Things to do in Kuusamo

Kuusamo is a small town located in the east of Finland known for its world-class skiing, untouched nature, wildlife, hot saunas and tranquility that dreams are made of.The spectacular landscape of Kuusamo is dominated by pine forests, water rapids, rivers, lakes and Finnish mini-mountains known as fells. All seasons are suitable for visiting Kuusamo, the warmer weather brings out the luscious greenery of the forests and vegetation, perfect for summer strolls and rafting while the winter is long, cold and very snowy. Seeing the forests weighed down with thick, fluffy layers of snow will take your breath away! The long, cold winters are one of the reasons why Kuusamo is a major center for winter sports. Enjoy whizzing down the slopes of the Ruka Ski Resort, one of the best in Finland. The Kuusamo region is a nature lover’s delight where a variety of Finland's rarest species of animals and plants can be found, not forgetting the national animal of Finland itself, the mighty bear! The Oulanka National Park is not to be missed which covers 270 square kilometers and is home to Finland’s most popular hiking trail, the Karhunkierros Trail (or Bear’s Trail) which takes venturers to the top of one of the highest fells in Finland, the Valtavaara. Dreamlike views of Kuusamo’s beautiful wilderness are at every glance and there are even hanging bridges to cross!