Activity / Quad

A Reindeer Hender's Tale

Full Day Program

Today we will explore the surroundings by quad bikes. We drive on garvel roads and routes in the terrain, heading for a reindeer farm.
At the reindeer farm we are greeted by the reindeer herder. We will have some hands on experience on what the life of a reindeer herder is all about. We will get to feed reindeer and try our hand at Lappish lasso. For sure the one thing that you will not forget for a very long time is the milking of a reindeer.
This is done by the reindeer herder, as it requires quite some practice and as the reindeer has learnt to trust him. They are after all wild animals that prefer the wilderness. Also these reindeer get to roam free in the forest most of the time.
A reindeer gives only a cup full of milk each time it is being milked. This milk is very intense and very high in fat (20%) and packed with vitamins. The milk is one of the ingredients in the pancakes that the reindeer herder will make for us over his camp fire together with lunch.

Dinner

A Very Special Welcome Dinner

Theme evening

We arrive at the beautiful countryside estate, located on the high banks of a lake. This lovely countryside estate is not only beloved by us people… a very special man retreats here as often as he can.
While we are having dinner there is a knock on the door… It is a sight for sore eyes as Santa Claus and Mrs Santa Claus step into the room and greet us good evening. They accompany us and tell some great stories from their fascinating life here in the North.

Dinner

Borderzone Adventure

Theme evening

We are invited for dinner at a restaurant by the Russian border. This very cozy and a bit secret lodge is located only a few kilometers from the border between Russia and Finland, on the Finnish side. Or is it? The road gets smaller and smaller, can there really be a restaurant here? The coach stops… A Russian border guard steps inside. We have apparently crossed the border to Russia and are now asked to present visas and passports… After a bit of inspection the stern guard lets us pass and grants us 2 hrs time to stay in Russia. In case we do not cross the border again within the given time, we are held back in Russia… (This is kept a secret to the group, at the restaurant the secret is revealed.)

Activity / Canoeing

Canoe Safari

Full Day Program

We step into the canoes, 2 persons / canoe and paddle off…
Imagine a leisurely flowing river, sandy river shores where you might see reindeer resting, small islands are dotting the river and we will embark one of them for a gourmet picnic-lunch.
Another high-light of the day is the visit to Oulanka Nature House. A guide will tell us about the nature and the geology of Kuusamo. The Nature House is very interesting and you will have time to explore the exhibitions on your own as well.

Classification:
Average

Dinner

Dinner at Studio Restaurant Tundra

Theme evening

A short transfer takes us to a fantastic restaurant, one man’s dream come true. Jarmo Pitkänen is a Chef de Cuisine and also a ceramics artist. His work with both food and ceramics can be admired at Studio Restaurant Tundra.
The house menu is a unique combination of ceramic design and culinary art. The many delicious tastes of the Kuusamo seasons are served on plates especially designed and manufactured in Ceramics Studio Tundra.

Activity / Hiking

Extreme Nature

Full Day Program

We will be rafting down the various rapids until Juuma, where our camp is. After the rafting lunch tastes particularly good!

After a nice lunch and resting break we hike in the surrounding nature. The most famous hike in the area is the Bear’s Trail. This is 80 km long and Finland’s most popular hiking trail leading through unique hill and riverside landscapes of Oulanka National Park. We will settle for a shorter hike today as we hike along the Little Bear’s Trail viewing the grand natural features of the area: roaring rapids, sheer cliffs and dense forests. We will choose the less demanding part of the trail.

Classification:
Average

Arrival Activity

Flight simulator at the Aviation Museum

Arrival Program

Helsinki airport is as modern and trendy as the capital itself.
During the past few years the airport has developed to an important gateway between Europe and Asia. In the very close approximity of Helsinki Airport is the Aviation Museum that offers an exciting experience: airplane simulators.
We will test ourselves as pilots and be coached in the art of flying by professionals. We start with a theory lesson and after that you get to try your wings with a Messerschmitt BF-109G2 or a Piper Aztec.
Snacks and refreshments are served during the simulator program.

Restaurant

Forest Restaurant Huilinki

Restaurant

Huilinki is a restaurant full of feeling with a kota hut campfire in the middle, as its heart. The surrounding forest gives shelter and the food is prepared with love and honouring traditions.

Additional Information:
Ruka: 18 km / 30 min ; Kuusamo Airport: 20 km / 30 min

Dinner

Game Fondue & Excellent Wines

Restaurant Ukonkivi

Come and enjoy local tastes in an international style! The game is cooked at the table in a fondue pan and the smell of good food will awaken your appetite. Restaurant Ukonkivi has an excellent wine selection and your host Heikki is happy to recommend you a wine just for you. Heikki’s wife Tuula will tell you about local food traditions and she might even explain why there is a boat in the restaurant…

Game fondue - the finest reindeer and elk meat with a selection of sauces, fresh and pickled vegetables and potato wedges á la maison.
Homemade apple pie and vanilla custard served with coffee or tea

Classification:
Adult / children

Duration:
2-3 hrs

Price:
38€

Restrictions:
Available for individual travelers on Thursdays at 20.00

Additional Information:
Price eur 38 / adult, eur 19 / child (4-11 yrs). Transfers are not included, please, ask us for transfers for your party. Drinks are paid on spot.

Activity / Rafting

Great River Adventure

Half Day Program

Kuusamo region is well known for it s beautiful and rugged nature. We will head for one of the National Parks for a great river adventure.
We start by getting the real feel for the rapids: floating down a rapid in rescue suits. Another way to get down the rapids is with two canoes tied together (forming a catamaran). Like all river adventures, we do some great rafting with rubber rafts. After a few rapids we arrive at an old mill by a quite fierce rapid. Here we take on another challenge: crossing the river by using ropes.
A well earned lunch is served by a camp fire.

Accommodation

Isokenkäisten Klubi

Accommodation

This lovely Guesthouse can be found from the middle of beautiful and silent nature just a stone’s throw from the Russian border zone. With its rustic walls, Klubi blends in harmony with the true wilderness by Lake Heikinjärvi.
Isokenkäisten Klubi offers accommodation for everyone. There are guesthouse-type twin rooms upstairs of the Klubi house with shared WC/shower facilities. Next to the main building in Kortteeri there are twin rooms of hotel room standard. The grounds also have two cottages. At Klubi you can feel the atmosphere of homely and cosy evenings spent by the open fire, and the lovely heat of the sauna.

Duration:
By car: Ruka – 42km / 1h , Kuusamo Airport - 42km / 1h; By Snowmobile: Ruka- 65km / 2h , Kuusamo Airport – 60km

Restrictions:
Capacity: beds: 50 ; rooms: 9 guesthouse type twin rooms with shared WC /shower , 8 twin hotel rooms , 2 cottages: 2-4 rooms with 2-3 beds

Additional Information:
By car: Ruka – 42km / 1h , Kuusamo Airport - 42km / 1h; By Snowmobile: Ruka- 65km / 2h , Kuusamo Airport – 60km

Full day program

Midsummer Dream

Full Day Program (Special)

Here in the North we know to cherish a warm summer’s day and the bright summer nights. The seasons change here and the bright and mild summers are a welcome contrast to the winter’s blue polar nights and cold temperatures. Here in the North we love the summer with its light so much that we even have a special celebration for it Midsummer Night.
Transfer to Pohjola Country House. The village and the estate are located in stunningly beautiful northern Finnish countryside vista, overlooking a lake. The origins of the estate can be traced back to 1686, when the ancestors of the family arrived at this beautiful spot, having skied across the country from Sotkamo region, over 200 km to the South. The current house, Pohjolan Pirtti, dates from 1891 and is constructed from old hand-crafted timber. The house is still in the family Pohjola.
This is a perfect place for a fun, active and romantic Midsummer Night celebration. We start by exploring the surroundings by quad bikes and challenging ourselves with Frisbee golf (2 hrs each activity). Enjoy the village, forest and open landscape views, our guides will tell about the history and traditions of the area.
Light lunch is available in between the activities.

The group will be split in two parts for the activities, 45 persons / activity.

There are two traditions Finns cannot live without on Midsummer: dancing and bonfire. The saunas are heated, so that you can relax and get ready for the evening’s party and bonfire.
A traditional band has come to entertain the group, there is also a dance group who dances classic easy dances and involves the guests in the dances. This is not at all hard, it is fun to dance in the northern light summer night.
Dinner is served from a buffet in the restaurant.

Late, when we have danced and partied, it is time to light the bonfire. The huge flaming fire reaches up towards the summer skies, completing the wonderful atmosphere of a true northern style midsummer celebration.

Accommodation

Oivanki Lodges

Accommodation

The beautiful massive log houses of Oivangin Lomakartano are situated on a beautiful small lake in the middle of the forest. Large traditionally built log houses come with double rooms and sauna, toilet and showers to share. A nice spacious living room with fireplace invites to you to spend a cosy and nice evening together.

Duration:
By car: Ruka – 22km / 20min , Kuusamo – 15km / 15min , Kuusamo Airport - 16km / 15min; By Snowmobile: Ruka - 16km , Kuusamo Airport – 15km

Restrictions:
Capacity: beds: 45; rooms: 3 lodges with 4-9 bedrooms

Additional Information:
By car: Ruka – 22km / 20min , Kuusamo – 15km / 15min , Kuusamo Airport - 16km / 15min; By Snowmobile: Ruka - 16km , Kuusamo Airport – 15km

Restaurant

Pohjola Country House

Restaurant

Riita-Mari was the lady of the house in the early 1900s as the house was an inn, serving people on their way to Russia.
Guests were offered accommodation, horse-drawn sleigh rides and local food. Tonight the table is set with local, traditional delicacies and as in the time of Riita-Mari, the beautiful surroundings and the old Country House set the atmosphere.

Additional Information:
Ruka: 35 km / 40 min ; Kuusamo Airport: 35 km / 40 min

Accommodation

Rantasipi Hotel Rukahovi

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel rooms and homely apartments welcome you to relax and enjoy your holiday. Rukahovi is located right in the heart of the Ruka ski resort.

Restrictions:
Capacity: beds: 795; rooms: 180 twin room, 17 suites, 48 apartments for 3-6 persons.

Additional Information:
By car: Ruka – 0 km / 0 min , Kuusamo Airport - 30 km / 40min.

Dinner

Ready, steady cook!

Restaurant Tundra

Studio Restaurant Tundra invites all the gourmands to an unforgettable dinner. The restaurant kitchen is buzzing with conversation and laughter. Soon the table is set for a self-made feast. Chef de Cuisine Jarmo Pitkänen will be guiding you throughout the evening. He shows us how to get the best flavours from delicious northern ingredients. The Chef helps us to prepare a tasty three-course meal and after the preparation we dine, talk and enjoy the evening. From here, you learn many tips for you to try at home."

Classification:
Gourmet

Dinner

Real Finnish Sauna and BBQ Dinner

Evening Program

The saunas in the lodges are ready and heated when you return from your day activity. Also the modern but still traditional smoke sauna by the restaurant is heated as well as the Hot Spring. Nature is providing us with a fantastic clear watered lake and you can refresh yourself with a plunge in the lake. All guests will be provided with a sauna kit including bathrobes, sauna honey, body scrub and a moisturizing lotion.
Tonight we will enjoy a BBQ-style dinner in the restaurant by the lodges. The setting is the restaurant which has been prolonged with a tent where the BBQ-buffet is.

Duration:
4 hrs

Restaurant

Restaurant Juomuskota

Restaurant

Idyllic and cosy restaurant Juomuskota has an atmosphere and flavours of Northern Finnish countryside. The shape of the restaurant is inspired by the kota hut. Here you can spend the night under the Northern Lights enjoying the local delicacies in good company. House specialties include fish dishes, and many recipes are the house’s own.

Additional Information:
Ruka: 45 km / 50 min ; Kuusamo Airport: 25 km / 30 min

Restaurant

Restaurant Klubi

Restaurant

Tonight we will have a real journey of flavours from the sources of genuine and traditional food of Lapland. The hostesses of Klubi warmly welcome you to a place where you feel like you’re coming home.

Additional Information:
Ruka: 42 km / 1 hrs ; Kuusamo Airport: 42 km / 1 hrs

Restaurant

Restaurant Kultala

Restaurant

Restaurant Kultala is a cosy lodge restaurant located close to Ruka, but still on a calm spot by a little lake. The wilderness, pure spring water and the Lappish scenery are all part of the evening here.

Additional Information:
Ruka: 4,5 km / 10 min ; Kuusamo Airport: 27 km / 35 min

Restaurant

Restaurant Ukonkivi

Restaurant

Dinner at Ukonkivi Restaurant is an experience of Lappish flavours and traditions where all the details have been considered. You can taste all the different ingredients from nature and enjoy the warmth of the open fire.

Additional Information:
Ruka: 25 km / 20 min; Kuusamo Airport: 16 km / 15 min

Accommodation

Rukan Salonki Chalets

Accommodation

Robust deadwood chalets offer high quality accommodation at the root of the hill Rukatunturi. Rukan Salonki is located only 10 minutes away from the action in Ruka ski resort, yet surrounded by the nature of Lake Salonkijärvi.
14 well-facilitated chalets vary from two bedrooms and six beds all the way up to seven bedrooms and 14 beds. The spacious and cosy living rooms will not leave anyone out of the good times spent together.

Duration:
By car: Ruka – 4,5 km / 10 min , Kuusamo Airport - 27km / 35min

Restrictions:
Capacity: beds: 200; rooms: 14 chalets with 2 – 7 bedrooms.

Additional Information:
By car: Ruka – 4,5 km / 10 min , Kuusamo Airport - 27km / 35min

Accommodation

Sokos Hotel Kuusamo

Accommodation

Sokos Hotel Kuusamo is a comfortable hotel perfectly situated in the very heart of the lively and bustling town of Kuusamo, yet very close to pristine and untouched Nordic wilderness.

Restrictions:
Capacity: beds: 282 ; rooms: 141

Restaurant

Studiorestaurant Tundra

Restaurant

Studiorestaurant Tundra serves gourmet food made of local ingredients and that’s not all: there is also a ceramics studio on the premises. The plates are made by the chef himself. Jarmo Pitkänen is a Chef de Cuisine and also a ceramics artist. His work with both food and ceramics can be admired at Studio Restaurant Tundra.
An evening to remember, a unique experience. Fantastic food and unforgettable multisensory experiences.

Duration:
2 hrs

Additional Information:
Ruka: 25 km / 25 min ; Kuusamo Airport: 12 km / 15 min

Dinner

Tastes of Wilderness

Forest Restaurant Huilinki

Dine in traditional ”Kota” style, around the open fire, yet comfortably inside a cozy Forest Restaurant. The Kota-huts used to be the dwellings of the ancient Sámi people and Forest Restaurant Huilinki really is as welcoming as a home!

Mushroom soup: the mushrooms were handpicked around the corner
Sautéed reindeer, mashed potatoes and lingonberries: the potatoes are locally grown and the berries picked by the restaurant keepers Hannu and Tellervo.
Forest berries: also these are handpicked, carefully preserved and served with a little sweetness added

Classification:
Adult / children

Duration:
2-3 hrs

Price:
38€

Restrictions:
Available for individual travelers on Wednesdays at 17.00

Additional Information:
Price eur 38 / adult, eur 19 / child (4-11 yrs).

Dinner

Welcome Dinner at Restaurant Ukonkivi

Theme evening

The atmosphere is calm and stylish and the setting is perfect for some local flavors. The house butler as well as the host greets you on arrival.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvre are served and there is time to enjoy the atmosphere and the bright summer night before we are seated for dinner. In case you wish to, the Champagne and hors d’oeuvres can be served outdoors.
The butler will tell you about the local dishes which are served tonight. Ukonkivi has a perfect selection of well known international wines and they complement the special flavors of the pure northern ingredients