UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
Every year, I find joy in the changing seasons and the rhythm of life they bring. The nature of Kuusamo is truly unique, and it plays a big role in creating possibilities in this region. Nature provides the setting for unforgettable adventures all year round. After a bustling winter, the snow begins to melt, birds return to the north, and the rushing spring floods put on a spectacular show for those who venture outdoors. The fishing season begins, summer greens paint the landscape, the midnight sun glows, and before you know it – summer is in full swing.
For this summer, we’ve created a diverse programme featuring both classic favourites and exciting new activities – like downhill swimming and wilderness survival challenges. As summer turns to autumn, we get to enjoy one of the year’s true highlights: the colourful fall foliage. Our autumn season lasts for seven weeks, beginning the last weekend of August and culminating in the traditional ’Riistapeijaiset’ game feast in October.
This year, Restaurant Zone celebrates its 25th anniversary. For a quarter of a century, this has been a place for celebration, music, dancing, and enjoying life – every single day of the year. And this summer, we’re open
again from morning till late night every day. It’s always a perfect moment to arrive in Ruka and Kuusamo.
MASTER OF ADVENTURE – A WILDERNESS GUIDE’S EVERYDAY LIFE IS FULL OF EXPERIENCES
A morning at Rukapalvelu begins in a way many would dream of: sipping coffee while planning the day’s adventures. Vertti, the head guide at Rukapalvelu, checks the schedule, goes over the gear, and gets ready for another day out in nature. Behind every carefree adventure for the customer, there’s a lot of preparation and attention to detail. “We double-check the gear, count everything, pack the snacks and make sure we’re ready to go,” Vertti explains. “Then it’s off to the adventure!”
And what adventures they are! ATV safaris through the forest, canoeing along the scenic Oulanka River, the thrill of river rafting, or enjoying traditional campfire coffee in the silence of the wilderness. A guide’s role is a mix of practical instructions, ensuring safety, and above all – creating the atmosphere. “Interaction with people is the most important part. Stunning landscapes are great, but what people really remember are the stories and conversations,” says Vertti.
Originally from the Jyväskylä area, Vertti first came to Ruka during his wilderness guide training internship. The experience at Rukapalvelu was a good one, and he ended up staying. “The nature here is something else – it’s a joy to head out on a trip every day. The fells, vast mires, and incredible waterways – Kuusamo is a treas-
ure,” he says. And nature isn’t just a backdrop – it shapes the work itself. “Weather sets the pace, and out here you always have to be ready to change plans on the fly. If trails are crowded or the weather surprises us, a guide has to adapt quickly.”
Being the head guide comes with extra responsibilities. Vertti ensures everything runs smoothly and that the guides are prepared to give guests unforgettable experiences. “You have to maintain the gear, recruit seasonal guides, design new activities, and support the team,” he lists. “And of course, attend meetings – they’re the rare times you actually get to sit down for a moment.”
Over the years, Vertti has experienced many moments that remind him what makes the job special. “A couple of years ago we hosted a Dutch family for a week filled with activities. On the final night we went on a snowmobile safari – it was over -20°C, and on the way back, the sky lit up with some of the brightest northern lights I’ve ever seen. Everyone was amazed, and it happened to be the mother’s birthday. She said it was the best gift she had ever received. That’s the kind of moment that sticks with you.”
And the future? Vertti hopes Rukapalvelu’s operations will continue to grow and that the seasonality can be balanced. “We’re working hard to develop new programmes to offer high-quality activities year-round. I’m constantly improving my own skills too – maybe one day I’ll start a company of my own.” His advice for new guides is clear: “Take it easy and just be yourself. In this job, there’s no need to pretend – the best moments come from genuine interaction.”
ACCOMMODATION IN THE HEART OF RUKA
HOTEL ARCTIC ZONE
Hotel Arctic Zone places you right next to all of Ruka’s services. This cozy hotel, built in 2018, offers 16 well-equipped and spacious rooms. Most rooms include two beds, a sofa bed, bathroom, and balcony. The largest room features a private sauna, beds for four, and a sofa bed for two. The top-floor panorama room offers stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
ZONE APARTMENTS
Located just above Restaurant Zone, the Zone Apartments provide spacious accommodation for larger groups. The upper floor has four twin bedrooms, while the lower floor includes a high-quality sofa bed, a kitchen, and a large living area. By combining two apartments, accommodation for up to 20 people is possible. These apartments are also suitable for meetings and group gatherings.
RUKARIUTTA APARTMENTS
The Rukariutta two-bedroom apartments feature a fully equipped kitchen, sauna, and either a balcony or a terrace. From the apartments, you can step directly onto ski trails or walking routes. A grocery store and gas station are located just next door.
Head guide Vertti guides, ensures safety and creates a nice atmosphere.
Wilderness guide Vertti takes his clients on amazing adventures in the incomparable landscapes of the Oulankajoki River.
Image: Keijo Lehtimäki
RESTAURANT ZONE – 25 YEARS OF JOY AND CELEBRATION
When Restaurant Zone opened its doors in the year 2000, the world looked quite different. Nokia ruled the mobile phone market, music was played on CDs, and the internet was only just beginning to make its way into homes. The winter season in Ruka started, as always, with fresh snowfall and a buzz of anticipation. The new millennium had brought winds of change. Back then, Ruka wasn’t even a village, but right at the heart of it all, a new place opened its doors – Restaurant Zone.
The name ”Zone” is no coincidence. It stands exactly where north meets east – equally distant from the Arctic Circle and the Russian border. It’s a zone of joy and celebration, right in the centre of it all. A legendary restaurant that’s not just a place, but a phenomenon.
365 Days of Holiday Feeling
At Zone, the holiday never ends. Breakfast gets your day started, lunch keeps you going between activities, and the grill stays open nearly around the clock to feed hungry adventurers. This is the place where you’ll find exactly what you need on holiday – great food, cold drinks, and a laid-back vibe that’s downright contagious.
In 25 years, Zone has evolved and expanded. The restaurant has been renovated multiple times, tested various concepts, and hosted events – some of which have become annual traditions. Karaoke is still part of every night, and live music has grown increasingly popular – with over 100 live nights every year, there’s always something happening, in every season.
Zone has seen top-tier artists take the stage, and witnessed countless unforgettable moments – like when someone
sings their heart out and wins over the crowd. Singing, dancing, laughter, and festive energy are just as much a part of Zone as its legendary cocktails and cozy, electric atmosphere.
Happy Zone – The Center of Joy
The world can be a confusing place, but at Zone, joy always takes the lead. People come here to have fun, meet others, and enjoy life. No one minds if you sing a little off-key or dance like your shoes are on fire. In fact, that’s exactly what creates the real holiday spirit.
Ruka’s most relaxed restaurant doesn’t bow to formality but welcomes everyone with open arms. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you come to Zone every winter, you’ll know you’re in the right place the moment you step through the door.
And when the party winds down, your
bed is just next door – Hotel Arctic Zone and the Zone apartments make sure you don’t have far to go.
Did You Visit The Zone?
This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of Zone – a quarter of a century of parties, music, great food, and above all – joy. A huge thank you to everyone who has made Zone what it is today!
And if you haven’t yet experienced what the Happy Zone is really all about… maybe now’s the time to fix that.
Did you?
If not – now’s your moment!
FLAVOURS OF THE FOREST –CELEBRATING NATURE, TRADITION AND TOGETHERNESS
A crisp October evening brings warmth, inviting aromas and joyful chatter to Restaurant Zone – it’s time for Riistapeijaiset, a celebration of the northern harvest, Finnish hunting culture and shared experiences. Guests step into a welcoming atmosphere where chefs Tom Lundgren, Matti Hurttia, Janne Kekäläinen and Janne Pekkala showcase a menu inspired by nature. Game, fish, berries, mushrooms, and vegetables reflect the rich seasonal flavours of the North.
Taste of Wild
The weekend begins with a “Wild Food Track Food” concept – a playful fusion of street food and forest flavours. Dishes like wild burgers make game approachable, delicious, and fun.
Saturday offers a deeper dive into wild cuisine. At the pickling bar, guests create their own sides, while chef Arto Määttä demonstrates fish preparation –sharing tips that inspire home cooking and connection to ingredients.
Honouring Traditions
Riistapeijaiset isn’t just a food event – it celebrates heritage. Rooted in Finland’s hunting culture, peijaiset were once rituals of gratitude to nature. Today, that spirit lives on through respect for the forest, shared meals, and preserving culinary traditions.
Event host Jokke Kämäräinen, who introduced Riistapeijaiset to Zone, explains:
“We wanted to bring this tradition to life in a new way – to show that wild food can be diverse, approachable, and full of flavour. It’s not just fine dining – here, you can enjoy a burger or a full threecourse dinner.”
Music and Togetherness
As the evening unfolds, Zone’s atmosphere deepens. The Arto Louhela Duo fills the room with music, glasses clink, laughter flows, and guests feel at home.
With its relaxed setting, honest food and live tunes, Riistapeijaiset at Zone is more than a dinner – it’s a full-sensory celebration. One that keeps guests coming back, year after year.
UNFORGETTABLE CELEBRATIONS IN WILDERNESS RESTAURANTS
NATURE-INSPIRED LUXURY THAT CAPTIVATES GUESTS
As twilight falls over the Kuusamo wilderness, candlelight and torches gently light the path to a forest venue. The crackle of a campfire, the peaceful hush of the woods, and the rugged charm of aged pine logs create a magical atmosphere – as if time itself pauses for the celebration.
These unforgettable moments are made real at Pohjanseita and Kammi, two remarkable venues where nature and northern spirit meet in perfect harmony. From intimate family events to grand weddings, these locations have hosted countless celebrations wrapped in the calm of the forest.
“We felt truly cared for – the staff were helpful and flexible the entire day. No one was watching the clock, and you could tell they genuinely wanted to make our special day perfect. The food was also fantastic”, shares a newlywed bride whose dream wedding took place at the wilderness restaurant of Pohjanseita.
Built in 1998, Pohjanseita honours the heritage of Kuusamo’s earliest settlers. Hidden partially underground in the forest, the candlelit wilderness restaurant offers an enchanting setting, where hundreds of flames flicker from the rock walls and fireplaces glow with warmth. It’s a place where the mystique of ancient times meets modern festivities – whether it’s a wedding, birthday or corporate gathering.
“There’s something extraordinary about Pohjanseita – a northern calmness and authenticity that can’t be faked”, describes Kirsi Manninen from Rukapalvelu’s sales team.
The World’s Most Romantic Restaurant
Another jewel deep in Kuusamo’s forest is Kammi, a fairytale-like venue carved into the rock and partially underground. Often praised as one of the world’s most romantic restaurants, it glows with candlelight and the subtle scent of smoke, creating a serene, nostalgic ambiance.
These venues are not just for eating and dancing – they offer a complete experience. Add-ons like the Forest Spa with three unique saunas provide both relaxation and ritual. A winter plunge into an ice hole or a summer dip in Lake Petäjälampi makes the experience unforgettable. For a wilder twist, guests can begin the party after an ATV safari or a river rafting adventure.
Foresters and Northern
Lights
Rukapalvelu also offers several themed wilderness camps, each with its own character. Daza sits at the highest point of Petäjävaara hill, ideal for viewing the northern lights through a perfectly framed arctic sky. Hippa brings to life the legend of an ancient forest spirit said to protect and bless respectful visitors – celebrated through traditional gatherings in a mythical atmosphere.
Pohjantähti, a riverside camp on Lake Juuma, is a favourite among river rafters and perfect for summer events. It combines thrilling water adventures, sauna sessions, and wilderness dining in one memorable package.
“Our goal is to create complete experiences,” says Kirsi Manninen. “By combining meaningful moments with natural beauty, guests fall in love with the unhurried pace. We handle every detail so they can focus on what matters – enjoying the moment.”
As the evening draws to a close, guests step outside into the stillness. Northern lights shimmer gently above, and the silence of the forest wraps around them. This is what northern celebration is all about – peaceful, soulful, and deeply memorable.
ONE NIGHT, A THOUSAND STORIES –COULD YOU SURVIVE A NIGHT IN THE WILD?
A gentle trail of smoke rises from the campfire into the quiet summer sky. The campsite, built with what nature has to offer, is ready – and dinner is cooking over the open fire. The group of survivors has learned how to light a fire, brew coffee over the flames, and navigate using only a map. This isn’t a luxury getaway – this is an adventure where wilderness skills are tested and strengthened.
The new Survivor – Wilderness Challenge invites you to embrace the elements, guided by an experienced wilderness instructor. During this overnight adventure, participants build their own shelter, learn fire-making techniques, navigate through forest terrain, and prepare meals using raw ingredients found in nature. Drinking water is sourced along the way. It’s a challenge that builds team spirit and outdoor skills – but most of all, it offers a truly unforgettable shared experience.
“We wanted to create something that blends a real survival experience with respect for nature and the joy of adventure. There are no prizes here – it’s all about being present, working together, and discovering something unique,” says Visa Pekonen, Rukapalvelu’s Sales Manager, an adventurer and one of the programme’s co-developers.
For a well-earned reward after the challenge, participants can add a pampering session: a warm sauna, a delicious meal, and time to reflect on the experience together in the glow of the wilderness lodge.
Survivor – Wilderness Challenge is designed for groups of 6–12 people and is ideal for teams or friends looking to break away from daily routines and reconnect through a wild, shared experience. The programme is available from June to September. Pricing depends on group size and optional add-ons – ask us for an offer!
Are you ready to take on the challenge? Find out how you and your group would survive a night in the Kuusamo wilderness – and return stronger, more skilled, and with memories that will last a lifetime.
FOR GROUPS ON ORDER:
Challenge yourself and develop your wilderness skills under the guidance of our experienced guide. In this program, you’ll spend a night in the wild, building your own shelters and preparing food in the great outdoors. You’ll also test your fire-starting and navigation skills. Drinking water and some of the food will be sourced from nature. After surviving in the wilderness, you can look forward to some pampering: a wonderful dinner and a sauna evening at the wilderness camp, where you can share the experiences and memories of the adventure with your group. Bring along your friends or work team for an unforgettable experience that will strengthen team spirit! Ask for an offer.
Hike & cruise with sauna and dinner in wilderness camp 5h.
First, you’ll hike and admire the most stunning rapids of Oulanka National Park under the expert guidance of our skilled guide. Afterward, you’ll board a boat and cruise across Lake Juuma toward the Pohjantähti wilderness camp, where you can enjoy the soothing warmth of two wilderness saunas and a delicious wilderness dinner.
128 €/ADULT, MIN. 6 PERSON
Activities can be booked no later than 4 pm the day before. Reservations can be made by email to safarihouse@rukapalvelu.fi or by
We recommend booking the program well in advance so that we can guarantee the availability of the service.