Wild Food, Nature, and Sauna: A Finnish Escape

Tampere
Tampere is one of the most loved cities of Finland. It’s a city with numerous events, fascinating cultural experiences, and soothing nature. This is a place, where urban city life walks hand in hand with vivid nature. The nature is close everywhere you turn your head in Tampere. The location between two big lakes brings the water element to the city and you can find parks and urban nature even right in the middle of the city – all year round.

Tampere region is the home of happiness with welcoming, laid-back people. Culinary scene is constantly evolving. Enjoy the tasty dishes and relaxed atmosphere in the restaurants of the city! Tampere – The Sauna Capital of the World – welcomes everybody to its cosy warmth! Did you know there are 70 public saunas in Tampere and the surrounding region for anyone to relax in, throughout the year? 

Ruka-Kuusamo
Explore Ruka-Kuusamo, where unique experiences in nature come to life in the rhythm of the changing seasons. Europe’s last wilderness, one of the best skiing resorts in Finland and the cleanest air in the world combined with sauna, local wild food and quality services are the recipe for a successful trip. We wish you a warm welcome to Ruka-Kuusamo to enjoy special Finnish moments! Take a look: www.ruka.fi.

Bring along

• Good walking shoes
• Waterproof jacket and outdoor pants
• Beanie, scarf and gloves
• Warm layers of wool/fleece
• Warm socks or indoor slippers
• Bathing suit
• Water bottle
• Day pack

Flight with Finnair and arrival to Helsinki Airport

Transfer to Tampere by train
17:22-17:30 Helsinki Airport - Tikkurila (Commuter train P)
17:41-18:58 Tikkurila - Tampere (InterCity 49)

Check in to Lapland Hotels Arena
Address: Ratapihankatu 54, Tampere

Lapland Hotels Arena in the heart of Tampere is part of Nokia Arena's events, action and modern atmosphere. The modern and relaxed style and rugged elegance of the rooms draws inspiration from the Artic stone cracked open by the harsh winter and birch tree forests decorated by frost. The hotel is located at the heart of a new entertainment centre.

Awaken to a delightful morning with a sumptuous breakfast. Crafted from fresh ingredients, the breakfast offers an array of options, from vegetarian delights to timeless classics, ensuring a fresh start to your day. There is a sauna in your room, so you can enjoy an evening sauna or a morning sauna before the Friday’s activities. @laplandhotelsarena

19:50 Lobby call and transfer
Meet with Visit Tampere host Tuomas Paloniemi at the bus, floor 0.

20:00 Dinner at Restaurant Villit ja Viinit
Address: Rautatienkatu 12, Tampere

Villit ja Viinit is an experimental attitude thriven restaurant in the heart of Tampere. Exciting food menu is constantly changing to present the best things season has to offer. Villit ja Viinit is always in search to amaze with distinctive wild attitude. Together with local ingredients, the menu at Villit ja Viinit is based on seasonal thinking, the menu changes at least every month.

Restaurant (by the same owners) next door is Restaurant Kajo, which can now be found in the Michelin guide (first restaurant from Tampere). The concepts of both of the restaurants are strongly built on responsibility and sustainability. They let no part of the ingredient go to waste - that is what inspires the restaurant to find new ways to prepare their food and explore endless possibilities in their cooking. Restaurants get their very local ingredients from the region & near-by. @villitjaviinit

Meeting with Happiness Coach Miia Huitti
You will meet the founder & CEO of The Finnish Happiness Institute, Happiness Coach, speaker & writer Miia Huitti at the dinner. You will learn more about the Finnish happiness, which involves good food, nature & sauna.

Breakfast at hotel

9:45 Lobby call and transfer (meeting directly at the bus, floor 0)

10:00-11:45 Gone with the forest - Revitalizing Nature experience with Villipihlaja
Location: Kauppi Forest

The autumn is here, and today we will head to the forest to enjoy the autumn colours. Wild vegetables & herbs are real local food, and their carbon footprint is minimal. They are also very nutritious, so why not learning more about them? After this trip, you’ll see your surroundings with fresh eyes.

While exploring the flora & fauna of the forest, your guide teaches you some effective breathing exercises with ‘mindfulness-like’ exercises of calming down, by enjoying the wild tastes of nature, and by observing and using our senses. This boosts your natural recovery. Sustainability, responsibility, and respect for the nature are the core values of the company. The person behind Villipihlaja is Karoliina Laitinen, a dancer gone wild! Let our Finnish nature and forests do their magic and take your stress away! @villipihlaja

NB! You will be walking along forest trails with uphill and downhill sections as well as many roots and rocks. We recommend weather-appropriate and forest-friendly clothing.

12:00 Sauna & lunch at Sauna Restaurant Kuuma
Visit Tampere host Katariina Onnela, +358 40 353 4786
Address: Laukontori (Laukontori Market Square) Laukontori 21, Tampere

Tampere – The Sauna Capital of the World – welcomes everybody to its cosy warmth! Did you know there are almost 70 public saunas in Tampere and the surrounding region for anyone to relax in, throughout the year? The status as the Sauna Capital is based on saunas being of high level and Tampere being home to most public saunas in Finland.

Saunaravintola Kuuma is a public sauna but also an idyllic restaurant, right in the middle of the city. Kuuma offers a social, cosy “living room for everybody” in a New-Nordic style. There are three mixed saunas - wood-heated saunas and a modern smoke sauna. The wood-heated sauna might be more of a traditional type of experience for the first-time sauna-goers, whereas the smoke sauna can give the experienced sauna enthusiasts a chance to step up a notch. @saunaravintolakuuma

NB! Take your bathing suit and flip-flops with you (for the sauna & walking outside at the terrace), the towel will be provided for you. You’ll have a lunch and a sauna at the restaurant.

14:00-15:00 Rajaportti sauna
Address: Pispalan valtatie 9, Tampere

The history of the sauna culture in the city goes back to the oldest public sauna still functioning: Rajaportti sauna  in the district of Pispala, Tampere, from 1906. Today, you’ll also see the contrast of modern & historical saunas.

You will also meet the sauna guide & sauna heater Alexander Lembke, who is originally from Germany. Working as a sauna guide and a heater at the oldest public bath in Finland, Rajaportti, Alex takes a steam every single day, and knows the sauna habits, history of sauna in Finland & health effects. You will hear more about the public sauna culture and the Sauna Capital of the World. @rajaportinsauna

15:30-17:00 Afternoon Walk & coffee in Pyynikki Nature Reserve
Tampere boasts plenty of urban nature and lake nature in and around the city centre, there are plenty of easy-to-access nature trails in the city. You can also easily take the tram or the city bus to various nature trails. There are also three different national parks in the Tampere region.

Afternoon coffee will be served at the world’s largest gravel ridge Pyynikinharju and its Pyynikki Observation Tower, one of the most popular local sights in Tampere. Pyynikki Observation Tower is located in the Pyynikki Nature Reserve, just a stone’s throw away from the main street. Indulge yourself with the famous doughnuts from the café after enjoying the views! These doughnuts are the best in Finland, some say even the best in the world! @pyynikin_munkkikahvila

~17.15 Early dinner / snacks at Restaurant Väst
Visit Tampere host Tuomas Paloniemi
Address: Tehdaskartanonkatu 36, Tampere.

Restaurant Väst offers a fresh taste of Nordic charm, a touch of summer night magic, and the mixed history of Hiedanranta. The dishes and drinks highlight the best seasonal flavours, combining local ingredients with a relaxed atmosphere. Väst is one of the newest additions to Tampere’s restaurant scene.

The story of Hiedanranta is woven from fascinating contrasts: manor romance, red-brick factory buildings, and a vibrant street culture shaped by skateboarding, DIY traditions, and colourful graffiti. At Väst, this diversity serves as inspiration. Alongside the area's past, the restaurant brings something new, as it is part of Hiedanranta’s growing and evolving future. @ravintolavast

Time to relax at the hotel before the train

22:15 Check-out & lobby call (meeting directly at the bus, floor 0)

Transportation to the railway station

23:09 Night train to Kemijärvi
Read more about travelling by train in Finland and VR's night train connections.

8:00 Breakfast in restaurant car
Enjoy breakfast sandwiches, coffee, tea, and other treats in the train’s restaurant car before arriving at our destination.

8:50 Arrival to Kemijärvi by night train and transfer by Rukan Taksi to Ruka-Kuusamo
Welcome to Finnish Lapland! You will arrive at Kemijärvi train station, where a Rukan Taksi is waiting for you to continue to Ruka-Kuusamo. Pack some snacks and water for the 1,5-hour bus ride through stunning autumn landscapes.

10:30 Arriving to accommodation & settle in at Rukan Salonki Chalets
Rukan Salonki Chalet 14, Superior Extra Large
Bus transfer to Rukan Salonki where beautiful wooden, local style vacation chalets will host your charming stay and serve you with the most relaxing good night’s sleep. Private rooms and bathrooms, collective living room and kitchen. Rukan Salonki is a family-owned company and Northern luxury resort – with nature’s presence, peaceful atmosphere and traditional style. @rukansalonki

Meet Ruka-Kuusamo host for coffee and snacks
You will meet your local host and hear more about the Ruka-Kuusamo region by a cup of coffee or tea and some snacks.

12:15 Transfer to Isokenkäisten Klubi

13:00 Welcome to Isokenkäisten Klubi and lunch
Address: Heikinjärventie 3, 93800

Isokenkäisten Klubi is a small wilderness lodge and wild food kitchen. Located in the far East of Kuusamo, the lodge is surrounded by nature and its gentle presence that offers an exciting yet so peaceful atmosphere. IKK is a family-owned business which has a rich history of local stories to bring the experiences alive. This is a place to relax after a long journey. Today you will: enjoy a cosy homemade lunch from wild, local ingredients and unwind in the lakeside sauna – if you dare, take a dip in the lake. @isokenkaistenklubi

16:00 Transfer to accommodation

17:00 Optional 2 km hike to Konttainen scenic spot, 1,5 hrs trip
This optional activity takes you to one of the finest attractions in Ruka-Kuusamo: Konttainen hill. A short hike takes you into nature and reveals its calming effects. Before you even notice, you feel relaxed and awake. Prepare yourself with outdoor suitable, weather-proof clothing and good shoes for hiking.

18:45 Transfer to dinner

19:00 Dinner at Riipisen Wild Game Restaurant
Enjoy the local dinner at one of Finland's best wild food restaurants, where the tastes and ingredients come from the local nature. Choose a course from the menu as you like, but don’t miss the opportunity to taste some of the restaurant’s specialities. @riipisenriistaravintola

21:00 Transfer back to accommodation

Optional evening sauna at the chalet – heat it up & enjoy!

Remember to check the chances for some Aurora and download the forecast app

8:00 Breakfast at accommodation

8:45 Transfer to Kujala Reindeer Farm

9:00 Visit to Kujala Reindeer farm
Address: Kemijärventie 133, Ruka-Kuusamo
At Kujala Reindeer farm you will meet the local reindeer herders and hear about the lifestyle that for several generations has been a lively way of being with nature. You will experience some of the farm work and get to know the four-legged creatures of the North. @kujalanporotilasince1860

11:00 Transfer to Ruka Village

11:30 Skiing on the First Snow Ski Trail in Ruka
The first snow track in Ruka will open on the 11th October at 10am and you will have the honour to hit the tracks among the first skiers for the season on Sunday. Equipment from Piste Rental by Ruka Ski Resort and instructions are included for a memorable experience

Plan B: If snow conditions aren't good, we will take a ski lift ride to Ruka hill, enjoy a short walk & get to know the early season slopes.

13:30 Scenic lift ride over the Ruka hill & soup lunch at Camp Kitchen & Bar 
This is the local spot for happy campers! At Camp Kitchen & Bar the recipes gather together the best tastes from all over the world and combine it with local tradition – a tasty after-ski soup lunch. But first, enjoy the scenic lift ride over the Arctic hill of Ruka! @rukancamp

15:30 Transfer to Pohjolan Pirtti

16:00 Guided sauna experience & countryside dinner at Pohjolan Pirtti
Address: Saarenkyläntie 1 B, Kuusamo
Welcome to Vuotunki village, where Pohjolan Pirtti stands as one of the oldest ranches in the area. Unforgettable experiences are made here by hand, of local ingredients and with tradition as the owners of Pohjola, Tanja and Matti share their stories with you. Today, you will have a moment to immerse yourself in authentic countryside life, relax in the heat of Pohjola’s three different kinds of saunas, each with a story and their specific löyly. The owner Tanja is a sauna storyteller and healer, whose stories you don’t want to miss. Take your time to dip in the lake too!

You will also enjoy a tasty homemade, countryside dinner made of wild, local ingredients. Matti the chef might even share his secrets for the tasty meals. @pohjolanpirtti_pohjolankievari

20:00 Transfer back to accommodation

20:45 Transfer to river floating

21:00 River floating under a thousand stars with Tailored Adventures Rukapalvelu
Are you ready to float? River floating is an exciting experience where you dress up in a dry suit with warm layers, and head towards the Kiveskoski rapids in Northern Kuusamo. Get to know the river Kitkajoki by stepping in the ice cold water and letting the flow take you! Do you find it more exciting or relaxing - that’s a great question? Under the dark skies, you might be lucky to see the stars or even Northern Lights. @tailoredadventures

23:30 Transfer back to the accommodation

9:00 Breakfast at accommodation

9:45 Check out and transfer to Kuusamo Airport

11:40-13:20 Flight with Finnair to Helsinki (AY490)

Flights with Finnair from Helsinki from 16:15 onwards, according to the flight schedule.