SideQuests

Ruka presents the perfect opportunity to get in touch with nature. The area’s national parks together with Ruka-Kuusamo’s services, hiking trails and outdoor activities make sure that there’s plenty of options for everyone - for those of us who like to enjoy nature by slowing down as well as those who like to get wild in the wilderness.

From mountain biking and the soaring zip line to swimming and hiking, there are so many things to do — something for everyone’s taste and budget.

And of course, the summer sledge is guaranteed fun, every year. For everything about activities, hop onto Ruka Ski Resort’s own website.


Get down on it

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  • Sauna

    • Sauna is an essential part of Finnish midsummer. Ruka area offers multiple options for a refreshing start for the day.

      We'll be hosting a midsummer lounge and sauna sesh with Karhu at BASE Sauna on Friday and Saturday up on the hill at Saarua. Book here.

  • Mellow Trail: Run & Hike

    • Ruka is home to some of the most beautiful nature Finland has to offer, making it a hiker's and runner's paradise. From whitewater rivers to Lappish fells and dense natural forests. Pack some grub and head out to the relaxing woods and stunning hills of the north.

      For Mellow Minutes guided trail run, sign up here.
      For Mellow Minutes guided hike, sign up here.

      More information about trails here.

  • Birdwatching Tour

    • Ruka area hosts home to many rare bird species. We’ll go together to Konttainen, where we most likely see some of them. Meeting a Siberian jay will put a smile on everyone’s face, no doubt. No previous experience or gear needed. Sign up here.

  • Yoga with VUORI

    • Got in over 30k steps yesterday? Put your body and mind into a charger and stretch yourself into a new day with Anna-Maija Varis. A joyful blend of yoga, functional movement, meditation, and breath work to get you going. Pre-booking required, no skills or equipment needed. Organised together with our friend at VUORI. Sign up here.

  • Swimming

    • When the sun hits, nothing beats a dip in a lake – Talvijärvi lake is the place to be. For a little adventure, try hiking to Valtavaara and taking a swim in Valtavaara Pond.

  • Mountain Biking & Bike Park

    • Up with a lift, down by bike. Ruka-Kuusamo offers mountain biking in stunning landscapes for beginners and pros with ready made courses. Bikes and e-bikes are available to rent from Ruka Bikes. More information here.

  • River Rafting

    • Kuusamo and its roaring rivers are perfect for river rafting. From easier shorter routes to difficult and long ones. More information and booking here.

  • Summer Sled

    • Need for speed? Ruka's summer sled track takes you down the hill at up to 60km/h. More information here.

  • Paddling & Canoeing

    • A relaxing way to explore the waters around Ruka. More information and booking here.

  • Zipline

    • Glide through the skies, over the Ruka fell with Finland's longest zipline as you marvel at the breathtaking scenery around and beneath you. Starting at Ruka’s peak, you slide to the crest at the Gondola Lift Station. More information here.

  • Ruka Coaster

    • Like a roller coaster in the fells, Ruka Coaster offers stunning scenery and speeds of up to 40 km/h. Prefer a gentler ride? You control the pace with your own brake lever. Hop into a sled at the lower station next to Piste Rental, where the track’s lift system carries you to the top. The 767-meter descent begins near the summit and finishes back at the base. More info here.

  • Ruka Rally Mountain Carts

    • Get ready to race! You’ll pick up your mountain cart at the top of the Village Express chairlift—so hop on the lift first! The Ruka Rally route follows the Easy Way Down slope. No previous experience is needed, and it’s suitable for everyone.

      What’s a mountain cart?

      It’s a three-wheeled ride with a comfy seat, aluminum frame, and wide tires for a smooth ride even on rough terrain. Hydraulic disc brakes and a low center of gravity make it stable and safe.You’ll get both the cart and a helmet from the rally pit stop at the top of Village Express, and after your ride down, return the cart to the lift’s bottom station—staff will bring it back up.

  • Ruka Water Park

    • Doing it in the (water) park. More information here.

  • Ruka Adventure Park

    • Get ready to reach new heights at Ruka’s brand-new climbing park – Ylös & Alas Adventure Park, where adventure, fun, and personal challenges meet amidst breathtaking nature. More information here.