10 Hours
Up to 30 days
8 people
Chinese, English, Español, Italiano
Join our Ruka Coaster and Oulanka National Park Tour from Rovaniemi, this small-group experience combines a thrilling alpine-coaster ride with a scenic hike to a fairytale mill in Oulanka National Park.
In the morning, you’ll be sitting in a sled at the top of Rukatunturi, one hand on the brake and 767 metres of track winding downhill through the trees ahead of you. You decide how fast it goes.
Later that afternoon, you’ll be standing on a suspension bridge above the Kitkajoki river in Oulanka National Park, looking across at the old Myllykoski mill while a barbecue lunch with grilled salmon cooks over the fire.
Ruka Coaster was the first alpine coaster to open in Finland, and it has already carried more than 50,000 riders. The track runs 767 metres down the side of the fell, weaving through spruce forest with wide views opening across the valley below.
The best part is that you control the speed. Every sled has its own brake levers: push them forward and you can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h; ease off and take it slowly, enjoying the view as you go.
In summer, you ride through green forest under the endless Arctic daylight. In autumn, the same track runs through the gold and copper of the ruska season, and the whole fell changes colour around you.
A Ruka Coaster tour from Rovaniemi gives you more than just the ride: you will also have time to explore the village, enjoy a coffee or take in the fell views.
You’ll have around 1.5 hours at Ruka in total. Your Ruka Coaster ride is included, and the rest of the time is yours to enjoy as you like.
If you are looking for things to do in Ruka beyond the coaster, the village is right at the foot of the slope. You can grab a coffee, browse the small shops, enjoy a terrace view of the fell, or simply sit down with a cinnamon bun and watch the sleds race past.
There are plenty of Ruka activities to choose from, and Ruka in summer is especially lovely for a relaxed walk, a drink on a sunny terrace, or another coaster ride if one is not enough. Your guide will tell you exactly when and where to meet again, then leave you free to enjoy the time your own way.
After your visit to Ruka, we continue to Juuma in Kuusamo for a guided hike in Oulanka National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Finland. From Ruka, we travel east into the forest to walk part of the famous Pieni Karhunkierros trail, also known as the Little Bear’s Ring.
The highlight is Myllykoski, an old wooden grain mill standing above the rapids, now kept open as a day hut for walkers. Dark weathered timber, moss on the stones and spray coming off the white water: it is the photograph everyone takes home, and it is exactly the fairytale mill you have probably seen in pictures of Finnish Lapland.
A little further along the trail you reach Jyrävä, where the whole river narrows into a chute in the bedrock and drops nine metres in a single fall. There are suspension bridges to cross along the way, and wide views over the Kitkajoki valley.
Our Oulanka National Park tour takes you through peaceful old forest and river scenery, with plenty of time for photographs. It is an ideal experience for visitors looking for an authentic Finnish Lapland hike away from the crowds.
After the hike, we take a well-earned break at the campfire site by the falls and cook lunch over an open fire, surrounded by the forest and the sound of the rapids. It is freshly prepared for you by our guide to enjoy in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
Vegetarian options, allergies and other dietary needs are no problem: just let us know when you book.
If you enjoy some walking, and breath-taking views, then yes, definitely. This is one of the best experiences in Lapland for couples, friends travelling together and families with children at least 5 years old.
For the coaster, Ruka’s own rules apply: riders must be at least 8 years old and 135 cm tall to ride alone. Children aged 5 to 7 can ride in the same sled as an adult. Full details are available on the official Ruka Coaster page.
As for the hike, it’s beginner level: around 1.5 hours in total on uneven ground, with some rocky sections and steps. Nothing technical, and no hiking experience is needed.
Dress for the pauses as well as the walk. Even in summer you may feel cooler when standing still by the river or relaxing at the fire, so bring a layer more than you think you need.
If you would like help planning what to pack for Lapland, take a look at our Lapland clothing guide, or browse all our Rovaniemi tours to build out the rest of your trip.
This activity is available in summer and autumn only. Travelling in winter? See our winter experience here.
Summer brings long days, green forest and the midnight sun. Autumn brings ruska, the few short weeks in September when the birches across Oulanka turn gold. If you have the freedom to choose your dates, ruska is the one to aim for, and it books out quickly.
Join our Ruka Coaster and Oulanka National Park Tour from Rovaniemi for a memorable mix of adventure, nature and a campfire lunch. Have a look at the available dates below, or get in touch and we will build the day around you.
If you would like to talk through your plans first, book a travel consultation and we can help shape your whole Lapland trip.
Departure time: This tour departs at 08:00. Departure times may vary. 3 days before departure, you will receive a confirmation email with the official departure time and pickup location.
Cancellation Policy: The booking can be cancelled for free up to 30 days before departure. After that time a cancellation fee of 100% will apply.
Additional notes:
Meet your guide at your accommodation and begin the scenic drive east towards Ruka.
Ride the Ruka Coaster down the fell, then enjoy free time to explore Ruka village, relax at a café or take in the views.
Continue to Oulanka National Park, with your guide introducing the area and the day’s trail.
<p>Halfway through the hike, take a break to enjoy lunch with a view.
Pause on a viewpoint for a freshly prepared open-fire lunch of grilled salmon, bread, mushrooms, marshmallows and warm berry juice. Vegetarian alternatives are available on request.
Relax on the return drive after a full day of thrills.
Ruka is around 190 km from Rovaniemi, with a driving time of roughly two and a half hours each way. We make a stop along the journey and treat the drive as part of the experience rather than something to rush through.
We think so. It’s the only alpine coaster in Finland and the northernmost in the world, and because you control your own speed it works just as well for cautious riders as for people who want to fly. At 767 metres it’s a proper descent, not a thirty-second novelty.
You can get to Ruka from Rovaniemi by car, transfer or scheduled bus. Driving takes around two and a half hours. Our day trip is a simple option if you would rather leave the route, parking and timings to someone else: we collect you in Rovaniemi, take you to Ruka and Oulanka, and bring you back at the end of the day.
Children aged 8 and over who are at least 135 cm tall can ride on their own, and children aged 3 to 7 ride in the same sled as an adult. There’s a 150 kg limit per sled, so do let us know your group and we’ll plan it out.
It’s a walk of about 3-4 kilometres, taken at a pace that suits the group. The trail is easily accessible and has a marked path with short stairs, and a suspension bridge in some sections
Yes, there are scheduled bus connections between Rovaniemi and Ruka, although routes, departure times and availability can vary by season. This tour includes return transport in our small-group vehicle, so you do not need to plan a separate Rovaniemi to Ruka bus journey.
Yes, as long as you have a basic level of physical fitness. No previous hiking experience is required, but you should be prepared for walking a few kilometres in a forest trail.
The best time depends on the experience you are looking for. Winter, from December to March, is ideal for snow, Northern Lights, husky safaris, and reindeer experiences. Autumn and summer offer beautiful nature, colors, and outdoor adventures.
For a first trip, we usually recommend at least 4–5 days to enjoy the main experiences without rushing. A 7-day stay allows you to discover more activities and enjoy Lapland at a slower pace.
Rovaniemi is a great starting point for Northern Lights hunting thanks to its location on the Arctic Circle. Our local guides know the best locations depending on weather conditions and aurora forecasts.
The most popular experiences in winter include Northern Lights tours, husky safaris, reindeer farm visits, Arctic nature adventures, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, snow activities and Santa Claus Village.
Yes. Lapland is a perfect destination for couples and groups of friends looking for adventure, nature, and unforgettable moments.
A local guide knows the region, current conditions, and the best places to enjoy authentic experiences away from crowds.
Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, offers unforgettable experiences in every season. In winter, visitors can enjoy snowmobile safaris, Northern Lights tours, husky and reindeer experiences, ice fishing, and visits to Santa Claus Village. During summer and autumn, the Arctic wilderness transforms into the perfect setting for hiking, canoeing, wildlife spotting, and experiencing the Midnight Sun or colourful autumn foliage. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with friends, or as a family, Rovaniemi offers some of the most unique outdoor adventures in Europe.
Winter temperatures in Rovaniemi typically range from around -5°C to -20°C, although colder periods below -30°C can occasionally occur. Thanks to proper winter clothing, most visitors stay warm and comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities. If you don't have suitable gear, with us you can rent high-quality winter overalls.
The easiest way to get from Rovaniemi Airport to Ruka is by private transfer, rental car, or a pre-arranged tour with transport included. Public transport may require a connection in Rovaniemi city centre and can take longer. If you join this tour, ask us about arranging a suitable pick-up point for your stay.
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