Ruka: Searching for the Northern Lights with Snowshoes — A Cozy Winter Adventure
Imagine wandering through pristine Finnish wilderness under a star-studded sky, with the chance to spot the shimmering northern lights. That’s precisely what this snowshoeing tour in Ruka offers — a chance to connect with nature, learn about local wildlife, and maybe even catch those elusive auroras. For anyone dreaming of a winter night full of quiet beauty, this experience could be just the right fit.
What makes this tour stand out? First, the expert guides like Tommi, Reijo, and Leticia, who really know how to make the night informative and fun. Second, the chance to see the northern lights in a setting far from city lights gives it a genuine appeal. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that if the weather isn’t clear or there’s not enough snow, your experience might be a bit different — or even canceled. That’s something to consider if your trip hinges on seeing the auroras.
This tour is best suited for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful, authentic Arctic experience. It’s a great way to escape the crowds, enjoy some light physical activity, and soak in the breathtaking scenery of Northern Finland.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Authentic Northern Lights Search: Head into the Finnish forest for a chance to see the aurora in a true wilderness setting.
- Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Tommi and Reijo bring local expertise, making the experience educational and engaging.
- Cozy Stops: Enjoy warming up by a fire with hot drinks and stories about Arctic wildlife.
- Flexible & Well-Structured: Walks are around 2-5 km, suited for most fitness levels, and activity times are flexible.
- Weather & Conditions: The tour depends on clear skies and sufficient snow; cancellations are possible with fewer than 4 participants.
- Excellent Value: At $99, it offers a lot of memorable moments in a stunning setting, especially considering the included transfers.
Planning more time in Kuusamo? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Experience: What to Expect on Your Night Out in Ruka
The Journey Begins: Getting to Know Your Guides and Meeting Point
The adventure starts at the Ruka Safaris Safarihouse, a convenient spot where you’ll check in roughly 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. If you’ve chosen the pickup option, there are multiple locations around Kuusamo — from Ruka Village to Ruka Valley and beyond — each with precise pickup times around 6:30 or 6:40 pm, ensuring you get to the forest in plenty of time to settle in.
The Walk: Snowshoes and Nature Stops
Once you’re out in the forest, the main activity is a light, 2-5 km walk on snowshoe gear provided by the guides. The terrain is gentle, making it accessible for most people over the age of 11, and the pace is relaxed enough to take in the scenery and chat with your fellow adventurers.
During the walk, your guides will point out animal tracks in the snow, explaining which creatures are active in the winter and telling stories about the local wildlife. It’s a nice touch that adds a layer of connection to the environment you’re exploring.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Northern Lights: Nature’s Spectacle
If the sky is clear, you’ll get a prime opportunity to spot the northern lights. While the aurora is inherently unpredictable, the guides are well-versed in the best spots and times to see it. Several reviewers mention that even if the full display doesn’t appear, they still caught some aurora through camera lenses or glimpsed faint colors in the sky.
Warmth and Stories: Fire Pit and Hot Drinks
A key highlight of this tour is the stop at a fire pit, where the guides prepare hot blueberry juice, coffee, or tea. Sitting on reindeer hides around the fire, you’ll get to rest, warm up, and hear stories about the Arctic region — a perfect way to unwind after a brisk walk. One guest noted how the fire and snacks made the experience especially cozy, even in the cold.
End of the Night: Returning to Base
After the walk, the group heads back to the meeting point or the designated pickup locations. The entire experience lasts about three hours, giving just enough time to enjoy the landscape and hope for that elusive glimpse of the northern lights without feeling rushed.
The Balance of Value and Experience
At $99 per person, the tour offers a solid balance of value and quality. The included transfers save the hassle of organizing transportation, and the guides’ local knowledge adds depth to the experience. Guests consistently praise the guides’ friendliness and expertise—one called Tommi and Reijo “great guides and very knowledgeable,” and others appreciated their storytelling and ability to make the evening fun despite less-than-ideal weather conditions.
While the activity isn’t suitable for children under 11, it’s ideal for adventurous adults and older kids who can handle a bit of cold and physical activity. The flexibility of the walk length and the chance to experience the Arctic’s magic make it a memorable outing for those wanting a genuine winter adventure.
The Challenges: Weather and Conditions
It’s worth noting that the success of the northern lights sighting depends heavily on the weather and sky conditions. Several reviews mention that despite high aurora activity indices, the lights didn’t fully cooperate — which is part of nature’s unpredictability. Also, if there’s not enough snow, snowshoeing may be replaced with hiking, but guides still make the experience worthwhile.
Accessibility & Practicalities
Comfortable clothing is a must, since you’ll be outdoors and exposed to the cold during the walk. The tour provides snowshoes and warm clothing options like wool socks if your personal footwear isn’t ideal. The group size tends to be small enough for personalized attention, and the activity is flexible enough for most outdoor enthusiasts.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This search for the northern lights with snowshoeing is perfect for travelers who love nature, are curious about Arctic wildlife, and want a relaxed but immersive evening in the wilderness. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value guides’ local expertise and storytelling. If you’re after a high-energy, action-packed adventure, this might not be it — but if you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic outing with a good chance to see the lights, this tour fits the bill.
FAQs
Can I cancel this tour and get a refund?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.
What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for winter outdoor activity, and perhaps some warm layers underneath. The tour supplies snowshoes and wool socks if needed.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 11 years old, mainly because of the cold and physical activity involved.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If the sky isn’t clear or there’s not enough snow, the activity might be canceled. You’ll be notified by 3 p.m. the day before if that’s the case.
How long does the tour last?
The activity runs for about three hours, with start times available based on availability.
Are drinks and snacks included?
Yes, hot blueberry juice, coffee, or tea are provided during the fire pit stop, making the experience cozy and warm.
Where do I meet or get picked up?
You can meet at Ruka Safaris Safarihouse or be picked up from designated stops around Kuusamo at specified times, such as 6:30 pm or 6:40 pm.
Ruka: Searching for the northern lights with snowshoes
“Tommi and Reijo were great guides and very knowledgable. We learnt about Finnish nature and connection with nature. The walk was beautiful and we g…”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a genuine Arctic experience that combines outdoor activity, storytelling, and the hope of seeing the northern lights, this Ruka snowshoe tour is worth considering. The guides’ friendliness and knowledge help deepen the experience, and the scenic landscape is breathtaking even without the aurora.
While it’s not a guaranteed aurora chase, the chance to walk through snow-covered forests, learn about local wildlife, and sit by a fire in the middle of winter makes this a memorable little adventure. It’s certainly a good pick for those who want to enjoy the quiet beauty of Finnish nature and perhaps witness a fleeting display of celestial colors.
For anyone craving an authentic, relaxed Arctic night that’s rich in scenery and stories, this tour offers a solid, well-priced option. Just remember to dress warmly, keep your expectations flexible, and enjoy the peaceful glow of Finland’s winter nights.
You can check availability for your dates here:
