Finland’s summer cottage tradition goes back even further, but it was in the 1950s that cottage life became a favorite pastime for the whole nation. In the same decade, Oulanka National Park was established, the Karhunkierros trail was mapped out, and Ruka’s first ski lift was opened.
A high-quality cottage village sprang up in Ruka in no time
Kuusamo’s unique nature has been drawing researchers and artists to the area for over a hundred years.
Traditional summer cottage life has since expanded into year-round tourism, with services growing around it. Over the years, thousands of cottages, villas, and apartments have been built in Ruka-Kuusamo. A wide range of activities, multiple national parks, and excellent accessibility have turned the area into an ideal year-round destination.
Environmentally respectful construction
Rukalodge is one of the newest cottage villages in Ruka-Kuusamo. Twelve high-quality apartments appeared almost overnight, right at the foot of Ruka’s services at the end of last year.
– These apartments were brought here as whole units on flatbeds. We wanted modern wooden houses that would fit into a Scandinavian environment, and Teijo-talot built them from modules according to our specifications. The finished cottages were loaded onto trucks, driven to Ruka, lowered onto foundations, and connected to utilities, explains Kimmo Laatta, director of TU-Lomat Oy.
The apartments are heated by geothermal energy, making them eco-friendly, spacious, and well-equipped. Air source heat pumps ensure warmth in winter and coolness in summer. Rukalodge was designed from the start for year-round use.
– We invested in good indoor air quality by choosing the right materials and building the houses indoors, in dry conditions. This construction method avoids noise, long-term building sites, and other significant disturbances to the environment, people, and animals, Kimmo adds.
The apartments are high-quality and comfortable, with free internet access, of course. Spacious terraces invite guests to sit outside and relax in the peaceful forest surroundings. In winter, that same nearby forest becomes a great spot for sledding. Rukalodge is especially suited for families with children. The larger holiday homes even have a separate wing with its own entrance, perfect for teens to have their own space.
From the archipelago to the fells
Identical apartments are available for rent year-round in Lootholma, Kustavi, where Kimmo is originally from.
– In the archipelago, the salty sea breeze and scorching sun really put buildings to the test. I’d imagine a structure that can withstand those conditions will do just fine in Kuusamo’s cold but dry winters too, Kimmo muses.
Kimmo, who made the move from the Turku archipelago up to Kuusamo, is no stranger to projects in Ruka. Over 20 years ago, Finland’s first Omena Hotel opened in Eastern Ruka, one of the world’s very first self-service hotels. Kimmo was involved in the project as a representative for electronic booking systems. Rukalodge also operates mainly on a self-service basis; there’s no reception or staff on-site, but guests don’t lack services.
– Everything is nearby. From Jurmuntie, you can bike to Ruka village or Ruka Valley in 15 minutes, and the ski tracks and walking trails are right next door. In winter, you can hop on the SkiBus from the cottage doorstep and head straight to the slopes or services with just a flash of your ski pass. Each apartment rental includes four ski passes, which has been a big hit with guests, Kimmo explains.
Enjoying the simple things on holiday
– When we’re in Kuusamo, my family and I enjoy the simple things, and we want to share those experiences with our guests. We like to go fishing, row the boat, and wander around in nature. My youngest might even become a gold miner one day, considering how enthusiastically he digs for fool’s gold when we’re here, Kimmo says with a laugh.
Cycling tourism and eco-friendliness are close to Kimmo’s heart. He and his sons are keen cyclists and have developed a strong fondness for Ruka Bike Park. The cottage village will soon feature bike washing stations and charging points for electric cars. They’re also considering opening a bike rental service, but for the first year, Kimmo is taking things slow, listening to customer feedback and development suggestions. They’ve been on the lookout for a rowboat rental service, and Kimmo offers a tip to rental companies.
– In winter, our favorite activities are skiing and stopping by cozy wilderness or trackside cafés. A visit to Käylänkoski rapids is a must, and we always stop by Restaurant Kuksa for some reindeer stew. This is such a snow-sure region, and that’s exactly what we who come from the south need and long for, Kimmo sighs, already picturing the snow-laden landscape in his mind. Ruka-Kuusamo offers a wonderful contrast to life in the archipelago.
Read more:
Rukalodge
Commercial collaboration between Rukalodge and the Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.
Text: Salla Karhumaa
Images: Rukalodge and Mikko Santasalo/Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
Images of Rukalodge
