The Enchanting Wilderness of Ruka-Kuusamo

• HelloHei
  [hey]
• GoodbyeNäkemiin
  [nah-keh-meen]
• YesKyllä
  [kuh-lah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomeOle hyvä
  [oh-leh huu-vaa]
• Thank youKiitos
  [kee-tohs]
• Excuse me/SorryAnteeksi
  [ahn-tehk-see]
• How are you?Mitä kuuluu?
  [mee-tah koo-loo]
• Fine. And you?Hyvää. Entä sinä?
  [huh-vah. en-tah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Puhutko englantia?
  [poo-hoot-koh eng-lahn-tee-ah]
• I don't understandEn ymmärrä
  [ayn um-mair-rah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaisinko ruokalistan, kiitos
  [sai-sin-koh roo-kah-lis-tahn, kee-tohs]
• I don't eat meatEn syö lihaa
  [ayn syuh lee-haa]
• Cheers!Kippis!
  [keep-peess]
• I would like to pay, pleaseHaluan maksaa, kiitos
  [hah-lu-ahn mahk-sah, kee-tohs]

• Help!Apua!
  [ah-poo-ah]
• Go away!Mene pois!
  [meh-neh poys]
• Call the Police!Soita poliisille!
  [soy-tah poh-lee-see-leh]
• Call a doctor!Soita lääkärille!
  [soy-tah lah-kah-rih-leh]
• I'm lostOlen eksynyt
  [oh-lehn ek-suh-nuut]
• I'm illOlen sairas
  [oh-lehn sahy-rahs]

• I'd like to buy...Haluan ostaa...
  [hah-lu-ahn oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingKatson vain
  [kaht-sohn vain]
• How much is it?Paljonko se maksaa?
  [pahl-yon-koh seh mahk-sah]
• That's too expensiveSe on liian kallis
  [seh ohn lee-ahn kahl-lis]
• Can you lower the price?Voitko laskea hintaa?
  [voyt-koh lah-skeh-ah hin-tah-ah]

• What time is it?Mitä kello on?
  [mee-tah keh-loh ohn]
• It's one o'clockKello on yksi
  [keh-loh ohn uuks-ee]
• Half past (10)Puoli (kymmenen)
  [poo-oh-lee (kuum-meh-nehn)]
• MorningAamu
  [ah-moo]
• AfternoonIltapäivä
  [eeltah-pai-vah]
• EveningIlta
  [eel-tah]
• YesterdayEilen
  [ay-lehn]
• TodayTänään
  [tah-nahn]
• TomorrowHuomenna
  [hoo-mehn-nah]
• 1Yksi
  [uuks-ee]
• 2Kaksi
  [kahk-see]
• 3Kolme
  [kohl-meh]
• 4Neljä
  [nel-yah]
• 5Viisi
  [vee-see]
• 6Kuusi
  [koo-see]
• 7Seitsemän
  [sayt-seh-mahn]
• 8Kahdeksan
  [kah-dehk-sahn]
• 9Yhdeksän
  [uh-dehk-sahn]
• 10Kymmenen
  [kuum-meh-nehn]

• Where's a/the...?Missä on...
  [mees-sah ohn]
• What's the address?Mikä on osoite?
  [mee-kah ohn oh-soy-teh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Voitko näyttää minulle (kartalla)?
  [voyt-koh nayt-tah min-ool-leh (kar-tah-lah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Milloin seuraava (bussi)?
  [meel-loin seur-ah-vah (boos-see)]
• A ticket (to ....)Lippu (....)
  [leep-poo]

The region of Ruka-Kuusamo has been inhabited by the indigenous Sami people for thousands of years. They were traditionally semi-nomadic, relying on reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting for their livelihood. Archaeological evidence, such as ancient tools and rock paintings, points to their long-standing presence in the area.

During the late Middle Ages, the Kuusamo area came under the influence of the Novgorod Republic and subsequently the Russian Empire. The border between Sweden and Russia was disputed for centuries, leading to several changes in control. The Treaty of Nystad in 1721 and the Treaty of Åbo in 1743 were significant in defining the region's political landscape.

Ruka-Kuusamo played a strategic role during World War II. The area was occupied by German forces from 1941 to 1944, which led to significant military activity. The Lapland War (1944-1945) between Finland and Nazi Germany resulted in considerable destruction, including the scorched earth tactics employed by retreating German forces.

After World War II, the region underwent substantial reconstruction. The Finnish government invested in infrastructure, including roads and public buildings, to revitalize the area. The development of Ruka as a ski resort began in the 1950s, which transformed the local economy and attracted tourists from around the world.

Ruka-Kuusamo is rich in cultural traditions, many of which have been preserved and celebrated through local festivals. The Kuusamo Nature Photo Festival and the Ruka Nordic Skiing Events are notable examples. These events highlight the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage, drawing visitors and fostering community spirit.

In recent years, Ruka-Kuusamo has become a hub for ecotourism, emphasizing sustainable practices and conservation. The Oulanka National Park and the Karhunkierros hiking trail are prime examples of how the region balances tourism with environmental stewardship. These efforts ensure that the natural landscapes and wildlife are preserved for future generations.

Ruka-Kuusamo is located in Northern Finland, close to the Arctic Circle. The nearest airport is Kuusamo Airport (KAO), which has regular flights from Helsinki. From the airport, Ruka is approximately a 30-minute drive. You can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle bus service to get to your destination. Alternatively, you can drive from Helsinki, which takes around 9-10 hours.

Ruka-Kuusamo offers various modes of transportation. Local buses run regularly between Kuusamo town and Ruka village. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Renting a car is a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. During the winter season, there are ski buses that connect various ski resorts and accommodations. For a unique experience, consider renting a snowmobile.

The official currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available in Kuusamo and Ruka village. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in case you visit more remote areas where card payment might not be accepted.

Ruka-Kuusamo is generally very safe for tourists. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists. However, standard precautions should always be taken: avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. The natural environment can be harsh, especially in winter, so always follow safety guidelines when engaging in outdoor activities.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number can be used for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Kuusamo has a well-equipped hospital and several clinics. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Kuusamo town and some larger hotels may also have basic first-aid supplies.

Fashion: Do dress warmly, especially during the winter months. Layering is key. Avoid overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, though Finland is generally secular. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't talk loudly on your mobile phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A simple 'Moi' (Hi) or 'Hei' (Hello) is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies like reindeer meat and Finnish pastries. Don't refuse food or drink offerings as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Ruka-Kuusamo like a local, visit the local markets and try the regional foods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share insights about the area. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience a traditional Finnish sauna. For a unique experience, consider taking a husky sled ride or a reindeer safari. Also, the Northern Lights are a must-see during the winter months.