Top tourist attractions in Kuusamo

Kuusamo’s most interesting attractions in villages and national parks

The most popular tourist attractions in Ruka-Kuusamo are definitely the fantastic nature destinations in the area’s national parks, with tremendous landscapes, the fell scenery in Ruka’s surroundings and the lakes and ponds in Kuusamo centre.

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The history of Kuusamo dates back to the establishment of a parish in 1675. The municipality of Kuusamo was founded in 1868, and Kuusamo became a town in 2000. Kuusamo makes up an area of 5,800 square kilometres.

When counted according to the number of village schools, Kuusamo had at best almost 70 villages in the late 1950s. Nowadays, the area’s largest service hubs are Kuusamo centre and Ruka village.

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Ruka village is full of live year round

Ruka’s car-free pedestrian village is a convenient focal point for your holiday, also because local public transport runs from there north and south.

Rukan kylä talvella. Kuva Harri Tarvainen

Ruka Valley - convenient holiday home for families with kids

Ruka Valley is a new village centre on the eastern side of the Ruka fell. It is especially well suited for skiing and biking families with children or pets.

Ruka Valleyn kyläkeskittymä Itä-Rukalla, Vuosselin rinnealueella. Kuva Harri Tarvainen.

Lakeside views at Kuusamo town centre

Kuusamo has a diverse urban centre and a local public transport hub set in beautiful lakeside scenery. Kuusamo airport and Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki are also located next to the centre.

Traditions are cherished in old villages

We are striving to keep the cultural heritage of Kuusamo alive in old buildings and traditional landscapes. We recommend getting to know the old ways of living in northern Finland. Understanding the history and traditions of local people is one step towards promoting tolerance, and it offers a deeper understanding of your holiday destination.

Arts and culture