Bathing suit
Good shoes for walking outdoors and offroad pathways
Weatherproof clothing: rain jacket, warming/cooling layers (normally between 10-25 degrees) long sleeves and pants for our friendly mosquitoes
Festival outfit: all outdoors, might be cool at night
Warm, dry clothing & a towel after river rafting, waterproof bag/pouch
Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses: it is midsummer after all
Water bottle, non-breakable: all tap water in Finland is drinkable!
Wednesday 19.6.
Amsterdam-Rovaniemi Finnair flights 11.55-17.15
(plane change in Helsinki)
Sunday 23.6.
Kuusamo-Amsterdam Finnair flights 11.10-17.35
(plane change in Helsinki)
17.15 Arrival to Rovaniemi by Finnair flight & meet Visit Rovaniemi host
You are warmly welcome to our lively town on the Arctic Circle (66°33′45.9′′). Rovaniemi is a central hub to regional destinations and the airport is one of Finland’s most international airports.@visitrovaniemi
Check-in Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara which is located in the middle of a landscape that opens to the horizon, snow-burdened trees, rugged rocks and the light of the nightless night. Hotel is situated next to the first class recreational possibilities of the Ounasvaara hill, only 3km from city centre of Rovaniemi. @laplandhotels
19.30 Welcoming dinner at restaurant Sky Kitchen & View
Let’s admire the stunning natural scenery stretching out to the horizon through our panoramic windows while savoring the culinary pleasures created by Lapland Hotel Sky Kitchen & View. For years this has been known as one of the best restaurants in Finland. @skykitchenview
21.30 Midnight Sun Photography Tour by Beyond Arctic
During June and July, the Sun does not set below the horizon. On this tour we will take you to the best locations around Rovaniemi to experience and photograph this unique natural phenomenon.@beyondarctic
Breakfast at the hotel
9.45 Transfer to museum and science center Arktikum
As Lapland’s capital city, Rovaniemi is a fantastic hub for the arts, science, and culture. To get a grasp of local and regional history and culture, the definite place to experience is the museum and arctic science centre Arktikum. We will begin the day with the guided tour (1 hour) in museum and science center Arktikum, which highlights the most important facts about Lapland and the Arctic area. @arktikumofficial
11.30 Highlights of Culture House Korundi & Art workshop (STF labelled company)
Korundi is the home for Lapland Chamber Orchestra and Rovaniemi Art Museum. Rovaniemi Art Museum sets its main focus on Finnish contemporary art and Northern art. In Korundi’s art workshop we will make our own piece of art related to Lappish nature. @korundihouse
Lunch in Korundi Kitchen&Café, which has become a locals favourite lunch place as it’s ample buffet fuses northern ingredients with warm spices of the world. Let’s taste the flavours of fresh culture buffet. @korundikitchencafe
13.30 Transfer to Bearhill Husky Kennel
14.00-16.00 Getting to know the life of the huskies
A guided tour of the modern kennel facilities and a fascinating view into the daily life of huskies and their mushers. Huskies love attention and you will get a chance to interact with them. There will be time to get to know the dogs and their unique characters, as well as a chance to see the workings of the kennel. @bearhillhusky
16.30 Return to the hotel & free time
18.30 Transfer from hotel to city centre of Rovaniemi & Evening at iconic Kotisaari Island
In the good old days the Kotisaari Island was a traditional stronghold of the Lumberjacks in Kemijoki river, just a boat ride away from the city centre. The old boathouse in Kotisaari Island has been renovated to a Savurafla Kotisaari -Island Restaurant with a high respect for BBQ traditions adding a Lappish twist. @savuraflakotisaari
Breakfast at the hotel
8.45 Check-out & Meet Salla/Visit Rovaniemi & Departure
Wilderness Lake Floating and outdoor lunch hosted by Safartica
Let’s feel the floating sensation when stepping into a fresh water lake in Lapland, fully covered in a special rescue suit. The arctic waters remain cold also during hottest of the summer months but suited up from head to toe we stay warm and dry.
During the experience we will enjoy the silence of wilderness lake and its pure nature, the essence of Finland.
Outdoor lunch by the camp fire served at the floating location. @safartica
App. 12.30 Transfer to Ruka-Kuusamo by transfer service Santaline (+35860030030)
App. 17.00 Arrival to Kuusamo and hotek Magical Pond
Check-in and settle in accommodation, followed by a small hike and getting to know the local nature and culture.
Magical Pond is all about the stunning igloos, the beautiful surrounding nature, and the all-important mindful moments. Listen to the silence and enjoy the arctic nights. Our modern igloos are made in Scandinavian style; their unusual shape allows our guests to admire the stunning midnight sun and nature as closely and comfortably as possible.
18.00 Magical Pond presentation & welcome to Ruka-Kuusamo
19.00 Dinner at Kataja
Enjoy a 3-course-meal of local culinary tastes in th elegant wild food restaurant. "Kataja" means "juniper" so the name was carefully chosen to reflect on our love for nature. @katajakota
20.30 Cozy sauna evening and relaxing activities 2hrs 30min
Relax in the heat of a Finnish sauna and experience the cool water in a lake with a SUP-board. The sauna and outdoors are very present during the festive summer solstice.
Overnight in Magical Pond
8.30 Breakfast at the accommodation
9.45 Bus to reindeer farm
10.00 Morning reindeer program at Kujala Reindeer farm 1hr 30min
Start the day visiting the reindeer in the wild or at the farm. Kujala Reindeer Farm is one of the oldest and biggest reindeer farms in Kuusamo. Meet Vesku - the local influencer. @kujalaporotilasince1860 #kujalareindeerfarm
11.30 Bus to Ruka Village & short time for shopping
12.15 Lunch at Hanki Baari
We stick to the heart of the matter - relaxed atmosphere, simple and really good food. Hanki Baari offers daily changing menu which will prepare you for the day's adventure program. @hankibaari #hankibaariruka
13.30 Bus to River Rafting adventure
14.00 River Rafting in Oulanka National Park with Retkietappi 2hrs 30min
Adventure awaits you in the National Park! Are you ready to paddle through the streams and rapids, to feel the water and adrenaline in the stunning landscape? Activity offers a unique perspective to our region’s natural gem, wildly running rivers. Valuables on board at your own risk, pack them waterproof.
16.45 Bus to accommodation. Short break & prepare yourselves for midsummer!
18.45 Bus to traditional Midsummer celebration at Ruka Village
Midsummer is about gathering together and embracing the longest days of the year. During midsummer, we have many ways to enjoy and relax. If the conditions are right the Solstice bonfire will be lit at Ruka Village.
19.30 Dinner at Vespino
Before the midsummer celebration, you get to fulfill the hunger with delicious Italian food made with a twist of our local Nordic traditions. @ravintolavespino #ravintolavespino
Main day of Solstice Festival
Solstice is a festival of electronic dance music, experimental music, and diverse art at the top of Ruka at Midsummer, June 20-22, 2024. Experience the vivid tracks and vibrant culture collaborating with the surrounding environment.
We will meet an event host, who will guide us to the soul of the festival. Note that no drones are allowed. Professional photography and filming are suggested to leave for the media crew of the event - to keep the atmosphere relaxed. Official photo and video gallery is available after the event.
00.00 Return ride to accommodation (self-arranged taxi if later)
Overnight in Magical Pond
8.00 Check-out and bus to brunch
8.30 Brunch at The French Café in Kuusamo
Immerse yourself in a culinary adventure where French flavors take center stage without forgetting local ingredients. Let the warm atmosphere and the carefully prepared delicacies of our confectioners take you away. Enjoy the great customer service at the table, quality coffee and delicious homemade pastries.
10.00 Bus to the airport
11.10 Flight departure
WHITE NIGHTS AND MIDNIGHT SUN
In Rovaniemi, nights are white throughout the summer from late May until early August. The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that takes place only on and above the Arctic Circle in the summer months. On the Arctic Circle, where Rovaniemi lies, the sun officially stays above the horizon for a full 24 hours on summer solstice, 21st or 22nd June. However, the Midnight Sun period in Rovaniemi lasts for a month, from 6th June to 7th July; this is due to the Earth’s slightly tilted axis and refraction of sunlight.
SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS
Rovaniemi's summer offers a blend of Lapland wonders and local culture. With endless daylight, explore the nature on easy hiking trails and join a photography tour under the enchanting glow of the Midnight sun. A visit to an authentic reindeer farm or a real sled dog kennel are experiences incomparable, that give a new insight to the iconic Arctic animals. Getting to know the local culture is easy in Rovaniemi by visiting the cultural sites or, for example, by going to a public summer sauna. The absolute highlight is the atmospheric dinner at Kotisaari island with the locals.
MOST PHOTOGENIC SPOTS IN CITY CENTRE
Lumberjack’s Candle Bridge, Lordi Square’s thermometer, river shore by Arktikum, Church of Rovaniemi (inside & outside) and Alvar Aalto Center – inistrative center of Rovaniemi.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Destination as a location:"Rovaniemi, Finland”
Destination tag and hashtags:
@visitrovaniemi
#visitrovaniemi,#midnightsunlapland, #trustthewilderness
The coordinates of nature lead you to Ruka-Kuusamo,
Every visit to Ruka-Kuusamo is the beginning of a new adventure. Explore the Ruka-Kuusamo region and its nature where unique experiences come to life in the rhythm of the changing seasons. Winter has its own magic and the summer offers you a large variety of majestic scenery. Europe’s last wilderness, best skiing resort and the cleanest air in the world combined with sauna, local wild food, and services in high standard are the recipe for a successful trip!
@rukakuusamo #rukakuusamo
Visit Rovaniemi
Salla Tauriainen
phone: +358 40 776 2418
email: salla@visitrovaniemi.fi
Ruka-Kuusamo
Petri Pyysilta
phone: +358 40 156 5226
email: petri.pyysilta@rukakuusamo.fi
Meri Sipilä
email: meri.sipila@businessfinland.fi
phone: +358 44 331 0594