Kuusamo

The year has two main seasons. Winter is long, cold and snowy. It suits skiing, sled trips and northern lights on clear nights. Ruka's slopes usually open in October on stored snow. Snow cover is reliable from about December to April. Northern lights are best on clear nights from roughly September to March.

Summer is short and cool, with very light nights around midsummer. It suits hiking and river trips, but July can bring many mosquitoes. Late September gives strong autumn colours on the trails, with the first snow possible. Spring is bright, but trails can be wet.

The Nordic skiing World Cup opens the winter season at Ruka. It is the biggest annual event, so book early if you travel then.

• Oulangan kansallispuisto is the main nature attraction near Kuusamo. It has river canyons, pine forest, marked trails and free wilderness huts. The 80 km Karhunkierros trail crosses it. The 12 km Little Bear's Ring is an easier circular day route.
• Kiutaköngäs is a set of rapids on the Oulankajoki river inside the park. It is easy to reach on foot and is usually the first stop for day visitors.
• Jyrävä is a waterfall on the Kitkajoki river, about 9 m high. It is a short walk of about 2 km from Juuma on the Karhunkierros trail. Some parts of the path are steep.
• Ruka is the fell and ski resort about 25 to 30 km (roughly 30 minutes by car) from Kuusamo town. It has downhill and cross-country skiing in winter. In summer it has hiking and mountain biking.

• Northern lights: Watch for the lights on clear, dark nights from autumn to spring. Go away from town lights. Lights are never guaranteed.
• White-water rafting: Day trips run on the Kitkajoki river canyon in Oulanka National Park. The season is roughly June to September, and some operators start in May.
• Husky and reindeer sleds: Winter safaris leave from Ruka and Kuusamo. They range from short rides to multi-hour trips.
• Snowmobile tours: Guided tours run on marked winter routes through the forest.
• Karhunkierros hiking: Walk a section of the trail and sleep in a free wilderness hut. High season is from mid-July to late September.
• Canoeing: Paddle on the Oulankajoki river in summer.
• Finnish sauna: Many cabins and hotels have a sauna. Go in winter, then cool off in the snow or a lake.

• Oulanka National Park is the national park north of town. It is the main nature destination in the area.
• Oulu is the largest city in northern Finland and the nearest big city to the southwest. Many travelers use it as a road or rail gateway.
• Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland to the northwest. It is a common stop on a longer northern trip.

• By air: Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is about 6 km northeast of the town centre. Finnair flies daily from Helsinki. More flights from other European cities run in winter. Taxis connect the airport to the town. A pre-booked airport bus serves Ruka. See the airport page: Kuusamo Airport (Finavia).
• By bus: Long-distance coaches link Kuusamo with Oulu and Rovaniemi. Services are limited, so check times before you travel. Timetables and tickets: Matkahuolto.
• By train: There is no railway in Kuusamo. Travelers can take a train to Oulu or Kemijärvi and continue by bus.
• By car: Kuusamo is about 215 km from Oulu, about 190 km from Rovaniemi and about 800 km from Helsinki.
• To Ruka: A pre-booked airport bus runs between Kuusamo Airport and Ruka, timed to scheduled flights. Seasonal ski buses run from Oulu (Saturdays, January to April) and from Rovaniemi (February and March). Between Kuusamo town and Ruka the only option is a taxi. Ruka has its own tourism site: Ruka-Kuusamo.

• Public transit: Local buses are very few. There is no public bus between Kuusamo town and Ruka, only taxis.
• Taxi: Taxis connect the airport, town and Ruka. Pre-book for early or late flights.
• Car: Sights are roughly 25 to 70 km away. A car is the easiest way to see them.
• On foot and by bike: The town centre is small and flat enough to walk. Cycling is practical in summer, and Ruka has mountain bike trails.

• Is a car worth it?: Yes. Sights, trailheads and Ruka are spread out, and public transport is limited.
• Winter: Winter tyres are required when winter conditions apply, generally from 1 November to 31 March. Rental cars are normally fitted already. Roads can be icy and dark. Reindeer sometimes cross the road, especially at dusk.
• Ruka: The resort is about 25 to 30 km (roughly 30 minutes by car) from Kuusamo town.
• Parking: Parking at trailheads and in Ruka village is usually simple. Winter parking at some sights is limited to cleared lots.

Kuusamo cooking uses local reindeer, lake fish and forest berries. Look for sautéed reindeer, whitefish and cloudberry dishes on menus.

Most restaurants are in Kuusamo town centre and in Ruka village. Ruka has the largest choice in the ski season. Some places close or reduce hours in the quiet months, so check before you go.

Kuusamo is very safe for visitors. The main risks are weather and wilderness, not crime.

• Cold: Winter temperatures can be very low. Wear layers, a hat and warm boots.
• Trails: Weather changes fast. Carry water, a map and a charged phone. Stay on marked paths near rapids and waterfalls, because rocks and wooden steps are slippery.
• Insects: Mosquitoes and biting flies are common in summer, especially in July. Bring repellent.
• Wildlife: Bears live in the region but are rarely seen. Make noise on trails and keep distance from any animal.
• Russian border: The land border crossings to Russia are closed until further notice. Do not try to cross, and obey signs in the border zone. Check the Finnish Border Guard before you travel.
• Emergencies: Call 112.
• Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink.

During the Winter War in 1939 and 1940, the area was evacuated. In 1940 the eastern part of the municipality, including Paanajärvi, was ceded to the Soviet Union. In 1944, during the Lapland War, the town centre was destroyed. The current Church of the Holy Cross in the town centre was built in 1951 on the site of the old wooden church.

Today tourism around Ruka and the Oulanka area is a main part of the local economy.

Quick practical facts for Finland at a glance: