From Midnight Sun to Indian Summer Ruka-Kuusamo 2023
The arctic snowless seasons consist of a fantastic display of natural light phenomena and colours. Starting with the white nights of the north, continuing to the colourful “ruska”, as we call the Lappish Indian summer.
Did you know that the northern lights come out to play already late August, as the midnight sun season is over, and the nights are dark again?
The arctic snowless seasons are perfect for good outdoor experiences, cultural and lifestyle encounters and for touring the wilds of the north.
Beyond Ruka-Kuusamo
During the bright and light season it is easy to travel by car in Lapland. Arrive or depart from Rovaniemi, gateway to Lapland with good flight connections and an arctic city vibe. Rovaniemi’s unique highlights, Santa Claus Village and museums are well worth a visit. And what a contrast to the scenic nature of Ruka.
Destination Ruka-Kuusamo
Every visit to Ruka and Kuusamo is the beginning of a new adventure, where unique experiences come to life to the rhythm of the changing seasons.
Destination Rovaniemi
Welcome to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland. Rovaniemi is an urban city surrounded by arctic nature, where Lappish culture and a wide range of activities meet.
GREEN KEY CERTIFIED
Rukan Salonki Resort
By the beautiful lakes, under the blazing Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun, there is Rukan Salonki – a private resort in the middle of Lappish nature. Stay in a magnificent log chalet and feel the oneness with nature. All buildings in Rukan Salonki Resort are made of sturdy grey logs. Being possibly the most traditional building material, the strong logs bring the beauty of traditional and unique and architecture alive. We are proud to say that Rukan Salonki Resosrt is Green Key certified in terms of accommodation and restaurant services. Nature and sustainability are in focus for us in all that we do. In the chalets we have Optiwatti heating system to moderate the temperature, water flows are slower in the showers and saunas are turned off after two hours. One requirement in Green Key certification is the reduction of laundry in accommodation units.
Sustainability
Sustainability in all its aspects is important for us and we are in Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland programme.
Accommodation and Wild Food Experiences
Rukan Salonki Chalets are well equipped with a kitchen, living room with a fireplace and of firewood available. Each chalet has a sauna and you will get good instructions on how to have a sauna bath the Finnish way. You find some rowing boats on the shores of the resort lakes and can enjoy a peaceful row on the lake at your convenience.
Seasonal treats of nature are turned into wild food dishes. Restaurant Rukan Kuksa is open throughout the snowless seasons. More wild food experiences are found at Palosaari Reindeer Ranch where a rustic dinner is prepared in the Kammi or in Salonki Kota where we glow fry salmon.
VALUE NETWORK OF PARTNERS
We pursue to offer the best experiences of all arctic seasons to our guests and further to ensure our B2B-partners of a homogeneous production. Therefore, Salonki Travels operates with valued partners on supplied services. We evaluate the service providers and require sustainability environmentally, socially, and ethically. For us it is important that the values correlate, and a trusting relationship is built.
ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES IN RUKA-KUUSAMO
Salonki Travels presents the highlights of the snowless season, which is from May to October. The peak season within this period are the Midnight Sun, Harvest Season and Indian Summer.
Midnight sun can be experienced from early June until mid-July. With 24 hours of daylight, the entire ecosystem lives in ecstasy.
Harvest season begins in August as days begin to get shorter. We enjoy amazing arctic sunsets, and the northern lights appear again.
Indian Summer “ruska” is a massive color display mid-September. The fiery autumn colors remind us that soon the ground will be covered by snow again.
Reindeer and fishing ranch experience
Season: June until September
On your arrival at the traditional reindeer and fishing farm, we go to meet and feed the reindeer in their home corral. From the farm premises we hike around 1,5km to a small wilderness lake. The hike takes us through a nature protection area, a lush forest. By the lake fishermen can try their luck and drill their fishing skills, there is plenty of fish in the water. There is also a picnic prepared for you, finishing off with campsite coffee and Lappish cookies. When you prefer, we will hike back to the farm and you get to hear about a reindeer herders’ life and the most traditional and ancient trade of Lapland.
Duration: 5 hrs
Supplement: Campfire dinner with farm specialties
A seasonal local wild food menu is prepared and served in the turf roofed Kammi of the farm. While Mika prepares the dinner, he is chatting about food, nature and reindeer of course. In case you feel like participating in the dinner preparations, you are welcome to do so
Spend a night at the reindeer farm
Season: June until September
On your arrival to the reindeer ranch you are greeted by Satu and Mika, the farm owners. Reindeer have a very special energy around them, like an ancient calmness of nature. We start by visiting the reindeer in their corral and getting into the relaxed mood of the farm.
Reindeer Nook, your dwelling for the night, is located on the top of a hill at the reindeer farm. You can to observe the arctic night with its seasonal wonders, the midnight sun, the arctic sunsets or perhaps even the magic northern lights from the privacy of your panoramic villa. The fridge has been filled with your breakfast-in-bed goodies and the comfortable bed is placed by the large windows.
After a well-slept night and breakfast in bed, you will be picked up to join in at the reindeer farm’s morning feeding routines.
Duration: 18-20 hrs, from 16:00-12:00
Supplement: Campfire dinner with farm specialties
A seasonal local wild food menu is prepared and served in the turf roofed Kammi of the farm. While Mika prepares the dinner, he is chatting about food, nature and reindeer of course. In case you feel like participating in the dinner preparations, you are welcome to do so
Husky hiking
Season: June until September
At the husky farm you will get to know the huskies and other animals with a professional guide. You will see a home of 150 huskies, and you get to learn more about their daily life and to see how our animals are taken care of. Huskies are very friendly and sociable, so you can pet and cuddle with them. Each participant over the age of 8 will get a belt and we will choose a suitable husky for you. When everybody has own hiking buddy, our guide leads you through our peaceful hiking tracks. The length of this hike is about 2–3 km and the total duration of the program is about 2 hours.
Duration: 3 hrs
Suitable for children from 7 yrs old.
Reindeer hiking
Season: June until September
Hiking over green pastures with a reindeer in a leash is a memorable moment. To symbolize the days when reindeer were used as beasts of burden, we let the reindeer carry our picnic in bags on their backs.
The trail takes you around a small lake and at the middle of the hike you enjoy a break with the picnic the reindeer have been carrying for you and some good reindeer stories. Your reindeer guide will tell you about the reindeer, the year of reindeer and of course answer all your questions about reindeer.
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Suitable for children from 5 yrs
Discover Oulanka National Park on your own
Season: May until October
We recommend visiting Oulanka National Park by starting with the Nature Cantre close to Kiutaköngäs. The nature center presents the nature and geography of the area and there is also a small cafeteria.
Kiutaköngäs is one of the main nature sights in Oulanka National Park and an easy hiking trail (app 1 km) leads to this magnificent series of very fast white-water rapids in Oulanka river. It is 325 meters long and the deepest fall is 4 meters. The water flows through a gorge which northern shore is of terracotta colored dolomite rock. After Kiutaköngäs you can choose to hike the some well-marked trails.
Salonki Travels provides only the information and possibly transfers for this experience. Ensure that someone at your accommodation knows that you are going on an independent hike.
Sauna Tour
Season: All year around
For Finns sauna is an institution, something very essential in life and a must-have. But why do the Finns love their sauna baths so much, is it not just sitting in a hot room?
Your authorized sauna guide will tell you about the Finnish sauna and its health benefits and traditions. SaunaTour is done for your party only. A generous sauna snack and herbal tea are served in the sauna lounge, where you can relax and cool off after the sauna.
Duration: 3 hrs
Program takes place in Rukan Salonki Resort
Sauna Hike
Season: May until October
A stroll or a hike, to the nearby forest will prepare you for the relaxing sauna experience. Grounding, feeling the earth under your feet and finding some treasures of nature to use in the sauna. Your authorized sauna guide will take you on her paths that lead through the forest to the warmth of the sauna.
For Finns sauna is essential all year around. The contrast between hot sauna and cool water of the lake or fresh autumn air is invigorating. The soft “löyly” of Rukan Salonki Starsauna will ease tensions and quiet the mind for a moment.
Some herbal tea is served in the sauna lounge. This is a true wellbeing from the wilderness experience that will leave you fresh and relaxed.
Duration: 3-4 hrs
Program takes place in Rukan Salonki Resort
River rafting family route
Daily 12:00 and 16:00 Season: June until September
Come and enjoy a fun day on the river! This adventure is suitable for all family members from 5 years and up. This super fun excursion does not lack of joy, laughter, and excitement. It might very well be that you have a refreshing face wash en route and remember, it is allowed to swim too.
The rafting starts out in the village of Käylä with getting kitted for the adventure. Raincoats and trousers are provided as well as Neoprene slippers and of course helmet and life vest. Next to come is the lesson in rafting before we take off to go through the seven rapids all the way to village of Juuma.
Duration of rafting experience 2,5 hrs
Suitable for children from 5 years
River rafting wild route
Daily 15:30 | Season: June until September
Are you up for and adventure and not afraid of speed and splashes? Then the wild route is just what you are looking for! As a bonus you get to admire the great sceneries of Oulanka National Park.
You will experience the three biggest rapids of River Kitkajoki and admire the biggest one, Jyrävä, from the shore. River rafting continues via smaller rapids (up to III) to Vattumutka before the first IV rapids of Myllykoski. The wildest rapid is Jyrävä waterfall, which we walk around and watch the raft travel down the fall on its own. A great ending is the long and fun Aallokkokoski with classification IV.
Duration of rafting experience 2 hrs
This tour is only for adults, min 18 yrs.
Bear watching
Season: May until end of August
Come and spend an exciting and unique night in the arctic wilderness. This safe and exciting night in the company of forest wildlife takes place at a dedicated bear watching hut which is located deep in the last wilderness of Europe. In addition to bears, you might see other wild animals.
Led by the guide, we will start the short (200 m) walk to the hut from the parking lot. We remain in the hut up to six hours, depending on the moves of the wildlife. The hut has panoramic window and opening for camera lenses, so you are welcome to bring your camera to the hut.
Duration 4 hrs at the bear hut
This program is recommended for older children, who can remain silent and still for a long time.
Northern lights hunting
Season: Mid August until October
This excursion takes you away from the city lights with unlimited view to the northern sky. The location has been scouted after the weather and space weather reports of the day have been monitored. With a little luck the sky is clear, the moon, stars, and even the Northern Lights show up!
You will hear interesting facts about the Northern Lights and stories of northern life. If you don`t have own camera, don`t worry, we will take photos for you and sent them for you.
Duration: 2 hours
Scenic bike safari
Season: June until September
The supreme electric mountain bikes take you on the scenic route around or even to the top of Ruka fell. The good tyres have a firm grip on the terrain, which can be gravel, forest path or tarmac. Your guide will lead the way on the well-maintained routes for biking in the area. There are some hills and challenges on the way, but nothing that you could not handle with the assistance of the electric bike.
Average-good physical condition is required for this biking tour. Minimum height for participation on this tour is 150 cm, in order to reach to the pedals. The route is around 10-20 km, depending on the skills and physical condition of the guests.
Duration about 2 hrs
ACTIVITIES & ADVENTURES ROVANIEMI
It is easy to explore Rovaniemi on your own. The city center is compact, many attractions can easily be reached by foot or local bus and many services are offered on spot at the Visit Rovaniemi office. We offer highlight tours which in our opinion should not be missed when visiting Rovaniemi in the snowless seasons. These tours are to be booked in advance and can be privatized.
Private day tour from Rovaniemi to Ruka
via Ranua Wildlife Park and Korouoma Canyon
Season: late June until September
Today you need to strap on your walking boots, check-out from your accommodation in Rovaniemi and bring your luggage to the car in the morning. We make the best out of our day transferring to Ruka-Kuusamo and visit two great sites en route.
Ranua Wildlife Park is the home of about 150 animals representing 50 arctic species. A trail of about 2,5 km takes you through the forest of the wildlife park allowing you to meet many animals and birds on the way. We enjoy a buffet lunch before continuing.
Our next stop is Korouoman canyon. Korouoma is a 30 kilometer long and up to 130 meters deep canyon fracture valley. Canyon and its high cliffs form a breathtakingly landscape to enjoy throughout the year. The areas landscape is exceptionally rugged and grand. Korouoma is a great place for making nature pictures. The hike is moderate hiking, good shoes are required.
Duration: 6-7 hrs
This tour is not suitable for children under 12 yrs.
Private Rovaniemi City and Santa Claus Village Tour
Season: May until October
Get to know Rovaniemi city and meet Santa Claus at the Santa Claus Village on family-friendly tour. See some of Rovaniemi’s most popular sightss on a panoramic minivan tour while your guide shares facts about the Finnish Lapland’s capital.
Then travel to the magical Santa Claus Village and meet Santa in the Santa Claus Office. Receive meeting with Santa Claus picture/video internet download complimentary. (notice: live line to meet Santa Claus)
Visit Santa´s Main Post Office to send Santa Claus-stamped greetings, join an Arctic Circle crossing ceremony and enjoy the souvenir shops, cafés and more. Other attractions available on spot. Free time on agreement and the duration of the tour is flexible.
Midnight Sun Photography tour
Season: June until Mid August
The Midnight Sun is one of the most amazing phenomena in Lapland during the summer months. On this tour we will take you to the best locations around Rovaniemi to experience and photograph this unique natural phenomenon. The tour is scheduled around midnight, so that we are able to photograph the best moments of both the sunset and the sunrise!
We will photograph next to rivers and lakes, forests and wilderness areas, in order to capture authentic Lappish landscapes under the Midnight Sun. We will teach you some basics of photographing in dusk light and how to catch all the amazing colors with your camera. During the tour, we also set up a campfire and eat some BBQ snacks.
Notice! The exact time of the Midnight Sun in Rovaniemi is from 5th of June till 6th of July. We continue running the tour 1-month after the actual Midnight Sun, as we are still able to photograph beautiful sunsets in July and August too!
Duration: 3 hrs
Cultural Canoe Trip in Rovaniemi
Season: late June until September
Before embarking for your sightseeing tour, your qualified canoe guide will teach you the basic techniques on how to canoe and will provide you with all the safety instructions needed. You will start on very quiet waters, protected by islands, to get used to the canoe and the different techniques.
While paddling, your guide will show you around Rovaniemi and the different attractions: the Arktikum Museum, Kemijoki, Ounasjoki, Ounasvaara, the Lumberjack bridge, the church… They will share with you their knowledge about the town and its history, life in the Arctic, and the nature that surrounds Rovaniemi. As you follow the flow of the river, you will have one stop at the Kotisaari island, which used to be a stronghold for lumberjacks, before heading to the Local Heritage Museum of Rovaniemi located on the shores of the river.
The visit of the museum will be the opportunity to travel back in time and discover life in a local farmhouse a hundred years ago.
Duration: 3,5 hrs
Suitable for children from 5 yrs
SAMPLE PACKAGES
It is easy to explore Lapland on your own. But we are happy to package tours for you, to ensure that you capture the best sights and activities according to your interest.
The best of Ruka-Kuusamo – 4 days
Ruka-Kuusamo is known as nature’s own amusement park and on this tour, you really get to experience the best of the rugged and pure nature of the north.
Season: June-September
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Day 1, Arrival
Accommodaiton in Rukan Salonki 11 or Veskaranta Sky View Villas
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Day 2, Rafting and biking
The day begins with Scenic biking and continues with the River rafting wild route. Take in what the nature has to offer both in the surroundings of Ruka fell and in Oulanka National Park.
The good tyres have a firm grip on the terrain, which can be gravel, forest path or tarmac. Your guide will lead the way on the well-maintained routes for biking in the area. There are some hills and challenges on the way, but nothing that you could not handle with the assistance of the electric bike. In Oulanka National Park you will experience the three biggest rapids of River Kitkajoki and admire the biggest one, Jyrävä, from the shore. River rafting continues via smaller rapids (up to III) to Vattumutka before the first IV rapids of Myllykoski
Accommodaiton in Rukan Salonki 11 or Veskaranta Sky View Villas
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Day 3, Reindeer and wildlife
Today we have a relaxed hike in a quite easy terrain, take in the great outdoors and listen to the silence and the snaps of reindeer hoofs. Reindeer hiking over green pastures with a reindeer in a leash is a memorable moment. Later in the evening, it is time to meet the brown bear on a guided Bear watching tour. This safe and exciting night in the company of forest wildlife takes place at a dedicated bear watching hut which is located deep in the last wilderness of Europe. In addition to bears, you might see other wild animals.
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Day 4, Departure
Flight from either Kuusamo or Rovaniemi airport
Through the Arctic Circle – 5 days
This tour is planned for travelers particularly interested in arctic culture and traditions and who are not renting a car in Lapland.
Season: June-September
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Day 1, Arrival
Welcome to Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. This gateway to Lapland greets you with arctic culture highlights and an urban vibe. Accommodation in Scandic City Rovaniemi.
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Day 2, Rovaniemi
Discover Rovaneimi on the Culutral Canoe Trip taking you to many highlights and giving you a real insight to northern ways of life. The locals say that Rovaniemi is best viewed from the river and today you get to enjoy the best river views.
Accommodation in Scandic City Rovaniemi.
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Day 3, Rovaniemi-Ruka
Today you need to strap on your walking boots, check-out from your accommodation in Rovaniemi and bring your luggage to the car in the morning. We make the best out of our day transferring to Ruka-Kuusamo and visit two great sites en route. The tour From Rovaniemi to Ruka, via Ranua Wildlife Park and Korouoma presents some of the nicest nature sights in Lapland.
Accommodation Veskaranta Sky View Villas
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Day 4, Ruka
Reindeer herding is an ancient livelihood in Lapland. On today’s Reindeer hiking tour, you will get to know the reindeer as well as the reindeer herder’s way of life.
There is nothing more Finnish than sauna. After the hiking tour your sauna guide greets you for the SaunaTour, a true Finnish sauna experience.
The wild rivers of Ruka-Kuusamo are well known. The River rafting wild route in Oulanka National Park is an adventurous highlight that lets you admire the gorgeous riverside sceneries.
Accommodation Veskaranta Sky View Villas
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Day 5, Departure
Flight from either Kuusamo or Rovaniemi airport
Discover at your own pace – 4 days
This tour is planned for travelers interested in nature and hiking and are travelling by rental car.
Season: June-Mid-August
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Day 1, Arrival
Welcome to Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle. This gateway to Lapland greets you with arctic culture highlights and an urban vibe.
Get right into the feel of the arctic summer with a night-time photography tour in Rovaniemi. The tour takes you to some of the most scenic places in the area and you are fine with any kind of camera or the smartphone. This is the best way to collect your travel photos.
Accommodation in Scandic City Rovaniemi.
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Day 2, Guided experience hikes in Ruka
On arrival in Ruka, you are greeted at a local husky farm for a Husky hiking tour. At the husky farm you will get to know the huskies and other animals with a professional guide.
Each participant over the age of 8 will get a belt and we will choose a suitable husky for you. The length of this hike is about 2–3 km.In Rukan Salonki Resort you are greeted by a sauna guide for another kind of nature and hiking experience SaunaHike, ending with a relaxing sauna bath.
A stroll or a hike, to the nearby forest will prepare you for the relaxing sauna experience. Grounding, feeling the earth under your feet and finding some treasures of nature to use in the sauna
For Finns sauna is essential all year around. The contrast between hot sauna and cool water of the lake or fresh air is invigorating. This is a true wellbeing from the wilderness experience that will leave you fresh and relaxed.Accommodation in Rukan Salonki 11
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Day 3, Independent hiking in Ruka
Oulanka National Park is easy to visit independently. We recommend visiting Oulanka National Park by starting with the Nature Cantre close to Kiutaköngäs. The nature center presents the nature and geography of the area and there is also a small cafeteria.
Kiutaköngäs is one of the main nature sights in Oulanka National Park and an easy hiking trail (app 1 km) leads to this magnificent series of very fast white-water rapids in Oulanka river. It is 325 meters long and the deepest fall is 4 meters. The water flows through a gorge which northern shore is of terracotta colored dolomite rock.Late in the evening you drive to a wilderness location for Bear watching
The brown bears can come exhilaratingly close to the cabin – even as close as 20 meters! This safe and exciting night in the company of forest wildlife takes place at a dedicated bear watching hut which is located deep in the last wilderness of Europe. In addition to bears, you might see other wild animals.Accommodation in Rukan Salonki 11
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Day 4, Departure
Flight from either Kuusamo or Rovaniemi airport
Northern culture plunge – 5 days
This tour is a slow travel tour and can be done with arranged transfers or by rental car. Travelers who enjoy encounters with locals and discovering the lifestyle of the north will enjoy this tour in particular.
Season: August-September (in order to include the Norhtern Lights tour.
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Day 1, Arrival
Accommodation in Scandic City Rovaniemi
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Day 2, Rovaniemi
Discover Rovaneimi on the Culutral Canoe Trip taking you to many highlights and giving you a real insight to northern ways of life. The locals say that Rovaniemi is best viewed from the river and today you get to enjoy the best river views.
Accommodation in Veskaranta Sky View Villas
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Day 3, Reindeer ranch in Ruka
Spend a day and a night at an authentic reindeer and fishing ranch. On your arrival at the traditional reindeer and fishing farm, we go to meet and feed the reindeer in their home corral. From the farm premises we hike around 1,5km to a small wilderness lake. By the lake fishermen can try their luck and drill their fishing skills, there is plenty of fish in the water.
When you prefer, we will hike back to the farm where we can watch one more time how the reindeers are doing. You get to hear about a reindeer herders’ life and the most traditional and ancient trade of Lapland.A seasonal local wild food menu is prepared and served in the turf roofed Kammi of the farm. While Mika prepares the dinner, he is chatting about food, nature and reindeer of course. In case you feel like participating in the dinner preparations, you are welcome to do so
After dinner, Satu and Mika, the farm owners, will take you to your special accommodation, Reindeer Nook.
Reindeer Nook, your dwelling for the night, is located on the top of a hill at the reindeer farm. You will be able to observe the arctic night with its seasonal wonders, the midnight sun, the arctic sunsets or perhaps even the magic northern lights from the privacy of your panoramic villa. Reindeer Nook is equipped with a wood-heated sauna, wc, a fireplace, kitchenette and wi-fi. The fridge has been filled with your breakfast in bed goodies and the comfortable bed is placed by the large windows. The terrace provides a private outdoor space for you, a perfect spot to enjoy a night-cap and enjoy the calm surroundings.After a well-slept night, you can relax and enjoy breakfast in bed. The reindeer are also waiting for their breakfast and soon you will be picked up to join in at the reindeer farm’s morning feeding routines.
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Day 4, Ruka
For Finns sauna is an institution, something very essential in life and a must-have. During SaunaTour you will gain understanding for this wellbeing oasis that Finns call Sauna.
Your authorized sauna guide will tell you about the Finnish sauna and its health benefits and traditions. The sauna guide will advise you on how to make the perfect ”löyly” happen, that is the steam in the sauna and also advise you to the use of a body scrub made of Lappish wild herbs. Between the heats you can cool off by taking a dip in the refreshing lake.Did you know that the northern lights appear already in August? location in the outskirts of Ruka. The location has been scouted after the weather and space weather reports of the day have been monitored. You are taken to superb spotting locations and with a little luck the sky is clear, the moon, stars, and even the Northern Lights show up!
Accommodation in Veskaranta Sky View Villas
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Day 5, Departure
Flight from either Kuusamo or Rovaniemi airport