Winter Activities in Rukan Salonki

Snowmobile Excursion – Introduction, 20km

Have you always wondered what it is like to drive a snowmobile and wished you could have a proper introduction to this arctic way of travelling? On this introduction safari you will get an idea of snowmobiling. In case you already have tried snowmobiling, it is OK, we drive in beautiful terrain and you will have time to enjoy the views! Our professional wilderness guide will give you a thorough driving lesson for the snowmobiles and no previous experience is required – we tell you how to handle them safe and sound.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 2 hours

Times: Monday 10:00, Wednesday 14:00, Thursday 10:00

Note: All drivers of snowmobiles must have a valid driver’s license. Adults travel 2 persons / snowmobile (unless single driving is reserved in advance), one driver and one passenger and it is possible to change places during the safari. Passengers of snowmobiles are seated behind the driver and must be able to reach the handles and feet must rest on the foot pedals. Children 4-11 years and under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by snowmobiles of the guides. Children 4-11 years, taller than 140 cm can be seated on the snowmobile, but then adult price applies. Children aged 2-3 years are free of charge and travel in sledges. Children under 2 yrs of age cannot join the snowmobile

Snowmobile Safari, 30km

When you feel like exploring just a little more of the winter wonderland, this is the right safari for you. A little more than an introduction, but still very good for beginners and first-timers. First things first, the driving lesson and then we take off into the forests and snowy landscapes. This safari consists of driving only, short breaks for taking photos and maybe asking your guide some questions to the snowmobiling or Lappish nature.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 3 hours

Times: Monday 14:00

Note: All drivers of snowmobiles must have a valid driver’s license. Adults travel 2 persons / snowmobile (unless single driving is reserved in advance), one driver and one passenger and it is possible to change places during the safari. Passengers of snowmobiles are seated behind the driver and must be able to reach the handles and feet must rest on the foot pedals. Children 4-11 years and under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by snowmobiles of the guides. Children 4-11 years, taller than 140 cm can be seated on the snowmobile, but then adult price applies. Children aged 2-3 years are free of charge and travel in sledges. Children under 2 yrs of age cannot join the snowmobile.

Arctic Speed Snowmobile Safari, 50km

The silent, snow-covered forest, the nocturnal fell on the edge of the boundless wilderness, and the magical Northern Lights above you. Take a seat in the heated Aurora sleigh and enjoy! Your guide tows the sleigh with a snowmobile through the snowy, moon and starlit landscape, all the way to the top of the fell, far away from the residential areas and their light pollution. After arriving, we prepare our cameras and take photographs of the northern night sky. We wait for the Northern Lights to appear in comfort by the fire, enjoying hot drinks and listening to tales until someone spots the first flare. Now your imagination is the only limit: The Northern Lights waving across the sky, the constellations, snowy trees.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 5 hours

Times: Saturday, 10:00

Note: All drivers of snowmobiles must have a valid driver’s license. Adults travel 2 persons / snowmobile (unless single driving is reserved in advance), one driver and one passenger and it is possible to change places during the safari. Passengers of snowmobiles are seated behind the driver and must be able to reach the handles and feet must rest on the foot pedals. Children 4-11 years and under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by snowmobiles of the guides. Children 4-11 years, taller than 140 cm can be seated on the snowmobile, but then adult price applies. Children aged 2-3 years are free of charge and travel in sledges. Children under 2 yrs of age cannot join the snowmobile.

Snowmobile to a Reindeer Farm, 50km

Reindeer herding is the oldest livelihood in Lapland and today’s snowmobile safari will take you to the trails of a reindeer herder. Our professional wilderness guide will give you a thorough driving lesson for the snowmobiles and no previous experience is required – we tell you how to handle them safe and sound. We drive the snowmobiles from Ruka to a reindeer farm, where the reindeer herders greet us. At the farm we familiarize with the reindeer and have a short ride (300m) in the reindeer sledge in the farms corral. You will hear stories about reindeer and life with reindeer from the reindeer herders and have a strengthening lunch at the farm. One last highlight is the authentic old house at the farm, that today holds a handicraft shop. On the way back to Ruka on snowmobiles you will already thinking back on the interesting encounters at the farm.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 5 hours

Times: Tuesday & Wednesday at 10:00

Note: All drivers of snowmobiles must have a valid driver’s license. Adults travel 2 persons / snowmobile (unless single driving is reserved in advance), one driver and one passenger and it is possible to change places during the safari. Passengers of snowmobiles are seated behind the driver and must be able to reach the handles and feet must rest on the foot pedals. Children 4-11 years and under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by snowmobiles of the guides. Children 4-11 years, taller than 140 cm can be seated on the snowmobile, but then adult price applies. Children aged 2-3 years are free of charge and travel in sledges. Children under 2 yrs of age cannot join the snowmobile.

Snowmobile Safari to the Russian Border, 100km

This exciting safari takes you through the arctic wilderness to the “last frontier of Europe”, all the way to the border zone to Russia. Our professional wilderness guide will give you a thorough driving lesson for the snowmobiles and how to handle them safe and sound. We will travel through vast wilderness in an area that is known for the snow packed trees. On top of Kuntivaara Hill we will have a look over to Russia and can see the wilderness and National Park areas continuing there, for them the border does not exist. Lunch and a good break in a warm and cozy lodge will be enjoyed about half-way through the safari.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 6 hours

Times: Friday, 10:00

Important: This safari is driven 1 person / snowmobile only. Some experience in snowmobile driving is of advantage, good physical condition is required. Age limit for this tour is 18 years of age. Duration about 6 hrs. Driving distance is up to 100 km, depending on the weather conditions and the driving skills of the participants.

Arctic Night on Snowmobile, 20km

Arctic Night Safari takes you to a tour into our northern forests and if we are lucky – to witness the Northern Lights. The snowy forest tracks in the night are still one to remember. Our professional wilderness guide will give you a thorough driving lesson for the snowmobiles and no previous experience is required – we tell you how to handle them safe and sound. We enjoy some hot drinks and a light snack on the way as we take some breaks to have a look on the northern sky and you will have the opportunity to take those memorable photos.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 3 hours

Times: Monday – Saturday, 20:00

Note: All drivers of snowmobiles must have a valid driver’s license. Adults travel 2 persons / snowmobile (unless single driving is reserved in advance), one driver and one passenger and it is possible to change places during the safari. Passengers of snowmobiles are seated behind the driver and must be able to reach the handles and feet must rest on the foot pedals. Children 4-11 years and under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by snowmobiles of the guides. Children 4-11 years, taller than 140 cm can be seated on the snowmobile, but then adult price applies. Children aged 2-3 years are free of charge and travel in sledges. Children under 2 yrs of age cannot join the snowmobile.

Husky Safari

On your arrival at the lakeside husky camp, you are greeted by the enthusiastic barking of the huskies. The small-scale husky camp is located in lovely forest terrain and after the careful instructions on driving and safety you will take off into the landscape with your own husky team. The team carries two persons, one musher and one passenger and you can change places during the safari. After the thrill and speed of the start, you soon start to relax and enjoy the surroundings and the co-operation with these lovely arctic runners. The tour of 10 km is a good introduction to husky mushing and this arctic mode of travelling. Once you return to the camp, you are invited to the kota for a strengthening snack and some information on huskies. You can also visit the huskies in the fenced area where they have their “homes”. There might be some cute puppies around!

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March , Daily at 11:00

Duration: 2hrs for 10km, 3hrs for 20km

Reindeer Farm with Short Reindeer Ride

Welcome to familiarize with the oldest livelihood in Lapland! Reindeer herding has long traditions and is a lifestyle as much as a livelihood, inherited from generation to generation. Have you ever ridden a reindeer sleigh? Today you will have the possibility to do experience this old mode of travelling. You are comfortably seated in the reindeer sledge and the reindeer takes you for a test ride of 300 m in their sledges. The sledge seats 2 adults and 1-3 children. There will also be time for photos and a snack by the campfire of Kammi shelter.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Time: Daily at 12:00

Reindeer Farm with Long Reindeer Ride

Welcome to familiarize with the oldest livelihood in Lapland! Reindeer herding has long traditions and is a lifestyle as much as a livelihood, inherited from generation to generation. Have you ever ridden a reindeer sleigh? Today you will have the possibility to do experience this old mode of travelling. You are comfortably seated in the reindeer sledge and the reindeer takes you to the 1,5km long track through the snowy forest. The sledge seats 2 adults and 1-3 children. You will also visit the reindeer enclosure where you can take photos and learn about the ways of reindeer. Have you heard the snap of their claws or the sound of them munching their special treat, lichen? Did you know that the appearance of reindeer changes all the time, because they shed their winter coats in spring, and lose and re-grow their antlers every year? These and many more stories will unravel for you during today’s visit. When the reindeer have had their treats, we will go on to the open fire at Kammi shelter where it is your turn to enjoy campfire coffee, reindeer sausages and home baked pastries. Here, the reindeer herders will gladly tell you stories about the ancient traditions in reindeer herding. Before leaving the farm, you get to visit the handicrafts shop at the historic 100- year-old farmhouse living room.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 4 hours

Time: Wednesday & Thursday & Friday at 14:00

Ice Fishing Excursion

The favorite past-time of the locals is ice-fishing. Just drill a hole in the ice and sit back to enjoy the beautiful winter day. Your wilderness guide will show you the tricks of the trade when it comes to ice-fishing and then you can give it a go yourself. It is all in the jig and the patience, not the catch or the size of the catch. The main point is to enjoy the day. Finns never go for ice-fishing or pilkki, as it is called in Finnish, without a tasty snack in their backpacks. Your guide has of course taken care of this for you. Miia and Sami will take you to their cottage for a true “pilkki” experience, just like the locals would do it. Some hot beverages and small snack is served during the stay at the cottage. This excursion is suitable for everyone and should the weather we very cold and windy you always have the shelter of the cottage to retreat to.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 4 hours

Time: Daily at 10:00

Arctic Day Snowshoeing, 3 – 4km

Fresh air, beautiful snow and a real winter feeling. This is what snowshoeing is all about. The snowshoes help you from sinking into the up to 1,5 m deep snow cover and lets you go to places in the nature that are difficult to reach in the wintertime. As you move silently, you might see some arctic animals or birds. Your wilderness guide will tell you about the nature, the seasons, flora and fauna as you enjoy the surroundings. A small snack is enjoyed at a beautiful spot during the hike. Snowshoeing is done in deeps snow and on snowshoeing trails, this activity requires normal fitness.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 4 hours

Time: Tuesday and Saturday at 14:00

Arctic Night Snowshoeing, 3 – 4km

Fresh air, beautiful snow and a real winter feeling. This is what snowshoeing is all about. The snowshoes help you from sinking into the up to 1,5 m deep snow cover and lets you go to places in the nature that are difficult to reach in the wintertime. Your wilderness guide will tell you about the nature, the seasons, flora and fauna as you enjoy the surroundings. A small snack is enjoyed at a beautiful spot during the hike. In the evening time snowshoe hike your focus might be on the skies, with a bit of luck you might see the northern lights blazing across the sky. Snowshoeing is done in deeps snow and on snowshoeing trails, this activity requires normal fitness

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Duration: 4 hours

Time: Monday – Saturday at 20:00

E-Fatbike Scenic Safari

The supreme e-Fatibikes help you to conquer hills on the scenic route starting from the top of Ruka fell. The broad tyres make it easy to travel on snow and ice and your guide will lead the way on the well-maintained routes for fatbiking in the area. There are some hills and challenges on the way, but nothing that you could not handle. We will make some breaks on spots worth to capture on photos. Average-good physical condition is required for fat biking tours.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Times: Daily at 14:00

Note: Minimum height for participation on this tour is 150 cm, in order to reach to the pedals. The route is around 4-5 km.

Late Night Aurora Borealis Show

When others are in bed, we brave Northern Lights hunters are ready for midnight adventure. Fasten your seatbelts, relax and enjoy warm, heated luxurious AURORA-Wagon ride. We travel to best location to see Aurora Borealis, true frozen lakes, misty forest and deep snow. Whit a little luck, you`ll travel under a bright sky lit by the moon and the stars. Perhaps the Aurora Borealis – the Northern Lights – will appear to show you the way. The best time to see Northern Lights is late evening, around midnight. We will enjoy warm drinks and small snacks under the northern sky around a fire. If you don`t have own camera, we will take pictures of you and Northern Lights, and will sent them to you. And we will help you to take pictures of Northern Lights if you have camera, but you don`t know how to use it.

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Times: Daily at 22:00

Authentic Smoke Sauna, Ice Sauna and Wild Food Dinner

Welcome to Pyhäpiilo sauna resort and nature spa. This unique, secluded location invites you to relax and unwind, enjoy the gentle heat, the variation between hot and cold and the smells, aromas and flavors of smoke sauna and wild food. Pyhäpiilo sauna were among the first saunas in Finland to be awarded with the Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience – certificate. This certificate is given to high-quality saunas that present the true values of Finnish Sauna. The certified sauna guide will tell you about sauna traditions and history and assists you to get started. There are separated shower and dressing rooms for ladies and gentlemen, and we ask all guests to bring their bathing suits. There are towels and slippers at the sauna. One highlight of this experience is the unique ice-sauna. The sauna itself is built from huge iceblocks, the benches are of wood, so you can sit and relax while enjoying the very moist heat of this special sauna. And yes, it is a warm sauna, even if built of ice. There is an ice-hole in the lake for the brave ones that wish to have their adrenalin going and also an outdoor whirlpool for relaxing under the northern sky. After the saunas you feel relaxed and fresh – and hungry. The delicious wild food dinner is served in the panorama lounge of Pyhäpiilo. The 3-course menu is made of local seasonal ingredients and features wild food. Beverages are available on spot (not included in the price).

Availability: 1st of December – 31st of March

Times: Wednesday, 17:00

Note: Only food allergies and dietary requirements that are given through in advance, with the reservation are taken into consideration.

Day as a Finn

Welcome to family Pohjola’s countryside estate to experience the Finnish lifestyle and traditions. As you arrive, we invite you to our lakeside hut for a warm welcome drink. We gather around a cozy campfire to hear stories of the Sámi-people who lived in this area for hundreds of years before the Finns. As the Finns settled here, Sámis who then lived a nomadic life, retreated northwards. After the coffee break we move on to the main building where we bake together: traditional local flat bread and sweet buns. The old oven in the more than 100 years old Pohjola family home will bake them to perfection, just as it always has done. While you are busy with your chores, you will learn a lot about local history, traditions and people. The Pohjola family gladly shares their stories with you. Lunch of the day is served with your own flat bread and the coffee comes with your own sweet buns.

Availability: On Request

Full Day at Santa Claus’ Cottage

Spend a joyful day with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus and the elves! Santa’s Cottage is located about 30-minute drive away from Ruka. The program begins with tobogganing instructed by Santa’s elves, so remember to dress up warmly! After having fun outdoors, we will enjoy grilled sausages and hot juice in the hut. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will soon invite you to the house, where Santa tells stories about his life. All children will be nominated as Santa’s little helpers and their elf skills will be put into a test. We will see how well you master gingerbread and sweet bun baking and Christmas card making. You can enjoy a cup of coffee, tea, glögi or homemade berry juice in the buffet, and eat as many gingerbread cookies and chocolates as you like! Don’t forget to stop by in our small post office where you can buy souvenirs and post cards. At the end of the program everyone will get together to sing Santa’s favorite Christmas carol to him in Finnish. Santa will reward his hard-working helpers with a small gift. All baked goods will be packed for you to take them with you.

Availability: January – March

Times: Thursday & Saturday 10:00 – various days and times in December on request