In northeastern Finlande, discover Kuusamo, where winter unfolds as a promise of escape. Snow blankets boreal forests, lakes shimmer beneath ice, and pristine air invites you to breathe deeply. You can glide down the renowned slopes of Ruka, venture into vast wilderness, or simply savour the Nordic silence around a crackling fire. A land of Arctic traditions and warm hospitality, Kuusamo offers at every turn an authentic immersion into Finlande's wildest reaches.

Kuusamo Through the Centuries

Since ancient times, Kuusamo has witnessed the coexistence of different ways of life. First home to the Sámi, who practised hunting, fishing and fur trading, the region gradually attracted Finnish settlers from the 17th century onwards. Slash-and-burn agriculture transformed the landscapes and upended local traditions. Successively under Swedish and then Russian dominion, Kuusamo was marked by famines, epidemics and wars. After independence, border upheavals and the devastation of the Second World War forced the population to rebuild. The second half of the 20th century saw the rise of tourism and the emergence of Ruka as an essential resort.

Kuusamo Today

Today, Kuusamo is a vibrant small town oriented towards tourism and nature. Ruka resort and Oulanka National Park attract thousands of visitors each year, drawn by winter sports, hiking or simply immersion in wild landscapes. The town balances economic development with environmental preservation, boasting remarkable air quality and initiatives in favour of sustainable tourism.

What to Discover in Kuusamo?

Kuusamo reveals itself as an open gateway to Finnish Lapland, where nature sets the rhythm and showcases its contrasts. Travellers find landscapes as grand as they are authentic cultural experiences.

• Mount Ruka: a lively resort year-round, accessible by chairlift with stunning panoramas. In summer, toboggan runs add a playful touch, while in winter, sledge and snowmobile safaris complement the pleasures of skiing.
• Oulanka, Riisitunturi and Hossa National Parks: each holds its treasures, from deep forests to powerful rapids and ancient rock paintings. The mythical Karhunkierros, one of Finlande's most celebrated hiking trails, traverses these landscapes.
• Kiutaköngäs Falls and Myllykoski Rapids: spectacular spots where water roars through pristine natural settings.
• Ikkunalampi Pond: a natural mountain pool, ideal for photography enthusiasts.
• Local traditions: cuisine featuring northern ingredients, reindeer farms and crafts that perpetuate a unique way of life.
• Events: the NUTS Karhunkierros trail race in May or the Solstice Festival in June, when music and midnight sun converge.

What to Do in Kuusamo?

Regardless of season, Kuusamo multiplies opportunities to move, breathe and fully experience your journey. Winter amazes with snowy activities, while summer invites exploration of trails and lakes.

• Skiing and snowboarding at Ruka: one of Finlande's most renowned resorts.
• Husky safaris and reindeer rides: unforgettable moments to feel the spirit of the Far North.
• Snowmobile expeditions and ice fishing: timeless winter classics inseparable from Finlande.
• Hiking: from the mythical 80 km Karhunkierros to more accessible trails in Oulanka or Hossa.
• Rafting on the Kitkajoki and mountain biking on hillsides: guaranteed adrenaline for adventure seekers.
• Bear watching and berry picking: immersive experiences at the heart of boreal nature.
• Traditional saunas and unusual lodging: glass huts, floating cabins or lakeside lodges to end your day in comfort.

When to Go?

Kuusamo transforms with the seasons, offering each traveller a different atmosphere. Winter lingers long, summer shines under the midnight sun, and autumn paints the region in blazing hues.

• Winter (November to April): polar ambiance and snow-covered landscapes.
• Summer (June to August): endless days, verdant nature and ideal warmth for exploration.
• Autumn (September to October): fiery forests and nights favourable to the northern lights.

Despite its location in the country's northeast, Kuusamo remains easily accessible thanks to good air and road links.

• By air: direct flights from Helsinki (1 hour 20 minutes). The airport is 6 km from the city centre and 23 km from Ruka, with shuttles and taxis available.
• By train + bus: overnight train to Kemijärvi or Rovaniemi, then bus to Kuusamo.
• By long-distance bus: regular services from Helsinki or Oulu (10 to 13 hours travel time).
• By car: approximately 10 hours from Helsinki, via Valtatie 5 (E63) or national road 20 from Oulu.

Once there, several transport options facilitate movement, whether around town or to surrounding areas.

• By bus: regular lines connecting Kuusamo to other localities.
• By train: whilst the town has no station, connections from Oulu, Kemijärvi or Rovaniemi provide regional access.
• By taxi: available at the centre or by reservation, at a base rate of approximately €6 per week.