ou can read about the early steps of this environmentally conscious cabin village in the blog published last autumn.
Over the summer, the yard has been landscaped with customer comfort and ease of use in mind. Additionally, every apartment now has its own electric car charging station.
Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular. By the end of 2023, nearly 300,000 fully electric or plug-in hybrid cars were cruising Finnish roads (Autoalan Tiedotuskeskus 2024). With the railway yet to reach Kuusamo, driving remains the natural choice for visiting Ruka-Kuusamo, a family-friendly destination. Located right on the edge of the Arctic Circle, Kuusamo allows you to experience Lapland’s nature more easily and quickly than the northernmost fell destinations.
– From Southern Finland, you can drive to Ruka on a single charge during summer, and a quick charge during a lunch break takes just half an hour. This makes the journey even smoother, says Rukalodge’s managing director Kimmo Laatta.
Rukalodge is one of the first cabin villages in the Ruka-Kuusamo area to provide each apartment with its own electric car charging station, included in the apartment rental.
– The charging stations are so smart that they detect the available power and automatically adjust consumption to avoid overloading the grid. The stations also come with tag and Wi-Fi options, which allow us to expand services in the future, Kimmo explains.
The charging stations are set to deliver around 7 kW per hour, which is perfect for overnight charging. After all, vacations shouldn’t involve stressing about where to charge your car. By offering private charging options, we also help prevent congestion at public charging stations during peak seasons.
The underfloor heating in Rukalodge’s apartments is powered by geothermal energy, ensuring energy-efficient and pleasant warmth all year round. It’s delightful to walk barefoot on a warm floor, even during the chilliest winter days.
– We aim to encourage customers to embrace a more sustainable mindset, even while on vacation, by considering their electricity usage. For example, it’s a good idea to stagger the use of the sauna, air-source heat pump, and car charging to keep consumption moderate. This makes holidays both ecological and cost-effective, Laatta advises.
In addition to the winter activities that Ruka-Kuusamo is famous for, the area now offers plenty of activities for the snow-free season as well. Located amidst stunning nature and national parks, the region has invested heavily in year-round cycling. Ruka Bike Park, nearly 1,000 kilometers of gravel cycling routes, and mountain biking trails offer options for cyclists of all levels. Depending on your preference and fitness, you can choose a traditional bike or an electric one for a little extra boost.
Located on the road leading to East Ruka, Rukalodge gives you direct access to cycling and outdoor trails right from your cabin door. Alternatively, you can easily hop on the SkiBus that passes by.
– You can reach the magnificent Pyhän jyssäys trail in just a few minutes from here. Our apartments’ spacious terraces are ideal for storing bikes, and there’s a shared bike wash station for our guests to clean up after a ride. We want to make active days even more effortless, Kimmo says.
– This winter, we’re adding a glass-roofed grill hut for guests to enjoy the magic of winter right on their cabin yard. The hut is a perfect spot for evening gatherings under the northern lights and starry skies, Kimmo Laatta says invitingly.
Rukalodge’s goal is to offer accommodation that combines the benefits of modern technology, a commitment to sustainable living, and a comfortable holiday experience surrounded by nature. The cabin village is being developed to meet the needs of even the most demanding travelers.
Read more:
Rukalodge
A high-quality cottage village sprang up in Ruka in no time
Charging stations for electric cars
Text: Salla Karhumaa
Photos: Mikko Santasalo/Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association
In commercial collaboration with Rukalodge and Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.
