In paid collaboration with - Ruka-Kuusamo Matkailu ry - Gateway to Land of National Parks -project
The coordinates of nature lead us to Ruka- Kuusamo at the beginning of this summer!
I have always thought that the key for a successful summer trip is a combination of rich nature, local food, fun activities and relaxation. Ruka-Kuusamo area is the perfect combination of these all, offering a great variety of services and activities regardless the season you decide to go for a visit.
Time of the visit: Mid June Weather: Sunny/Rainy/Cloudy Temperature: +12 - +15 Length of stay: 5 days
We started our trip cruising around Ruka with e-bikes. The diverse repertory of trails allowed us to enjoy the beautiful landscapes around us. We made our way to the top of the ski hill, which was fun with the e-bikes. For those who love biking, you may want to know that `Ruka Bike Park´ will be completely ready during autumn 2021.
More on the Bike Park here!
We continued enjoying Ruka-Kuusamo while fishing in the beautiful and peaceful Kuusinkiriver on a guided fly fishing tour. I had been wanting to visit this river for a while.
Our awesome guide Mika showed us around and it only took us a minute to land the first fish. It can be easy when you’re with a local professional! After fishing for a while, little rain shower forced us to come out of the water for a bit to to enjoy a quick lunch by the fire. Definitely a memorable experience!
More on Mika’s guiding services here!
After a fun day fishing we rushed to Isokenkäisten Klubi, where a nice gourmet meal was waiting for us. Our dinner was served in a traditional Lappish hut ”Kota”, where we got to enjoy local delicacies and some of their own secret recipes! I could have stolen their “carrot caviar” recipe… It was amazing! One of the most exciting food experiences I’ve ever had!
And of course, what would a day be without a sauna? Isokenkäisten Klubi is located by a lake, so it was super nice to take a dip after their wonderful smoke sauna!
More about Isokenkäisten Klubi
Overnight canoeing trip at Oulanka National Park was our next activity. 25 kilometers of diverse nature with unique forests and beautiful sandy shores provide a perfect setting for an amazing canoe trip. Kiutaköngäs-Jäkälämutka section of Oulankariver is good even for beginners and can be done in one day. However, we decided to divide the trip into two days and camp overnight in Nurmisaarenniemi in our tent.
Our adventure began with soft rain and ended with a beautiful foggy sunset. We were the only ones at Nurmisaarenniemi until the sunset and it was a good place to stay with designated place for a campfire with wood service. We woke up to a beautiful sunny morning and got to enjoy nice weather throughout the whole way out to Jäkälämutka.
Our canoes and transfer was organised by Rukapalvelu.
Last but not least, we decided to go for a morning hike to Konttainen. The hike takes about 15-25 minutes from the parking lot and gives you amazing views from the top. A few other of my favorite little day hikes in Ruka-Kuusamo area are Valtavaara, Pyhävaara and Riisitunturi.
Ruka has definitely fascinated us and we cannot wait go back soon!
