount! We were also rudely addressed when we asked about this.
In addition, on the site they show pictures of the typical husky as everyone imagines it (Siberian husky). However, once there, it appears that they have a different mixed breed on the husky farm. Also our trip would be from 15.30 to 17.30, but due to an unnecessarily long transfer (picking up a lot of different people and still having clothes) we were only 16.15 when it was already dusk so we didn't see anything of the husky farm but left immediately at 16.30. So almost the whole ride was in the dark. We'd only been back at the hotel for 19 hours. This ensures that the experience was a lot less as you see much less, it was colder, it was too dark for good pictures and we didn't see anything of the farm / kennels themselves.
All in all we have been very satisfied with the guides who were with us on the excursions. Very friendly, are helpful and try to show you a good time! That's why we didn't want to give just one star.
Automatically translated
Written 11 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paulina J
60 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Went to Lapland with my boyfriend with a sole aim to spend a whole week riding snowmobiles. We stayed in Kuusamo so Ruka resort was where we would experience our adventures.
Ruka Adventures had the most extensive and varied activities listed on their website so I decided to book two safaris with them. It was THE BEST time of our lives!!
Now my boyfriend has been riding bikes and motorbikes ever since he learned how to walk, but I haven't had any previous experience with any motor vehicles other than a standard car.
We booked an introduction scenery safari on our first day, and an eastern border safari on our last one.
Introduction and safety briefing was quick and to the point on Scenery Safari. Our guide was very friendly and bubbly We were shown how to operate gas and brake, how to turn and position the body. I believe they operate on assumption that if you know how to drive a car, you'll know how to carry yourself safely on a skidoo. Which is amazing, because I like to be treated like a grownup, not coddled like a 5 year old. There were few people besides me that had no previous experience with snowmobiles so I felt less stressed.
As soon as we set off,I was in my element. The roar of the engine, beautiful winter wonderland, gentle wind and snowfall made this first experience unforgettable. The group had a good pace and our guide was very thoughtful and made sure everyone is keeping up. We made couple of stops and the guide made a point of making sure everyone is ok and happy with experience. Scenery safari took us on a 1.5 hr ride around Ruka resort and was perfect lenght and difficulty for a first timer like me. My boyfriend, even though is experienced in motor sports, enjoyed this short trip to "get a feel" of his skidoo.
On our last day we attended Eastern Border safari, the longest safari provided by Ruka Adventures. It was an intense, all day tour to a beautiful viewing spot, overlooking Finnish- Russian border, followed by a hearty meal at the border restaurant.
Our guide was very straightforward, provided safety briefing and short instructions to few people. The group kept a decent pace and everyone was very friendly. Eastern Border safari lived up to its hype. It was a really long day, and definitely you need at least few rides before you attempt it. All the discomforts of the day were really worth it, as it was the highlight of our stay in Finland.
The guides on both tours spoke excellent English, and all staff was very pleasant to communicate with.
This is a great company with amazing staff, who made a scary experience, which was having a go first time on snowmobiles, very enjoyable and memorable. Thank you Ruka Adventures!
Ruka Adventures had the most extensive and varied activities listed on their website so I decided to book two safaris with them. It was THE BEST time of our lives!!
Now my boyfriend has been riding bikes and motorbikes ever since he learned how to walk, but I haven't had any previous experience with any motor vehicles other than a standard car.
We booked an introduction scenery safari on our first day, and an eastern border safari on our last one.
Introduction and safety briefing was quick and to the point on Scenery Safari. Our guide was very friendly and bubbly We were shown how to operate gas and brake, how to turn and position the body. I believe they operate on assumption that if you know how to drive a car, you'll know how to carry yourself safely on a skidoo. Which is amazing, because I like to be treated like a grownup, not coddled like a 5 year old. There were few people besides me that had no previous experience with snowmobiles so I felt less stressed.
As soon as we set off,I was in my element. The roar of the engine, beautiful winter wonderland, gentle wind and snowfall made this first experience unforgettable. The group had a good pace and our guide was very thoughtful and made sure everyone is keeping up. We made couple of stops and the guide made a point of making sure everyone is ok and happy with experience. Scenery safari took us on a 1.5 hr ride around Ruka resort and was perfect lenght and difficulty for a first timer like me. My boyfriend, even though is experienced in motor sports, enjoyed this short trip to "get a feel" of his skidoo.
On our last day we attended Eastern Border safari, the longest safari provided by Ruka Adventures. It was an intense, all day tour to a beautiful viewing spot, overlooking Finnish- Russian border, followed by a hearty meal at the border restaurant.
Our guide was very straightforward, provided safety briefing and short instructions to few people. The group kept a decent pace and everyone was very friendly. Eastern Border safari lived up to its hype. It was a really long day, and definitely you need at least few rides before you attempt it. All the discomforts of the day were really worth it, as it was the highlight of our stay in Finland.
The guides on both tours spoke excellent English, and all staff was very pleasant to communicate with.
This is a great company with amazing staff, who made a scary experience, which was having a go first time on snowmobiles, very enjoyable and memorable. Thank you Ruka Adventures!
Written 12 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fredoisa
8 contributions
Jan 2024 • Friends
IceKarting canceled because it was too cold, we understand because -35. In the evening, snowshoe hike with relatively good equipment and limited supervision. Fortunately, Mother Nature delighted us with her Northern Lights. Today's 2.5 hour snowmobile safari in the very cold, super beautiful! But no time to take a photo, a break on a lake in the cold and a person lost for 1 hour. We were frozen while waiting for a decision from our 2 supervisors. After turning around, we found Sylvie who had been helped by some Finns out for a walk. We only had half a safari with half a souvenir. Sylvie is left with very bad memories and scarred for life by 30 minutes spent alone in the bitter cold. Do we really need to go into more detail??!!?? For 20 people, security was absent.

Written 3 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2000Rich
Kingston-upon-Hull, UK51 contributions
Jan 2022
Holidaying for a week in Finland. My girlfriend and I had a free afternoon in Ruka with the chance to do some optional excursions if we wanted. We chose to do ice karting.
Our tour guide did all the organising/booking for us. All we had to do was stand at a designated bus stop in Ruka at a given time and we got picked up by Ruka Adventures. We got taken to their base which was just a short 5-10 minute drive where we got kitted out with all the cold weather gear that we needed. We were then taxied to the ice track which again was just a short 5 minute drive up the road. Once there, we got our safety helmets and instruction on how to drive the karts and how the activity would be divided into practice laps, qualifying laps and race laps. We were then good to go.
My girlfriend was a little apprehensive about the whole experience but once she got behind the wheel, she transformed into a competitive, thrill seeking, ice karter! "Just call me Lewis", was her response when she finished the race.....although Lewis usually wins and she didn't! I did... but let's not make a big fuss about that. LOL.
Ice karting was great. Speeding around the track and trying not to spin out on corners was an adrenaline pumping experience. We had four people booked on our session and that made racing more challenging as more opportunity to practice overtaking manoeuvres. Everyone involved loved it, even the girlfriend who was initially a bit worried.
The lady (sorry can't remember your name- red curly hair from Romania ) who dealt with us at the ice track was very friendly and encouraged the racing spirit in us all.
We had a fab time but one small suggestion to help improve the experience. You have a computer and printer on site as you gave us all a print out of our lap times. Why not present everyone with some sort of certificate of the experience or maybe award a rosette to the race winner?
Our tour guide did all the organising/booking for us. All we had to do was stand at a designated bus stop in Ruka at a given time and we got picked up by Ruka Adventures. We got taken to their base which was just a short 5-10 minute drive where we got kitted out with all the cold weather gear that we needed. We were then taxied to the ice track which again was just a short 5 minute drive up the road. Once there, we got our safety helmets and instruction on how to drive the karts and how the activity would be divided into practice laps, qualifying laps and race laps. We were then good to go.
My girlfriend was a little apprehensive about the whole experience but once she got behind the wheel, she transformed into a competitive, thrill seeking, ice karter! "Just call me Lewis", was her response when she finished the race.....although Lewis usually wins and she didn't! I did... but let's not make a big fuss about that. LOL.
Ice karting was great. Speeding around the track and trying not to spin out on corners was an adrenaline pumping experience. We had four people booked on our session and that made racing more challenging as more opportunity to practice overtaking manoeuvres. Everyone involved loved it, even the girlfriend who was initially a bit worried.
The lady (sorry can't remember your name- red curly hair from Romania ) who dealt with us at the ice track was very friendly and encouraged the racing spirit in us all.
We had a fab time but one small suggestion to help improve the experience. You have a computer and printer on site as you gave us all a print out of our lap times. Why not present everyone with some sort of certificate of the experience or maybe award a rosette to the race winner?
Written 1 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruud G
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • Couples
We did the ice-carting last week. It was our worst excursion of the week.... The first training laps were ok, my cart was working well. However, after a few rounds my cart was driving itself. It was accelarating itself. I needed to brake to drive through corners and then I was spinning all the time. I stopped the cart and said there was a problem with my cart, but the guy told me it's normal. Well great, normal but I couldn't drive in a proper way. I stopped the cart once more but the guy kept saying it was good. After the carting finished the guy told it sometimes happens when it's -20 and very humid. But on this day It was just a few degrees below zero and not humid.
Furthermore, the ice-carting should have been training laps, qualification and race. But this went all so chaotic that there was no real qualifaction and no real race. So very disappointing. The other people with who we did the ice carting were also confused that there was no real qualification and race. Also with them the carts were broken.
So afterall a very bad experience and unfortunaley not what we expected......
Furthermore, the ice-carting should have been training laps, qualification and race. But this went all so chaotic that there was no real qualifaction and no real race. So very disappointing. The other people with who we did the ice carting were also confused that there was no real qualification and race. Also with them the carts were broken.
So afterall a very bad experience and unfortunaley not what we expected......
Written 4 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Camellia P
60 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We used Ruka Adventures last week and booked at very short notice ice karting, the team there were fantastic, informative, friendly and re-assuring. They also entertained my 8 year old who was gutted as he wasn’t tall enough to take part in the ice karting so they offered him the use of a snow mobile whilst we were karting and he ended up having an absolute blast! Thank you to the team and the amazing memories :) we have booked to return to Ruka next year and will be booking up some activities with you next Jan 2025.
Written 10 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a price list for all trips and do you accept AMEX please? Thanks
Written 29 December 2014
Thanks very much! Have you been before?
Written 29 December 2014
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.