Snowshoeing in Arctic Finland

Arctic Finland is a place apart. In Europe yet different. Perhaps best known through the Northern Lights and childhood tails of Sami indigenous people and their ancient customs. It offers all of this and more. 

We fly to Kuusamo and drive the short distance to Ruka just outside the Arctic Circle. The town is dominated by Rukatunturi mountain, at 490m. The town is a popular downhill ski resort, but the superb snow record makes for ideal snowshoeing terrain. 

We have a huge range of options for walking. We are in thinly populated wilderness here. Our expert local guide can find all manner of trails away from it all. On one day we will walk up to the Russian border, a strange line in the snow between one world and another. We will not attempt to cross the border; you never know who is watching! Although wild animals including bears cross freely without challenge! On another day we will stop at traditional Finnish ‘kota’ or ‘lavvu’ in the local Sami dialect. It is the local equivalent of the native American ‘tipi’, a shelter used previously by reindeer herders but now by us as a lovely place to stop for a hot drink with lunch.

Our holidays are planned for the end of February and March when the snow will still be covering everything, but the days are getting longer allowing us to enjoy the beautiful scenery at its snow covered best. This time of year is also excellent for enjoy the Northern Lights. We will make a special excursion on one evening to give us the best possible view.