Top Outdoor Activities in Kuusamo, Finland
Outdoor Activities in Kuusamo
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Outdoor Activities
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Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
Equestrian Trails
Hiking Trails
Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Ski & Snow Tours • Eco Tours
Nature & Wildlife Tours • Photography Tours
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Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours • Horseback Riding Tours
River Rafting & Tubing • Ski & Snow Tours
Multi-day Tours • Safaris
Nature & Wildlife Tours
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
Multi-day Tours • Canyoning & Rappelling Tours
Eco Tours • Private Tours
Canyoning & Rappelling Tours • Equipment Hire
What travellers are saying
- will_86Essex21 contributionsDecided 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Pauli POulu216 contributionsVisited 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 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mmikkoJoensuu, Finland1,607 contributionsA 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 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- zipuliLappeenranta, Finland34 contributionsI 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 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- NorthStar38 contributionsCalled 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 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Geesch65Heinkenszand, The Netherlands569 contributionsWhat is not really standard in Lapland is horseriding..so exactly what we wanted to do. We booked this location and it was great fun. We were picked up in Ruka and drove to the stables with icelandic horses.
My wife is experienced driver but I am a nitwit in horsedriving…but it was soooo much fun riding an Icelandic horse in Töllt in the forest Eastern from Kuusamo..
an absolute must for animal lovers…or horse drivers..special Thanks to Emma and our guide Reeta!!Written 22 February 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - arto-ooJyväskylä, Finland5 contributionsExcellent service and good equipment. Went with another couple and took the Ruka tour route, about 20 kms. Two hours booking was more than enough.Written 21 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- i.Quettehou, France4 contributionsThis is a great organisation with fantastic outings. Great guides on the trips who also give you information about nature and ecological systems. The staff is very welcoming and easy going.
A perfect place to book your unforgettable nature experiences!Written 8 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Maria S1 contributionWe really enjoyed the tour with Piritta. Unfortunately, it was cloudy, but that didn't bother us at all in the end. It's definitely worth the experience and we can highly recommend Piritta as a tour guide. She was super nice and told us lots of information about Lapland, the national park etc. during the hike. Our food (Nettle Pancakes) was also great. Thank you Piritta for this great day!Written 14 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Meg3 contributionsThis is the third time I've attended ski school, I love it every time! Ella was my very first instructor who was brilliant and gave me so much confidence. This time I attended the ski school on my own and met the most amazing people from my group! Our instructor Sean was the best! He really supported everyone's individual needs and made us feel confident! He was super patient with us and also very funny!! We managed to make it down some reds by the end of the week with the encouragement from Sean! I can't recommend the ski school enough! Thanks for the best week!Written 7 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sabine VMValencia, Spain55 contributionswe had a fantastic viewing. We entered the hide and the guide went out to put food. In minutes a large old bear appeared. During our 3 hours viewing, we saw 6 different bears, some very close to the hide. The hide is perfectly equipped with mounts for camera, there are beds to stay the night and a toilet.
Between the different bears, we also saw 3 eagles hunting.Written 26 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Debbie RYorkshire, UK15 contributionsThis was the most magical experience!!!
Went on my own during a weeks snowboarding and can't remember feeling so relaxed and happy for a long, long time!
The horses come first and I loved this about the place. Trek was amazing like some fantasy fairy tale. At end of trek cooked sausages on fire.
Really can't recommend enough!!!
Thank you so much guys for the most memorable day 🥰Written 12 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
