Guide to Ruka
Virtual tour in Ruka
Ruka is one of Finland's most popular ski resorts. There are 34 slalom slopes, 30 of which are illuminated in the evenings, and 150 kilometers of tracks for cross-country skiers. Transportation is provided by 21 elevators (5 chairlifts and 16 rope tow elevators). A long season (at least 200 days a year) is possible thanks to snow cannons operating at temperatures of -3°C and below. 90 units allow to create a perfect covering on any slope in just a day.
The resort has a BatteryPark snow park, the best in the country. It is designed for riders of different levels of training and is improved every season, offering more and more new opportunities for extreme riders to practice tricks. There are jumps, boxes, rails, mini-pipe and other shapes, as well as Bag Jamp.
Those who come to the resort with their families can leave their children at Sadetahti day care center. Here the kids will be looked after by professional tutors who speak Finnish, English and German. Skiing lessons for the resort's young guests take place on the gentle Vuosselli slope.
Active recreation lovers will find the Ruka Club center, where they can play tennis, squash, mini-golf, billiards, badminton and basketball, and visit the gym.
Photos of Ruka
Tours to Ruka
The young resort of Ruka is growing in popularity every year. Holidays under the shimmering northern lights, the splendor of Lapland, the true spirit of Christmas - that's what Ruka is all about.
Long dreamed of visiting the residence of Santa Claus? You should definitely take a winter tour to this Finnish town. But Ruka is also beautiful in summer. In this season you can wander around the city, contemplating the beautiful landscapes of Olanka Park.
The price of a trip to Ruka, as well as to other resorts in Lapland, is quite high. On average you will have to pay 800-1200 EUR for a trip. But, of course, the final amount depends on a number of factors. For example, it can be reduced if you go in the off-season.
Or choose the best hot tours. They are offered in the midst of the short summer and cool winter season. In this case the cost of the trip drops to 500-700 EUR.
It hardly makes sense to look for something more economical, although it is not difficult to find inexpensive hotels in the city. Tourist infrastructure of Ruka is well developed. In winter you will be welcomed by gentle slopes, kilometers of clean tracks, fresh air and bright sky.
And, of course, the northern lights, which you can admire for months. However, a trip of such duration is unlikely to be cheap. But even if you go to Ruka on a hot ticket, you will bring home a sea of memories and remember the trip for a long time.
Tours to Ruka can be ordered as sightseeing, and exclusively skiing. The best approach - traveling on a personal scenario. After all, it is always more convenient to make your own itinerary, designate sights, points of travel and everything you need for a great vacation.
Interesting places in Ruka
Even those who don't plan to ski or board will find something to do. Children will enjoy a ride on a dog or reindeer sled and, of course, a visit from Santa Claus. Adult guests of the resort can book a trip on a snowmobile or snowshoes, learn horseback riding, go winter fishing. Ruka resort is also famous for its nightlife - during the season it hosts the loudest parties in the region with the participation of popular DJs.
Flight ticket prices
Most tourists arrive in Ruka via Helsinki. From the Finnish capital, you can reach the nearest airport in Kuusamo or travel by train and bus. Flights from Warsaw, Munich, Paris, Bucharest, and Rome usually include a layover in Helsinki or Stockholm. Airlines like Finnair, Lufthansa, Air France, and Norwegian offer convenient routes during the winter season.
Round-trip ticket prices depend on the season: during high season (December to March), they start from €280. From Budapest – around €310, from Madrid – €340, and from Chisinau – €300. The best deals are typically found in January and late March.
The best hotels in Ruka
Regardless of your budget, it is easy to find accommodation in Ruka. Apartments are ideal for families and companies, with fully equipped kitchens, washing machines and sometimes even a sauna. Usually they are rented for at least three days. The cost of rent in season is about 250 EUR per day. Another interesting option is to rent a separate house. There are about 1800 villas and cottages around Ruka, where you can spend an unforgettable vacation.
Travel budget
Ruka is an affordable ski
resort. Plan your vacation in advance so that you have time to choose the right accommodation at the right price, buy ski passes and get discounted plane tickets.
to choose the right accommodation, buy ski passes and get discounted airfare.
To save money on meals, rent apartments with a kitchen where you can cook on your own (this is especially beneficial for families and companies). For those who are used to eating in a restaurant, we recommend studying reviews on forums and making a list of inexpensive places to eat.
| The budget for a trip to Ruka | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight | from 700 EUR | Accommodation | from 50 EUR per day |
| Average check in a restaurant | from 30 EUR | Ski passes | 384 EUR for 7 days |
| Total: about 1920 EUR for a week for two people | |||
Ruka: tips for tourists
Visa to Ruka
EU citizens: Can freely enter Finland without a visa for any period of time.
US citizens: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days for tourism or business (ETIAS registration required from 2025).
British citizens: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days (ETIAS will also be required from 2025).
The airport in Ruka
The nearest airport is located in the vicinity of the neighboring city of Kuusamo, it serves domestic and charter flights. Most tourists arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located 19 kilometers from the capital of Finland.
Transfer to Ruka from the airport
If your flight lands at Helsinki Airport, you need to get to the train station and take a train to Oulu, Rovaniemi or Kemijärvi. All these cities are connected to the resort by buses, and there are ski buses from Oulu during the season (from November to April).
Public transportation in Ruka
Elevators, stores and restaurants are within walking distance from the hotels, and for those who are used to using transportation, there are free ski-buses in season. There is a shuttle bus to Kuusamo airport, adult ticket costs 7-10 EUR one way.
Car rental in Ruka
It is easiest to choose and book a car in advance online and pick it up at Helsinki or Kuusamo airport upon arrival. You will need a valid driver's license and passport, as well as a card with a blocked deposit.
Safety in Ruka
Ski Patrol officers are on duty on the slopes of Ruca, which you can spot from afar thanks to their bright red uniform jackets. Their tasks are to make sure that the athletes follow the safety rules, to prevent emergencies and to warn offenders.