Kuusamo

Kuusamo Essentials

Kuusamo serves as a gateway to the Arctic wilderness, defined by the rugged terrain of Oulanka National Park and the year-round outdoor hub of Ruka. The region is home to the dramatic Kiutaköngäs rapids and the prehistoric Värikalliot rock paintings, which date back over 4,000 years. Visitors can observe native predators at the Kuusamo Predator Centre or engage with traditional reindeer husbandry. The landscape is characterized by steep fells like Valtavaara and the winding Kitkajoki river, offering a diverse cross-section of Northern Ostrobothnia’s natural heritage.

Oulanka National Park

Oulanka National Park is a national park in the Northern Ostrobothnia and Lapland regions of Finland, covering 270 square kilometres.

Rukatunturi

Rukatunturi is a 490 metres high fell and a ski resort in Kuusamo, Finland.

Kiutaköngäs

A 100-meter-long series of rapids on the Oulankajoki river, famous for its towering red dolomite cliffs and accessible hiking trails within the national park.

Kitkajoki

Kitkajoki or Kitkanjoki is a river of Finland. It begins from the lake Ala-Kitka that is connected to the lake Yli-Kitka in the…

Kuusamon suurpetotarha

An animal sanctuary housing rescued Finnish predators, including brown bears, lynx, and foxes. It was founded by Sulo Karjalainen and focuses on wildlife conservation and education.

Kujala Reindeer Farm

A traditional farm operating since 1860, offering insights into reindeer husbandry through feeding experiences, sled rides, and handicraft workshops.

Hossan Värikalliot

One of Finland's largest prehistoric rock painting sites, featuring over 60 figures dating back to the Stone Age, located on a vertical cliff face above Lake Somer.

Valtavaara

The highest fell in Kuusamo, standing at 492 meters. It features a summit wilderness hut and provides panoramic views along the Karhunkierros hiking trail.

Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre

A center dedicated to the work of Hannu Hautala, Finland’s most renowned nature photographer, featuring digital exhibitions and a permanent collection of Arctic imagery.

Pyhän Ristin kirkko

Completed in 1951, this Lutheran church replaced a structure destroyed in WWII. It contains two original bells that were buried to hide them from retreating troops in 1944.