Ruka-Kuusamo & Rovaniemi Matka FAM Visit & Workshop 09. - 15./16.01.2026

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: Ruka.fi

Visit Rovaniemi – The Official Hometown of Santa Claus

Experience a living story that will change you forever. Your magical journey here at the Arctic Circle, in Lapland, Finland, is guided by the values of authenticity, giving, creativity and constant presence. It’s also your moment to meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village any day of the year and write a new chapter in your life’s story while exploring Rovaniemi travel area, rich in history and fascinating details.

Weather in the winter - what to expect?

Average temperatures vary between -10 and -15 degrees Celsius in November-February, in January the average temperature is around -15 degrees. However, the coldest temperatures can reach -35 Celsius! The northern lights can be seen during clear nights.

Flights to Helsinki

22:45 Flight from New York to Helsinki

07:00 Those coming from Australia, flight from Helsinki to Kuusamo

8:45 Those coming from Australia, arriving in Kuusamo International Airport
Your local host will meet you at the airport

Short transfer to Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki to have some late breakfast after early wake up. Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki is a versatile hotel between Ruka and Kuusamo by the pond Petäjälampi. It offers year around recreational services for families, couples and groups. Hotel offer restaurant services, Angry Birds activity park and Tropical spa. @holidayclub

Hotel inspection in Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki

10:45 Transfer to Kujala Reindeer Farm
Kujala Reindeer Farm is a genuine reindeer farm that dates from 1860. The farm is run by 5th generation of reindeer herders. We offer reindeer adventures all year round and sell high-quality reindeer products, art and handicrafts made on the spot.

13:00 Transfer to Ruka Holiday resort and late lunch

13:55 Flight from New York arriving in Helsinki

14:30 Check in to Ruka Valley hotel and some free time

16:00 Those coming from USA, flight from Helsinki to Kuusamo

17:45 Those coming from USA, Arriving to Kuusamo International Airport
Your local host will meet you at the airport

18:15 Transfer from airport to Ruka holiday resort and check in to Ruka Valley hotel

Everybody 

19:00 Meeting at the hotel reception
Let´s take gondola to go over the slopes and start exciting activity, tobogganing at the Ruka Ski slopes. In Ruka Ski resort there is enchanting Polar Night Light Festival in January with light installations and today you have chance to experience this amazing atmosphere.

20:30 After nice activity, local dinner in beautiful restaurant.

After dinner time to have some rest, before following day and new adventures.

8:00 Breakfast in restaurant in Ruka Valley and check out

8:45 Transfer to Ruka Village

9:00 Site inspection to accommodation in Ruka resort:
- Ski-Inn Ruka Village
- Scandic Rukahovi hotel

10:45 Transfer to Ruka Safaris

Ruka Safaris is a well know company who is specialized in year-round activities and authentic Finnish hospitality. They provide many accommodation options from lakeside cabins to stylish glass villas with great meal options.

11:00 Arctic river floating activity with Ruka Safaris.

Magical adventure where you will surrender yourself to the freezing cold water in a dry suit which keeps you warm and insulated from the water. Life vest and helmet are included in the gear. We start with safety instructions for floating and go down to the river together. The thrill of going into the freezing water is unique! As you step into the water you can let yourself go with the stream and wonder at the frozen trees and ice around you. After activity, transfer back

14:00 Lunch in beautiful restaurant Kontioluola by Ruka Safaris

15:00 Site inspection to Iisakki village accommodation

15:45 Transfer to Pyhäpiilo sauna by Rukan Salonki

Now it is time to relax and take it easy in Pyhäpiilo sauna world, where you can enjoy the heat of a true Finnish smoke sauna. During the sauna experience, possibility to take a refreshing dip in Lake Pyhäjärvi.

18:30 Local dinner served

20:00 Transfer to Arctic Lumo Resort and check in

Arctic Lumo Resort is the newest igloo hotel in Ruka-Kuusamo and located between Kuusamo town and Ruka holiday resort in beautiful surroundings where you can really enjoy peaceful nature.

Free time to relax and enjoy the views and maybe even Northern lights from the lodge

Breakfast

Check out

09.00 Transfer from Ruka-Kuusamo to Rovaniemi

11.30 Arrival at Santa Claus Village, where Christmas magic can be experienced year-round @santaclausvillageofficial. Visit Rovaniemi will Welcome & host you during your stay!

Cross the Arctic Circle - This magical latitude has attracted travelers since 1950’s and crossing the Arctic Circle, 66°33′45.9″, is a must on the bucket list.

12.00 Meeting with Santa Claus in his office is an unforgettable experience, a once in a lifetime memory @santaclausoffice STF

12.30 Send your Christmas cards from Santa Claus’ Main Post Office, stamped by the Post Elves with the Arctic Circle Stamp. @santaclausmainpostoffice STF

13.15 Meet the sweet Mrs Santa Claus - the soul of Christmas preparations at Mrs Santa Claus Christmas Cottage @mrssantaclauscc and enjoy the traditional reindeer sleigh ride @santaclausreindeer

14.15 Lunch at Piparina Day Cabins & Dining right in the heart of Santa Claus Village @piparina.fi @arcticsnowhotel

15.30 Meet & Greet Huskies at Arctic Circle Husky Park a fur-friends home of purebred Siberian Huskies. Husky Park offers programs and experiences of the furry friends and fluffy tails in Santa Claus village at the Arctic Circle. Step into a world full of wagging tails, happy howls, and arctic magic! @huskyparkarcticcircle STF

17.00 Explore Santa Claus Village - Shop in Finnish brands stores Iittala, Marimekko, Pentik & Moomin Shop, and in the souvenir shops with a wide range of Christmas decorations and Lappish mementos @moominshoprovaniemi @pentik_official

18.00 Transfer to Halo Igloos

18:20 Check-in @haloigloos
Located only 18 minutes North of Rovaniemi city and just 12 minutes from the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village, Halo Igloos resort offers perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion. Designed for quiet comfort and meaningful moments, Halo Igloos seamlessly blends privacy with personalized service.
Each of the 26 glass igloos provides an intimate experience. The resort features its own reindeer enclosure, a cozy lobby, Restaurant Aurora, and a traditional Reindeer hut.

Halo Igloos opens the doors for Summer Season 2026, which makes it a Fantastic year round resort in vicinity of Rovaniemi.

20.00 Dinner at Restaurant Aurora @haloigloos
Enjoy the sauna and try to spot the Northern Lights at the Resort, even while relaxing in your private hot tub.

Breakfast at the hotel

Check out

8.00 Transfer to Vaattunki Wilderness Resort

8.10 Resort Inspection at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort, where nature and high-end comfort come together in perfect harmony. Nestled in one of the most scenic areas of Rovaniemi, Vaattunki offers a boutique retreat, personalized experiences, and modern amenities. Vaattunki is the gateway to the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, just 20 min from the city. @vaattunki

8.50 Transfer to Apukka Resort

9.00 Resort inspection at Apukka Resort - In the embrace of two remote lakes at the edge of unspoilt wilderness Apukka Resort offers unique accommodation options and full selection of season related nature activities. @apukkaresort STF

9.45 Transfer to Arktikum Science Center & Museum

10.00 Guided Tour in the Museum and Arctic Science Centre Arktikum highlights the most important facts about Lapland and the Arctic area. Arktikum is the place to get a grasp of local and regional history and culture. Arktikum’s architecture is an attraction in itself and the museum shop offers the most unique local products to take home @arktikumofficial STF

12.00 Lunch at Arktikum Café - The modernly elegant Arktikum Café embodies Arctic design and offers you the taste of North. STF

12.45 Transfer to airport

14:00 Flight from Rovaniemi to Helsinki

15:20 Arriving in Helsinki Vantaa airport

Transfer to Helsinki

Check in to hotels:
Australia: Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
USA: Hotel Kämp

A short walk from hotels to Helsinki City Hall with your host(s)

17:50 Those staying at Lapland hotels Bulevardi, transfer from hotel to Helsinki City Hall

18:00 Event starts at Helsinki City Hall

18:30 - 19:30  Reception

19:30 - 21:00 Light supper

A short walk to hotels

21:10 Those staying at Lapland hotels Bulevardi, transfer to hotel

Good night!

Breakfast at hotel

Transfer to the Messukeskus - fair center:

Bus 1
8:00 Hotel Kämp
8:05 Hotel Marski
8:30 Messukeskus

Bus 2
8: 00 Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
8:05 Hotel Grand Hansa
8:30 Messukeskus

Printing of badges

Workshop day

11:25-12:55 Lunch time – please show your badge

Workshop day continues

17:25 Post-Work Mingle, get together at Messukeskus

18:45 Transfer to hotel dinners from the main entrance of Messukeskus:

Bus 1
Hotel Kämp
Hotel Marski

Bus 2
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
Hotel Grand Hansa

19:30 Hotel dinners at your hotels

Good night!

Breakfast at hotel

Check out

Transfers to the Messukeskus -fair center:

Bus 1
8:30 Hotel Kämp
8:35 Hotel Marski
9:00 Messukeskus

Bus 2
8:30 Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
8:35 Hotel Grand Hansa
9:00 Messukeskus

Matka travel fair day

Lunch (please use the lunch coupons given out the previous day)

Matka travel fair day continues

Public transportation to Helsinki Vantaa airport

Flights back to home:

16:50 Flight to New York