Info
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).
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 festival tickets don't include a ski lift ticket.
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. Vendor list will be announced later. 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.
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.
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.
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
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, 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 have been operating an ambitious circular economy program with Caracara Collective, transforming waste into reusable materials for future festivals. Plastic has been 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 our engaged audience, Solstice aims at creating an eco-conscious festival experience.
FAQ
What are the opening hours?
16:00-02:00.
02:00-06:00 (After Hours)
What is the age limit?
18 years. Identification required.
How do I get to Solstice 2026?
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?
First check our Accommodation site and then book your accommodation from RA.
Where can I buy a ticket to the festival?
The accommodation ticket is for three or 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. We will inform about resale possibility on the RA site in the beginning of next year.
Can I bring my medicine?
Yes but please contact us beforehand at [email protected].
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 [email protected]
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 2026.
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