Top reasons to visit Kuusamo
- Thrilling Winter Sports: Kuusamo is renowned for its excellent skiing opportunities, including a popular ski resort and evening skiing options.
- Breathtaking Natural Landscapes: The region boasts stunning forests and scenic lakes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Adventure Activities: Basecamp Oulanka offers a range of exciting activities year-round, from skiing in winter to hiking in summer.
- Cultural Experiences: Explore the charming local churches and partake in the Kuusamo Nature Festival for a taste of Finnish culture.
- Comfortable Accommodation: A variety of hotels and aparthotels, such as Hotel Kuusanka, provide a cosy base for your adventures.
Find great hotels in Kuusamo
In Kuusamo, you'll discover a variety of accommodation options tailored for every traveller, from adventurous skiers to business professionals. With a selection of hotels and aparthotels, including the renowned Hotel Kuusanka and Holiday Club Kuusamo, your stay promises comfort and convenience amidst stunning natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a relaxing vacation or an active getaway, Kuusamo's hotels offer the perfect base for your Finnish adventure.
- Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki: Nestled in the heart of Kuusamo, Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki is a 4-star hotel renowned for its family-oriented and adventure-themed atmosphere. This vibrant accommodation offers a range of recreational activities, including golf, skiing, fishing, and mountain biking, making it an ideal choice for active travellers. Families will appreciate the dedicated children's amenities, such as a shared playground and a children's pool, ensuring a fun-filled stay for younger guests. With its focus on adventure sports and a welcoming environment, this hotel is a fantastic base for exploring the great outdoors.
- Scandic Rukahovi: This eco-certified 3.5-star hotel is situated in a superb location for skiing enthusiasts, offering easy access to ski lifts and shuttles nearby. Rated 8.2 out of 10 by guests, Scandic Rukahovi combines adventure with sustainability, catering to eco-conscious travellers. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as downhill skiing, rafting, and mountain biking, all within close proximity. The hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility and its comfortable accommodations make it a fine choice for those looking to enjoy nature without compromising on comfort.
- Ski-Inn RukaValley: A 4-star lodging with an impressive guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, Ski-Inn RukaValley is tailored for families and ski enthusiasts. Located conveniently near ski shuttles and lifts, the hotel offers an array of thrilling winter sports. Families will find an array of amenities such as onsite sledding, shared playgrounds, and a children's club, ensuring that younger guests are entertained. With its modern facilities and emphasis on winter activities, this accommodation provides a balanced mix of adventure and family-friendly hospitality.
Where to stay in Kuusamo
Kuusamo, a charming city in Northern Ostrobothnia, offers a perfect blend of adventure and rustic beauty. Visitors can explore the vibrant Kuusamo centre, immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes, and experience thrilling activities at Basecamp Oulanka. Whether you're skiing in winter or hiking in summer, the atmosphere is always alive with excitement. This region promises unforgettable experiences for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity in nature.
- Rukatunturi: Nestled in the heart of Kuusamo, Rukatunturi is a vibrant village renowned for its winter sports and adventure activities. The area attracts a seasonal influx of tourists, particularly from November to January, as visitors flock to enjoy its ski resort and breathtaking mountainous landscapes. With a variety of ski fields and thrilling sports experiences, Rukatunturi is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The nearby national parks offer stunning natural beauty, making it an ideal base for both adventure seekers and those looking to immerse themselves in Finland's captivating wilderness.
- Käylä: Situated in close proximity to Kuusamo, Käylä is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Peak visitor seasons occur in February to March and July, drawing those eager to explore its pristine beaches and beautiful landscapes. Käylä is home to a shopping mall centre, adding a touch of modern convenience to the traditional Finnish village experience. With a visitor centre nearby and access to the majestic national park, Käylä serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the natural wonders of the region.
- Oivanki: Oivanki is another picturesque village located in the Kuusamo region, known for its appeal to adventure lovers and sports enthusiasts. The area experiences a moderate seasonal influx of visitors, particularly peaking during February to March and July. Oivanki is famous for its ski resorts and extensive ski fields, ensuring a thrilling experience for winter sports fans. The village's scenic surroundings provide ample opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities, making it a fantastic destination for those looking to embrace the beauty of Finnish nature.
Things to do in Kuusamo
Shopping
In the heart of Kuusamo, you'll find the Ruka Shopping Centre, offering a variety of local crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Kuusamo Market Square is about 24km away, where you can explore charming stalls filled with Finnish delicacies and handmade gifts.
Recreation
Ruka Wellness offers a tranquil escape with rejuvenating spa treatments and soothing saunas, set against stunning natural backdrops. Engage in yoga sessions surrounded by serene landscapes or unwind with holistic therapies, ensuring a refreshing retreat to harmonise your mind and body in this beautiful Finnish setting.
Adventure
Experience the thrill of the Ruka Ski Resort, renowned for its diverse slopes and stunning winter landscapes. For a summer adventure, explore the Oulanka National Park, where hiking trails wind through breathtaking scenery and offer opportunities for canoeing along the serene rivers.
Nightlife
Experience the lively nightlife in Kuusamo at the Ruka Ski Resort, where you can enjoy après-ski entertainment and warm up with drinks at the local bars. Alternatively, explore the vibrant atmosphere at the Kuusamo Centre, featuring various restaurants and cafes that come alive after dark.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kuusamo
To save money during your visit to Kuusamo, plan your trip between May to June or August, as these months offer lower accommodation rates. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilise Expedia to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and consider booking flight and hotel packages for additional savings. Explore free outdoor activities in the stunning natural surroundings, and take advantage of public transport to keep travel costs down. Always check for discounts and deals to ensure you get the best price for your stay.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kuusamo are May to June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kuusamo is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Kuusamo is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation in Kuusamo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in Kuusamo
Kuusamo is an ideal destination for ski enthusiasts and adventure seekers, offering a range of attractions such as scenic lakes, charming churches, and nature reserves. Visitors can explore the Kuusamo Golf Course, enjoy the stunning forests, and discover top local attractions, including Lake Kuusamo. This picturesque region is perfect for those in search of outdoor experiences and breathtaking scenery, ensuring a memorable holiday in Northern Ostrobothnia.
- Käylänkoski Rapids: Experience the stunning natural beauty of Käylänkoski Rapids, where the rushing waters create a serene atmosphere perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding landscapes offer picturesque views, making it an ideal spot for photography and relaxation amidst nature.
- Julma-Ölkky: Discover the enchanting Julma-Ölkky Lake, renowned for its romantic ambiance and scenic beauty. This pristine lake features charming beaches that invite visitors to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the water while engaging in various outdoor activities.
- Kuusamo Church: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Kuusamo at the Kuusamo Church. This architectural gem showcases traditional Finnish design and offers insight into the local community's history and spirituality through its captivating artwork and serene atmosphere.
Best time to go to Kuusamo
The best time to visit Kuusamo is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is very cloudy with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Kuusamo
Flying into Kuusamo, you have two major airport options. Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is conveniently located only 3km from the town centre, with nearby accommodation such as the 4-star Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki, offering airport shuttle services. Alternatively, Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is situated 164km away, with excellent hotels like the 4.5-star Arctic TreeHouse Hotel just 2km from the airport, providing easy access. Other good options near Rovaniemi include the Arctic Light Hotel and Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara, both offering various transport services to and from the airport, ensuring a smooth transition to your Kuusamo holiday.