Last-minute tips for a summer vacation in Ruka-Kuusamo

Published 1.7.2024

Ruka-Kuusamo's summer is filled with a variety of adventures in nature: Michelin-star dining, reindeer yoga, rafting on the Kitka River, hiking in Oulanka National Park, luxurious dreams in a glass design cabin, and almost a thousand kilometers of brand-new gravel biking routes.

Ruka-Kuusamo's summer is short but incredibly diverse. This northern nature paradise offers bucket list experiences and enriching activities for adventurers, couples, groups of friends, and families. Get inspired by the curated list from Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism and grab last-minute tips for your summer vacation.

Dine at the world's northernmost Michelin-starred restaurant Tapio

Located in Ruka, Tapio received its Michelin star a month ago. Run by a Finnish-English couple, the restaurant offers a seasonally changing menu with ingredients sourced from their own family farm.

Restaurant Tapio

Do yoga with reindeer

Kujala Reindeer Farm offers the world's only reindeer yoga, where you learn the pose of the downward-facing reindeer instead of the downward-facing dog. The class is held outdoors on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and you can pet and feed the reindeer at the same time. 

Reindeer yoga

Indulge in French treats

In Kuusamo's centre, housed in an old bank building, The French Café serves top-notch lattes and French pastries. Run by a Kuusamo-French couple, the café transports you to southern France, though the macarons might taste of familiar Finnish Hopea Toffee. 

The French Café

Sleep luxuriously

The glass cabins of Magical Pond, designed by architects, blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Pentik's handcrafted dishes, linen bed linens, and other details complement the architecture and natural environment. 

Magical Pond

Test the new gravel route network

The gravel route network consists of several hubs, the largest of which are located in Ruka village and Kuusamo centre. The routes offer wide gravel roads, narrower forest roads, and paths in the stunning scenery of the area. 

Ruka-Kuusamo gravel routes

Get inspired by art

Photographer Meeri Koutaniemi's photo artwork "Kyliltä kuultua - Eight seasons" is located in Kuusamo town square.

Arts & culture

Try new sports together

The three-day Taivasalla WKND event in August brings together all those excited about adventure and outdoor activities. Choose from sports like trail running, mountain biking, rafting, SUP touring, and packrafting. The legendary Karhunkierros in Oulanka National Park is also part of the program.

Taivasalla Outdoor WKND 16.-18.8.2024

Experience an adrenaline rush on the Kitka River

Together with a professional skipper, you can raft seven magnificent rapids with the whole family. There is also a wilder route for thrill-seekers.

River rafting

Unlock summer with Ruka Fun Pass

With the Ruka Fun Pass, you get unlimited access to the summer sled track, scenic lifts, zipline, mini-golf, and Bike Park. You can also rent disc golf discs for free at Ruka.

Ruka Fun Pass

Bathe in the best smoke sauna in Finland

In Pyhäpiilo on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi, a public sauna session is held on Wednesdays in July and August. The views open up to the magnificent Pyhävaara. Sauna treatments can also be booked in advance.

Pyhäpiilo & all other saunas