Festival site & accessibility

• The festival is held on top of a fell called Rukatunturi, 490m above sea level, and it is a part of Ruka Ski Resort. The area is rocky, at times challenging to travel and has level changes. For this reason, all of it is not wheelchair accessible. If you wish to enter with a wheelchair, please let us know beforehand through [email protected]

• A detailed map of Ruka Village and a lot of other information about the surrounding areas and activities can be found here.

Arriving at Ruka

• Check out our travel section to learn more about how to get to Ruka.

• The festival shuttle buses will take you directly to accommodations at RukaVillage, MastonAitio, RukaValley. The AurinkoRinne apartments are located 350m, and RukaTonttu 500m from RukaVillage.

• Matkahuolto buses arrive at RukaVillage.

• For those coming with a car, there are plenty of free parking spots around the area, close to the accommodations. MastonAitio cabins have parking spots in the front. All parking info can be found here.

• Your apartment info and door code will be sent to you via text message. If you haven’t received a code upon arrival, please visit the reception at Ski-Inn RukaVillage (Tue-Sun 08-22) or call Ski-Inn Reception +358103825150 (24/7).

Wristband exchange & ticket sales

• We have two wristband exchanges. If you are coming from Ruka Village you can get your wristband from our wristband exchange at the bottom of the Village Express Ski Lift located in Ruka Village. After the ski lift closes at 20:00, the Wristband exchange moves up, next to Peak entrance.

  If you are entering from the Kelo entrance on the MastonAitio side, you get your wristband at the Kelo entrance on that side. If you have a three day festival ticket, you’ll receive your ski lift ticket as you exchange the festival ticket into your wristband.

• Wristband exchange in Ruka Village is open:

  Wed 18:00 - 22:00.
  Thu - Sat 14:00 - 20:00.
  Thu - Fri 20:00 - 02:00 wristband exchange at the Peak entrance.
  Sat - 20:00-00:30 wristband exchange at the Peak entrance.

  Wristband exchange at the Kelo entrance is open:

  Thu - Fri 16:00 - 01:00.
  Sat - 16:00 - 00:30

• We don’t have ticket sales at Ruka. If there are still tickets left when the festival starts, you can purchase a ticket through Tiketti and change it immediately at the wristband exchange.

Getting around & Ski-lift

• You can get around Ruka by foot. Distances can be rather long, the terrain can be advanced and the steepness may surprise you at times, but it's still the best way to get around. Just remember to reserve enough time :-)

• The Ski lift helps you get up (and down). All three day tickets include a ski lift ticket. Village Express takes you directly to the festival site. One and two day festivaö tickets doesn't include a ski lift ticket.

• Ski Lifts are open daily 10-20. Please note that the last chair goes up at 20, so come to the station in time to make it up with the lift. Unfortunately it is out of our hands to run the lifts longer. But there are plenty of good reasons to come up early enough to make the most out of your day.
  
  Ruka's taxi services are convenient for longer distances. Electric mountain bikes are also a handy and a fun way to move around the area. You can rent them from Ruka Bikes.

Drinks and food on site

• We offer high quality drinks from Finnish beer to natural wines and cocktails at the festival site.

• For when the hunger hits, there are three food vendors on the site: Alvarin Dogi, Le Puska & N4ku. All the food vendors have vegan options too.

• Bringing your own drinks or food to the festival site isn't allowed, but you can bring a non-deposit water bottle and small snacks.

• All canned drinks and bottles sold inside the festival area include a 1€ deposit which is refundable upon return. We strongly encourage you to return them.

Restaurants

• From RukaVillage and RukaValley, you'll find plenty of restaurants offering a vast variety of dishes focusing on local cuisine and ingredients and a lot of vegetarian and vegan options.

• Vespino // Mon-Sun 16-22
  BASE // Thu-Sun 12-21
  Pizzeria Ruka // Mon-Sun 11-23
  RUOK Burger // Mon-Sun 12-21
  Kotipizza // Mon-Sun 10.30-21
  
  More info and a full list of restaurants here.

Services

• ATM
  There is an ATM located in Ruka Village, at Kumpare shopping centre (outside), 1 km from the festival site. Accepted forms of payment on the festival site are cash (not at food stands or cloakroom), credit and bank cards.

• Pharmacy
  Ruka Info (at Shopping Centre Kumpare) has a Kuusamo Central Pharmacy service point where you can buy the most common self-care medicines and bandages. Ruka Info is open daily 10–17.

• Grocery Stores
  In Ruka Village, the closest grocery shop, K Market, is in Shopping Centre Kumpare. More shopping opportunities are available at Rukan Portti, where you can find Sale Ruka and Alko.

• OPENING HOURS

• K-Market Ruka Village
  Mon–Sat 10–20
  Sun 10–19

• Sale Ruka
  Mon–Tue 08–21
  Fri 08–18
  Sat–Sun 10–21

• Alko Ruka
  Mon–Thu 10–18
  Fri 09–12
  Sat closed
  Sun closed

Trash

• It’s very important that you leave no trace behind, meaning no cigarette butts, no glitter, no confetti, no packaging, no other trash, cans or bottles. We encourage everyone to pick up litter as they go.

• Pocket ashtrays are available at wrisband exchange points. Please pick one up if you intend to smoke.

• All cans and bottles have a 1€ deposit which you'll get back or can use at any of the bars.

Behaviour

• We have zero tolerance for harassment, disruptive, and generally unwanted behaviour. If you witness any, please report to security or a staff member. Take care of each other.

• Zero tolerance for illegal substances. Everyone is subject to a security check at the gate.

• It’s very important that you leave no trace behind, meaning no cigarette butts, no glitter, no confetti, no packaging, no other trash, cans or bottles. We encourage everyone to pick up litter as they go. Pocket ashtrays are available at wristband exchange points. Please take one up if you intend to smoke.

• All cans and bottles have a 1€ deposit which you’ll get back or can use at any of the bars.

Care Team

• Our Care Team embodies the principles of safer spaces. Safer spaces, which have their roots in queer and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, challenge the idea that violence and discrimination are inevitable in nightlife environments. Instead, it centers on prioritizing the safety of marginalized individuals while offering support to everyone. At heart, creating a safer space means fostering an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves without fear for their safety.

• Care Team aims to ensure that all people feel as safe and comfortable as possible during the festival, free from harassment of any kind like unwanted touching, catcalling, stalking, weird staring, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism or any kind of discrimination, all of which are not tolerated at Solstice. The Care Team is there for you to talk to and in order to help if you experience or witness any of the aforementioned.

• Our Care Team consist of members of the underground dance community from Finland and beyond. Our volunteers bring diverse experiences to their roles and undergo a training for their tasks. On site, the Care Team is always supported by our Care Team leader.
  
  There will be 4-5 Care Team members available to you continuously during the festival hours and spread around the festival site. You can spot our Care Team from colourful vests with a Solstice-logo and Care written on the backside.

• Care Team operates independently from security and authorities.

• The Calming tent is a low-stimulation space for if you feel overwhelmed, uncomfortable or just need to get away for a while. It’s located between the Kelo Stage and Valley Bar area. Tea, snacks and quiet care by a Care Team member are available.

• If you wish to  contact our Care Team with ideas, feedback or complaints, we encourage you to reach out to us at [email protected]. We continuously strive to improve and refine our practices, so your input truly means the world to us.

Clothing & gear

• Bring plenty of warm clothes and layers as Finnish summer weather can be unpredictable. It's highly recommended to bring with you a wind- and waterproof jacket and pants, as well as suitable shoes for challenging terrain.

• We advice to take a mmpty non-refundable water bottle - there is a refill station in the area.

• It's great to have something to keep the mosquitoes away - head net hat / repellent

• Sunscreen or a hat to protect you from the sun

Prohibited items

• Drinks of any kind

• Illicit substances

• Pets or other animals

• Umbrellas

• SLR cameras, Tripods, Selfie sticks, GoPro sticks and other camera sticks

• Deposit bottles

• Weapons of any kind, firearms, drugs/narcotics, alcohol and any other illegal items

• Aerosol sprays (hairspray, deodorant, paint etc.)

• Thermacell mosquito repellents (all normal non-aerosol mosquito sprays are okay - let's not kill our friends in the ecosystem)

• Any portable chairs

First aid

• The first aid is located next to the Peak entrance. Emergency number is 112. Please contact a security team or a staff member if you witness a case of emergency.

Sustainability

• At Solstice Festival, sustainability is woven into every aspect of production, aiming for a net-negative carbon footprint by 2026. We are committed to a fully circular economy system in collaboration with Caracara Collective, prioritizing renewable energy, waste reduction, and resource-efficient practices.

• Renewable Energy: Our partnership with Ruka Resort ensures that all electricity is sourced from renewable energy, minimizing emissions from stage operations, lighting, and facilities.

• Circular Economy & Waste Management: We operate an ambitious circular economy program with Caracara Collective, transforming waste into reusable materials for future festivals. Plastic waste is repurposed into durable recycled materials used in structures and art installations. Our commitment extends to sourcing recycled components from Kuusamo’s waste stations, further reducing landfill impact and promoting material reuse.

• Sustainable Transportation: To minimize travel emissions, we prioritize shared transport options. Our shuttle buses from Helsinki and Oulu reduce the need for individual vehicles, accommodating nearly 400 attendees and staff. Electric vehicles are used for on-site logistics, artist transport, and operational needs, reinforcing our low-carbon mission.

• Eco-Friendly Food Choices: With a selection of vegetarian and vegan options, Solstice offers sustainable food for both attendees and staff. In 2023, vegan options accounted for over 70% of meals served, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. We collaborate with vendors who share our values, providing biodegradable packaging and minimizing single-use plastics with free water refill stations.

• Together with Caracara Collective and our engaged audience, Solstice aims at creating an eco-conscious festival experience.

What are the opening hours?

• 16:00-02:00.

What is the age limit?

• 18 years. Identification required.

How do I get to Solstice 2025?

• Ruka Ski Resort is located in Kuusamo. The easiest way to get there is by bus. We sell bus tickets from Helsinki to Ruka and back, which will be available around Feb.

• The nearest airport is Kuusamo Airport. You can also fly to Oulu Airport and take a bus to Kuusamo. Bus tickets for Oulu-Kuusamo available at www.matkahuolto.fi.

Where can I book an accommodation?

• From Tiketti.

Where can I buy a ticket to the festival?

• You can buy tickets from Tiketti.

The accommodation ticket is for four nights but I can't stay that many / I want to stay longer.

• You can arrive later or leave earlier within the booking period. If you wish to extend your stay past four days, please contact [email protected]

Is there a camping site?

• There is no camping on the festival site or organised by the festival. However, the nearest tent camping possibilty can be found at Valtavaara. More information on that here. Should you decide to camp, be sure to pay extra attention on leaving no trace behind and being respectful to the land and the people around.

Is there fresh drinkable water on site?

• Yes inside the festival area. You can bring an empty bottle to fill it up. We also sell spring water bottles on site. Note: Tap water at the accomodations is also safe and drinkable.

Is there a guarded place to leave my belongings on the festival site?

• Yes. There will be a dedicated cloakroom at the Peak entrance. It costs 3,50€ to leave your stuff there and additional visits cost 2€. If it starts to rain and you need your coat or other rain gear from the cloak room, there’s no charge for an additional visit. Card payment only.

Can I bring food?

• You can bring small snacks (nuts, cookies, bananas etc.)

Is there an ATM on site and what forms of payment are accepted?

• There is one located in Ruka Village, 1 km from the festival site. Accepted forms of payment on site are cash, credit and bank cards.

How do I move around Ruka and the festival site?

• Mainly by foot and ski lifts. The ski lift takes you easily from RukaVillage to the festival area and back. There’s a local cab service as well, which makes it easy to get around. Electric mountain bikes are also very handy in the area. You can rent them from Ruka Bikes.

Can I drive there?

• You can and there are parking spaces in Ruka Village and. Those staying at MastonAitio will have a parking space there. More info here.

Can I return or change my ticket?

• All tickets are non-refundable and unexchangeable unless the event is cancelled.

Can I bring my medicine?

• Yes but please contact us beforehand at hello(at)solsticefestival.fi

Can I take photos or film at the festival?

• Yes, but keep in mind your fellow festival attendees. Don’t film other people without their permission and please don’t film or take photos on the dancefloors. Professional SLR cameras, selfie sticks, drones or tripods are forbidden.

Accreditation

• For press inquiries, please get in touch by 1st April at hello(at)solsticefestival.fi

• All attendees arriving through accreditation will contribute a €20 accreditation fee, payable at the accreditation and wristband exchange. The collected fees will be donated to a selected charity, which will be announced in spring 2025.

Sustainability?

• Solstice aims for zero waste and minimal environmental impact, and is implementing its circular economy system in all aspects of its production. Solstice collaborates closely with Ruka Kuusamo’s sustainability program, as well as ‘The Most Sustainable European Capital of Culture’ program with Oulu.
  
  Solstice Festival adheres to green values and works in accordance to Ruka’s environmental plan to ensure a carbon neutral festival. All of the electricity used will be generated through wind and water power. Waste will be recycled back into energy and raw materials to be used in our art installations. Read more about Ruka’s environmental plan at www.ruka.fi/en/environment.

Questions

• If you have questions about the festival or you wish to partner with Solstice Festival you can send an email to hello(at)solsticefestival.fi

Partners & Media accreditation

• If you have press inquiries please get in touch by 1st April at hello(at)solsticefestival.fi