Pre-Tour to Ruka-Kuusamo and Salla and Midnight Sun Workshop 06.-12.06.2026

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 and Ruka video.

Salla is an authentic and sustainable Lappish destination in the middle of wilderness. You can find the majority of the area’s activity services and accommodation in Sallatunturi Fell Area - located 10 km southeast of the village of Salla. Here you can find plenty of options from guided tours and different activities, all year around. You can see huskies, meet reindeers (both trained and semi-wild), walk marked hiking paths and of course explore the surroundings independently.

Flights to Finland

Meet your Finnair host Geoffrey Carrage at airport

16:00 Flight to Rovaniemi

17:15 Arriving in Rovaniemi

Transfer to Kuusamo.

First night we are going to have a dinner in beautiful wild food restaurant enjoying the delicious, local meal and just enjoying the beauty of the area. Overnights will be spent in Ruka-Kuusamo area, in beautiful lodge surrounded by nature, House of Northern Senses.

During this 2 night stay we are going to have a program where northern nature, adventure and relaxation come together under the midnight sun. Accommodation in single rooms.

8:00 Breakfast and site inspection at the accommodation

10:00 River rafting in Kitkajoki river by Tailored adventure Rukapalvelu

The excursion begins at Safarihouse where everyone receives the needed equipment. Car transfer to the Käylä Rapids from where the professional skipper leads you to the secrets of river rafting and a mighty adventure! On the 13 km route, we paddle through seven rapids. On the way we stop to plan the best routes through the rapids.The rafting adventure ends in Pohjantähti wilderness lodge with lunch from where transfer back to Ruka.

14:00 Getting to know Ruka holiday resort by summer and short introduction to accommodations of Ski-Inn apartments

15:00 Have fun in the Ruka Center with first alpine coaster in Finland, Ruka Coaster, which will give you fast speed and beautiful sceneries around the whole area.

15:30 Transfer to Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari

16:00 Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari company presentation

Located in the village of Vuotunki, half an hour away from Ruka and Kuusamo, you can find the historic country estate of Pohjola. The first stories from Pohjola date back to 1686 when our ancestors settled in Vuotunki amongst the first pilgrims who arrived to the village. Nowadays owned by the 11th generation of the family, Pohjola is offering unforgettable and authentic Finnish experiences for its visitors.

SaunaTour experience at Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari

Wild Food dinner at Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari

During the dinner there will be a networking possibilities with local companies

20:30 Transfer to accommodation, where short inspection before heading to sleep to have energy for next active days in Salla region.

8:00 Breakfast in the accommodation

Check out

9:00 Transfer to Salla

09:45 Arrival at Salla Wilderness Park

Welcome to Salla, in the middle of nowhere! Upon arrival at Salla Wilderness Park, guests are greeted by the peaceful atmosphere of the surrounding forests and fells.

10:00–12:00 Kössi reindeer program & company inspection at Salla Wilderness Park

The day starts with an introduction to one of the most iconic elements of northern culture: reindeer. Guests have the opportunity to meet the reindeer and learn about the role they play in the local culture and landscape. During the visit, we will also explore Salla Wilderness Park and learn more about the experiences and accommodation offered there.

12:30–15:30 Arctic Circle experience: lake fishing & company inspection at Karhunkierros Luontokeskus Oy

In Salla, the Arctic Circle can be experienced in peaceful surroundings far from crowds. During the visit, we will explore the Arctic Circle area and learn more about the unique nature and wildlife available in the region.

The program includes a relaxing fishing experience on a nearby wilderness lake, where guests can enjoy the silence of the northern landscape and try their luck at catching fish in crystal-clear waters. The guide will prepare the freshly caught fish over an open fire, and guests will get to enjoy an authentic wilderness lunch by the lakeside.

The visit also includes a company presentation by Karhunkierros Luontokeskus Oy, introducing the services and experiences offered in the area. And who knows if we might even meet Santa Claus enjoying his summer holiday in the peaceful wilderness of Salla.

16:00–18:00 Guided e-fatbike adventure & company inspection at Salla Ski & Active

Experience the beautiful landscapes of Sallatunturi in an active and fun way with a guided e-fatbike trip. Electric fatbikes make it easy to explore forest trails and fell scenery while enjoying the fresh northern air. 

The visit also includes a company presentation of Salla Ski & Active and the activities they offer throughout the year.

18:15–19:15  Check in at Salla Wilderness Lodges & time to relax

Return to Salla Wilderness Park and check in to the beautiful Salla Wilderness Lodges with panoramic views and outdoor hot tub. Guests will have time to relax, enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature, and freshen up before the evening program.

19:30–21:30 Dinner at Restaurant Kiela & visit to Sallatunturin Tuvat

Dinner will be served at Restaurant Kiela, where guests can enjoy a warm atmosphere and delicious food inspired by northern ingredients. During the evening, we will also learn more about the accommodation and services provided by Sallatunturin Tuvat. Menu will be announced later.

21:45 onwards  sauna, hot tub and overnight at Salla Wilderness Lodges

After dinner guests return to Salla Wilderness Lodges. The evening continues with the Finnish tradition of sauna, followed by a relaxing moment in your private outdoor hot tub and a peaceful night’s sleep in your lodge with panoramic windows, surrounded by quiet northern nature.

07:45–08:45 Breakfast

09:00–12:00 Guided hike in Salla National Park

Join a guided hike to one of the most scenic viewpoints in Salla National Park together with the tourism manager of Salla. The hike follows the Taivaan tavoittelijan taival trail (4 km) leading to the summit of Iso-Pyhätunturi fell. Along the way, we will talk about tourism in Salla, local culture, life in the north, and the unique nature of this region. Enjoy breathtaking fell landscapes and a small local snack break during the hike.

12:30–14:00 Lunch & visit at  Hotel Sallavalkea & Resort

Lunch will be served at Hotel Sallavalkea & Resort, a unique hotel in the heart of the Salla village. During the visit, we will learn more about the hotel’s services, accommodation, and facilities.

14:00  Quick visit to local grocery store & departure to Rovaniemi

Before departure, there will be a short stop at a local grocery store to get a glimpse of everyday life in Salla and perhaps pick up some local treats for the journey to Rovaniemi.

Transfer to Rovaniemi

17:55 Flight from Rovaniemi to Helsinki

19:10 Arriving in Helsinki

Transfer to hotels

Dinner start time at your hotel, hosted by the hotel, depending on your arrival time in Helsinki:

Hotel Grand Hansa: 20:30
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi: 20:30
Hotel Mestari: 20:30
Hotel Torni: 20:30 

Breakfast

08.00 -17:00 Helsinki – Espoo Destination Day 
Details sent via email by Helsinki Partners and Visit Espoo (sent on 2nd of June)

Program organized by Visit Espoo and Helsinki Partners

17:00-20:00 Get-together event in Temppeliaukio Church (Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki)
and dinner at Restaurant Töölö (Runeberginkatu 14–16, Helsinki)

Evening hosted by Visit Finland, Finnair, Visit Espoo, and Helsinki Partners

Breakfast

9:00-17:00 Workshop day - see program here

18:30-00:30 Party Like a Finn - see program here

Optional Helsinki Day

Helsinki Day is an annual celebration in Finland, held on 12 June, to celebrate the city of Helsinki. 

Helsinki Partners offers the opportunity to participate in various events held in Helsinki: Explore and unwind the day after. This optional day offers a light, flexible program with a focus on summer vibes and memorable city experience during the birthday of Helsinki. Dip into depths of local sauna culture and enjoy a dinner experience under the open sky.

Expect:
• Slow morning & free time with tickets to Allas Sea Pool
• Casual lunch with Helsinki hosts and fellow guests
• Recreation and city experience in laid-back setting
• Relaxed dinner (under the sky if weather permits) to close the week

Flights back to home.

Thank you for visiting in Finland!