Kuusamo

Wild northern forests, Ruka slopes, rapids and aurora nights

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Kuusamo is a gateway to the wild north of Finland, surrounded by the fells and old-growth forests of Oulanka National Park, famous for the Karhunkierros hiking trail, the ski slopes of Ruka, and long dark winters lit by the northern lights. Our local picks run from rapids and reindeer to salmon and campfire coffee. Filter by category and budget below to plan your visit.

Kuusamo at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 4 days
Best time to visit: February to March for snow, or June to September for hiking
Highlights: Oulanka National Park, Ruka and the aurora
Where to stay: around Ruka or the town of Kuusamo
Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
Getting around: a car is the easiest way around

Where to stay in Kuusamo

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Ruka

Apres-Ski Terraces

★ 4.4

Kuusamo / Taivalkoski

Finlandiano

★ 4.1

Karhuntassu

Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre

Why it matters: owned and run by the City of Kuusamo, this municipal centre is Finland’s public tribute to Hannu Hautala, the country’s most celebrated nature photographer, who has documented Kuusamo’s wilderness since 1979. Rather than a private gallery, it is a civic institution built to grow appreciation of the local environment – including the Kids’ Den, where children learn about nature through games. Wander ‘In Hannu’s Footsteps’ to see his classic prints and a map of his favourite shooting spots along the Karhunkierros trail, then settle into Hannu’s Rocking Chair for the slideshow. Tip: it shares the Karhuntassu building with the town’s tourist information, so combine it with picking up regional trail advice.

Kuusamo

Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki

★ 4.3

Ruka

Hotel Rukahovi

★ 4.3

Käylä (near Kuusamo)

Käylänkoski

Kuusamo

Kuusamo Supermarket

★ 4.2

Kuusamo

Kuusamo Town Shops

★ 4.2

Kuusamo

Kuusamo Tropiikki Spa

★ 4.3

Orjasniemi Reindeer Farm

Orjasniemi is a family-run reindeer farm out in the forests near Kuusamo, and one of the most authentic ways to meet Finland’s most iconic animal. Run by the same family for some…

★ 4.2

Oulanka

Oulanka National Park

★ 4.8

Oulanka National Park

Oulanka Visitor Centre

Why it matters: run free of charge by Metsahallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland), this is the conservation gateway to Oulanka National Park – protected since 1956 – and the legendary 80km Karhunkierros trail. The award-winning exhibition ‘On the Banks of a Flowing River’ explains the fragile river ecosystem you are about to walk into, and rangers hand out trail conditions, maps and fishing permits at no cost. Walk the easy 2km nature trail from the centre out to the thundering Kiutakongas rapids before you set off. Tip: it is open daily in summer but closes for much of winter, so check hours before the long drive out from town.

Ruka

Piste Nightclub

★ 4.2

Ruka

Ravintola Piste

★ 4.4

Ruka

Riipisen Game Restaurant

★ 4.6

$$$

Ruka

Royal Ruka Suites

★ 4.5

$$$

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Find hotels in Kuusamo Book tours and experiences

Kuusamo travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Kuusamo?

Two to four days lets you ski or hike, chase the aurora and take in the Oulanka rapids and the Ruka fells.

Where is the best area to stay in Kuusamo?

The Ruka resort suits skiers and aurora hunters, while Kuusamo town is handier for services and the national park.

What are the best things to do in Kuusamo?

Browse the local picks above, from hiking the Karhunkierros trail in Oulanka to skiing at Ruka, husky safaris and the northern lights.

What is the best time to visit Kuusamo?

Winter brings snow, skiing and the aurora; the summer and autumn hiking season runs from June to September.