Nature & Parks in Kuusamo

Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Kuusamo, Finland

Nature & Parks in Kuusamo

Nature & Parks
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What travellers are saying

  • will_86
    Essex21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Decided to try Ruka in search of a different winter holiday experience compared to the big resorts in the Alps. As an experienced skier I wasn't sure if Ruka would be too small for a week's skiing, but I ended up having a superb time.

    If you're used to big ski resorts you need to manage your expectations - this is a small resort, the runs are short and there isn't much steep terrain. But look beyond this and there's much to like.

    The scenery is stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset. Quite unlike the Alps but just as beautiful. The snow conditions were wonderful too - aside from a tiny bit of hard snow at the very top it was packed powder everywhere and perfectly groomed each morning. Though the pistes are short, there is reasonable variety and every run was a delight to ski. Plus, because the resort is small you can find all the best bits and the pistes were never crowded. The off piste was a highlight - weaving through the trees was superb. The floodlighting is very good and in the few places where there aren't lights you can still see because of the light reflected off the snow. Clear ski goggles are helpful though.

    The lift system is good - the three high speed lifts cover most of the resort and though you'll need to use drag lifts at times, these are easy. Plus, in January at least, the queues were at most a few minutes. The only place where a chair lift would be welcome is for Pessari.

    The lifts are open much longer than French resorts - 9:30am-7pm most days, and 11pm on Fridays. This meant there was no rush in the morning and if I fancied a break I didn't feel I was missing valuable ski time. It made the trip more relaxing.

    You do need to be prepared for the cold, however the warming huts spread around the resort are lovely. Plus the cafe at the bottom of Pessari is worth a visit - it's in a beautiful location and is quite quirky inside.

    To make the most of Ruka it's worth trying some of the other activities on offer. I tried ice karting and cross country skiing which were both great. You can also hire ski racers (think toboggans with steering) from the bottom of the gondola in Ruka village for 13 euros most evenings, after the pistes close to skiers. Definitely worth it. Also, if you fancy a hike, try the Valtavaara route which starts near the the Saarua break room.

    Food and drink is expensive, though comparable with French resorts. If self-catering, try the Sale supermarket just outside Ruka Village, next to the roundabout off the main road. It's cheaper and better stocked than the one in the village and it's not far to walk.

    Another advantage of Ruka is the transfer, just 25 minutes from the airport. But do chose your accommodation carefully - some are a walk from the lifts or might require a bus ride.

    Overall I was really impressed with Ruka, it felt well run and organised, and offered that different experience I was looking for. With many resorts in the Alps struggling with snow, there's a big opportunity for Scandinavian resorts in the future.
    Written 24 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pauli P
    Oulu216 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visited 10+ times different spots and variety of hikes from 2-83km :) Little Karhunkierros is definetely the trail if you have only one day. Kanjonin kurkkaus, Oulanka, Konttainen-Valtavaara hot spots for daytrips as well. If you have 4-7days - take whole course 83km from Hautajärvi to Ruka - you'll love it.
    Tested many different months: I like the end of spring to be best one, rivers are full of water (Jyrävä in May!) and no mosquitos...
    Written 30 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Iveta B
    54 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the most beautiful places in Finland. You can pick very long routes or do 1km hike straight to the rapids. Path is very accessible and pleasant and the rapids itself magical. I didnt want to leave, they were so captivating (and loud!). Beautiful place, wish we had more time for longer hike! Will be back!
    Written 24 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • SatuK
    Finland24 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Orphan place for wild animals located in Kuusamo. Was nice to see that talks about animals have bad living conditions there, are wrong. If you want to see bear safely, this is a place to visit.
    Written 14 October 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • mmikko
    Joensuu, Finland1,603 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Nice day hike. This hike is more quiet than Small Bear Trail, not so crowded. The trail is mainly easy path to walk, some more difficult parts. About 6km long, takes 2-3 hours.. Great views to Oulanka canyon. The trail starts at Savilampi parking place, about 75km from Kuusamo, well signed from kuusamo - Salla road. No services, some fireplaces etc.
    Written 28 August 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Pauli P
    Oulu216 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very beautiful nature trail in Hossa Nature Park. Worht to visit if car in use. Difficult to reach with public busses. NAture it self a bit different compared to Karhunkierros / north Kuusamo. New bridge over the lake got wows from kids :)
    Written 30 July 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • zipuli
    Lappeenranta, Finland34 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I visited here in summertime. Nice short trail. The views from the uphill are amaising. I would recommend this place, I have been here two times.
    Written 25 July 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • NorthStar
    38 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Called in the morning and we where wellcommed to ride same day. In a dark snowy forest with helmet lights on we had a nice riding trip. Child thinked this was best experience in Ruka so far.
    Written 26 December 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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