Year-round activities

Things to Do in Ruka Safaris – Winter and Summer Adventures

Aurora hunting by snoemobile sledge by Ruka Safaris

Activities in Ruka, the gate to Lapland

Welcome to Ruka Safaris, where every season brings a new way to experience the wild beauty of northern Finland. Whether you’re looking for snow-covered adventures in winter or peaceful encounters with nature in summer, our activity programs are designed to offer unforgettable experiences for all kinds of travellers.

THE PROGRAMS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE GROUP, PLEASE CONTACT OUR SALES OFFICE.

Winter Activities in Ruka and Kuusamo

When snow blankets the forests and lakes, it’s time to discover the magic of the Arctic winter. Drive your own team of huskies through frozen landscapes, ride a snowmobile across scenic trails, relax in a traditional Finnish sauna after a snowshoe hike, or try ice fishing on a frozen lake.

👉 Explore winter activities

Summer Adventures in Kuusamo

As the midnight sun lights up the summer sky, the region turns into a paradise for outdoor lovers. Join guided hiking and cycling tours, paddle a canoe through clear rivers, meet reindeer herders, and visit traditional farms. Our summer experiences connect you with local culture and the untouched nature of Kuusamo.

👉 Discover summer activities

Authentic Lapland Experiences – All Year Long

At Ruka Safaris, we specialize in creating authentic, locally guided experiences year-round. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a group, we offer tailor-made activities that immerse you in the nature, traditions, and lifestyle of northern Finland.

Sign in for activities latest on previous day by 3 p.m. by booking online or contact us +358 44 047 7010 or rukasafaris@rukasafaris.fi

All our activities are guided and include all necessary gear (life jacket, rubber boots, helmet..).
Starting point is Iisakki Village, address: Myllylahdentie 4, 93830 Rukatunturi
The activities are open departures and program will be done if minimum 4 persons is joining. We will notify you at the latest by 3 p.m. the day before if the program is cancelled.

We keep the right to change the timetables and price due to reasons beyond our control.
Valid 26th May to 1st Oct 2025

Winter 2025 – 2026 Weekly Program (PDF)

Information about our programs

When and where to book

We recommend booking your program well in advance. For the open Weekly Programs intended for holidaymakers, registration is required by 3:00 PM the day before, either by phone, email or through our online store. Please note that places are limited for each activity. For private departures, we will provide a custom quote for your group. The price depends on the group size and the content of the program. Request a quote by phone or email – we are happy to tailor an offer according to your wishes.

Where do we start?

Our guides will meet you at the Safari House in Ruka (address: Onkerniementie 12), at Iisakki Village in Rukajärvi, or at another agreed location. After getting equipped, transportation takes place either in your own vehicle or with Ruka Safaris’ transport.

Equipment

We will provide all necessary equipment for the activity. In winter, this typically includes a snowmobile overall, boots, gloves, and a hat or helmet. In summer, for example, rafting gear includes rainwear, rubber boots, life jackets and helmets. We recommend wearing your own sporty clothing under the gear. For hiking programs, sturdy shoes are highly recommended. We are happy to provide additional advice on what to wear.

Driving motor vehicles

Driving a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. All vehicles are road-legal and require at least a T-class driver’s license. Our routes include public roads and official snowmobile trails.

Children and pregnant participants

Each program description includes the minimum age requirement. For example, in snowmobile programs, the minimum age for children is 5 or 8 years, depending on the activity. Passengers on snowmobiles must be at least 140 cm tall to ensure their feet can safely reach the footrests. The family rafting adventure requires a minimum age of 5 years, while the adventure on larger rapids requires participants to be 18 or older. The minimum age for SUP boarding is 12 years. Pregnant participants are not advised to join rapid floating or husky sled rides. They cannot participate in snowmobile or whitewater rafting programs due to vibration and exhaust emissions, which may pose risks to the unborn baby.

Meals

Meal inclusions are specified in each program description. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions no later than the day before your program.

Insurance

Ruka Experiences Oy / Ruka Safaris holds liability insurance covering you and your group in case of accidents. This covers damages caused by possible negligence on our part. However, we recommend that you also take out personal travel insurance for the duration of your trip. All snowmobiles are fully insured. In case of damage, the deductible is €1000 per vehicle. This must be paid in full immediately after the program. The deductible is personal and only applies to one program or safari.

Payment methods

We accept cash, debit and credit cards (Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, and Amex). Please note: we charge for the number of participants confirmed in advance. If the group is larger than reported, we will charge according to the actual number of participants.

Cancellations

Please check the cancellation policy in the product description for each weekly program. Group programs have separate terms and conditions, which will be provided when you request a quote.