Family Winter Adventure in Ruka-Kuusamo

Arrival in Ruka: A Promising Start to Our Winter Adventure

After months of planning and dreaming, our family winter adventure in Ruka-Kuusamo has officially begun! The journey from Heidelberg was smooth, and the crisp Finnish air greeted us as we stepped off the plane in Kuusamo. The drive to Ruka was scenic, with the landscape transforming into a winter wonderland as we approached our destination. I'm excited to share all the details of our first day, filled with skiing, delicious food, and the charm of Ruka Village.

Our first stop, of course, was the Ski-Inn RukaVillage to drop off our luggage and get settled. The accommodation is perfectly located, offering easy access to the slopes and the village. Sofia was especially thrilled, practically bouncing off the walls with anticipation of hitting the slopes. Maximilian, ever the pragmatist, made sure we had all our gear sorted before we even had time to unpack fully. It was a flurry of activity, but a joyful one. After all, we were finally here!


Experience the best of Rukatunturi with Ski-Inn RukaVillage, where comfort meets adventure in the heart of Finland's winter wonderland.

Venturing out into Ruka Village, we were immediately captivated by its charm. The pedestrian area was bustling with activity, and the air was filled with the cheerful sounds of people enjoying their winter holidays. The village itself is car-free, which makes it incredibly safe and pleasant for families to stroll around. We popped into Intersport Ruka to grab a couple of last-minute items we needed – I had forgotten sunglasses (again!), and Maximilian realized he needed thicker gloves. It’s always something, isn’t it?


Discover top-quality sportswear and bicycle rentals at Intersport Ruka, the leading destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Kuusamo, Finland.

With our gear sorted, it was time for a hearty Finnish breakfast at CAMP Kitchen & Bar - RUKA. The cozy atmosphere was exactly what we needed to warm up after our travels. I opted for a traditional Karelian pasty with egg butter, while Maximilian enjoyed a more substantial breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. Sofia, predictably, chose pancakes with lingonberry jam. The food was delicious, and the service was excellent. It definitely set the tone for a day of adventure.


Discover the flavors of Finland at CAMP Kitchen & Bar in Ruka – where local ingredients meet cozy dining.

The magic of Ruka lies not only in its stunning landscapes but also in the warmth and hospitality of its people, making it a perfect destination for creating lasting family memories.

After breakfast, it was time to hit the slopes of Ruka Ski Resort. As someone who grew up skiing in Finland, I was eager to share this experience with my family. Sofia, despite her initial hesitation, quickly took to the slopes with surprising enthusiasm. Maximilian, a more experienced skier, was in his element, carving down the runs with ease. We spent the morning exploring the various slopes, taking breaks to warm up with hot chocolate and admire the stunning views. The slopes are open from 9:30 am to 7 pm, so we had plenty of time to enjoy the skiing. I felt a pang of nostalgia, remembering my own childhood winters spent skiing in Savonlinna. It was heartwarming to see Sofia experiencing the same joy and excitement. It's worth noting that Ruka is known for having a long ski season, often running from early October to early May.


Experience the thrill of winter sports at Ruka Ski Resort, Finland's premier destination for skiing and snowboarding amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

For lunch, we decided to try Ravintola Talonpöytä Ruka. I had heard great things about their traditional Finnish cuisine, and I was eager to try it out. The restaurant had a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and the menu featured a variety of local specialties. I opted for the sautéed reindeer with mashed potatoes and lingonberry compote, a classic Finnish dish that never disappoints. Maximilian chose the pepper steak, while Sofia, ever the adventurous eater, tried the salmon soup. We were all thoroughly impressed with our meals; the ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were authentic. I even managed to decipher some Kuusamo sayings on the menu, feeling a surge of pride in my Finnish heritage.


Discover Ravintola Talonpöytä Ruka: A Culinary Gem in the Heart of Finland’s Scenic Wilderness.

After a satisfying lunch, we decided to explore Ruka Pedestrian Village a bit more. Sofia was keen to check out the local shops, and I was happy to indulge her. We browsed through the various stores, admiring the Finnish designs and handicrafts. We found a lovely hand-knitted wool hat for Sofia, which she immediately insisted on wearing. I also picked up a few souvenirs for friends back in Heidelberg. The village is known for its free WiFi, which was a bonus for Maximilian, who needed to check in with work briefly.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to head back to the slopes for a few more runs. The weather was still holding up, and the slopes were less crowded than in the morning. Sofia was getting more confident with each run, and it was a joy to watch her improve. Maximilian and I took turns skiing with her, offering encouragement and tips along the way. By late afternoon, we were all feeling tired but incredibly satisfied. We had made the most of our first day in Ruka, and we were already looking forward to the days to come.

Before dinner, we took a little detour to Ruka Brand Village. I wanted to see what Finnish brands they had on offer. Located in the Kumpare Shopping Center, it was easy to find. I was impressed with the selection of high-quality clothing and accessories, perfect for both city and slope. I ended up buying a warm Fjällräven jacket, knowing it would be perfect for our upcoming hikes.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at Stefan's Steakhouse, Ruka. The restaurant is known for its high-quality steaks and elegant atmosphere, and it seemed like the perfect way to end our first day. We started with a round of cocktails – a Negroni for me, a local beer for Maximilian, and a non-alcoholic sparkling drink for Sofia. The steaks were cooked to perfection, and the sides were equally delicious. Sofia surprised us all by devouring her entire steak, declaring it the best meal she had ever had. The service was impeccable, and the overall experience was truly memorable. The restaurant is right in the heart of Ruka Village, making it a convenient choice after a long day on the slopes.


Experience gourmet dining at Stefan's Steakhouse in Ruka—where exquisite steaks meet breathtaking Finnish scenery.

As we walked back to our accommodation after dinner, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to reconnect with my Finnish roots and share this experience with my family. Ruka-Kuusamo is truly a magical place, and I'm excited to see what adventures tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow, we are planning to explore the Pieni Karhunkierros Circle Trail and see the Jyrävä Rapids. I've heard they are absolutely stunning, and I can't wait to share the beauty of the Finnish wilderness with Maximilian and Sofia. We'll also be having breakfast at RukaTonttu, lunch at Wild Food Restaurant Rukan Kuksa, and dinner at Restaurant Tapio. I'm particularly intrigued by the Wild Food Restaurant – I've heard they serve unique dishes made with local ingredients. And perhaps, after a long day of hiking, we'll stop by Bar IHKU Ruka for a relaxing evening drink. It’s safe to say we have a lot to look forward to!

“The best journeys in life are those that lead us back to ourselves, while also bringing us closer to the ones we love.” It's a sentiment that perfectly captures the essence of this trip, and I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you all.

Until tomorrow, or as we say in Finnish, *nähdään huomenna*!