Our Wilderness Base
Ruka-Kuusamo Tours — Our Lapland Base
Our home in Finnish Lapland — directly under the auroral oval, beside Oulanka National Park. Husky safaris, frozen waterfalls and world-class Northern Lights.
Ruka-Kuusamo is our operating base and one of the finest aurora hotspots in Europe. Sitting at 66°N directly beneath the auroral oval, it combines excellent infrastructure — a resort, ski slopes and shops — with immediate access to genuine wilderness in Oulanka National Park, just 30 minutes away.
Because we are based here year-round, our local guides know exactly where to go for clear skies and active aurora, and our packages weave together husky safaris, reindeer farms, snowmobiling, frozen-waterfall hikes and multiple Northern Lights hunts from this single, well-located base.
Why Ruka-Kuusamo for the aurora?
Its position beneath the auroral oval plus the dark skies of Oulanka National Park make Ruka-Kuusamo one of the most reliable aurora bases in Finland. As locals, our guides track conditions in real time and drive to the clearest skies each night.
Things to do in Ruka-Kuusamo
Husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling across frozen lakes, full-day hikes to the frozen waterfalls and hanging bridge of Oulanka, the Ruka Ski Center and coaster, plus nightly Northern Lights hunts. It is the activity heart of our packages.
Getting to Ruka-Kuusamo
Kuusamo has direct seasonal flights, or it is a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Rovaniemi. Our packages arrive via the Helsinki–Lapland night train and onward transfer.
Recommended packages
Hand-picked tours that include this experience.
7 Days / 6 NightsFinland Backpackers Trip
7 Days · 6 Nights · December to March
7 Days / 6 NightsFinland Northern Lights Tour
7 Days · 6 Nights · 4 to 10 December
7 Days / 6 NightsFinland Autumn Tours
7 Days · 6 Nights · September to November
8 Days / 7 NightsFinland Family and Couple Tours
8 Days · 7 Nights · December to March
What our guests say
★★★★★ 4.9 · 125 reviewsReal, verified reviews from travellers on our Finnish Lapland tours.
“Absolutely life-changing trip. We saw the northern lights on our very first night out in Ruka and I honestly burst into tears. The guide was so patient with us and made sure everyone got amazing photos. Will book again for my parents.”
Priya Sharma
🇮🇳 India · Sep 2024
“First time ever in snow and what an introduction! The snowmobile ride across frozen lakes was pure adrenaline. Oulanka National Park felt like something from a movie. Could not have asked for a better organised trip.”
Ananya Iyer
🇮🇳 India · Jan 2025
“Best travel investment I have ever made. The guides know exactly where to go for the best aurora views away from any light pollution. Photos turned out incredible. Booking for next winter already!”
Suresh Krishnan
🇮🇳 India · Jan 2025
Frequently asked questions
Ready to plan your Lapland trip?
Talk to our Finland-based team — we’ll tailor the perfect itinerary, dates and budget for you.