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Kuusamo: the land of national parks attracts tourists all year round

Article published
19.4.2024 at 10:00
Kesäinen maisema Kuusamossa. Nainen ihastelee maisemaa.
Destinations
Ruka’s famous slopes and five spectacular national parks bring tourists to Kuusamo every day of the year. Kuusamo has excellent flight connections to Helsinki Airport and major cities in Europe.

Kuusamo offers visitors unique nature and a wide range of activities that provide exciting experiences in every season. In summer, Kuusamo’s numerous hiking trails and national parks invite you to relax in calming nature, while in winter, the enchanting snowy scenery and ski resorts fill the area with life.

Maisemakuva Posiosta, Kuusamosta syksyllä

Photo: Harri Tarvainen / Visit Finland.

There are flights to Kuusamo from Helsinki all year round: In summer 2024, Finnair will fly from Helsinki to Kuusamo 5–7 times a week. In winter, Eurowings operates direct scheduled flights to Kuusamo from Frankfurt and Düsseldorf in Germany and Edelweiss from Zürich in Switzerland. There are also charter flights to Kuusamo from Europe.

Kuusamo Airport acts as a gateway to the land of national parks. With five very different national parks – Oulanka, Salla, Riisitunturi, Iso-Syöte and Hossa – located just an hour drive away from the airport, it’s easy to get to your next adventure. There are regular bus connections from the airport to the Ruka ski and holiday resort and to Salla National Park.

Laskettelijoita Rukan talvimaisemassa Kuusamossa

Photo: Harri Lindfors / Ski.fi.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy Kuusamo’s unique nature to the fullest. You can go rafting and experience thrilling moments, explore the magnificent scenery of Oulanka National Park and relax by fishing. Cycling, hiking and berry picking are also popular summer activities.

Finland's largest canyon lake, Julma Ölkky, is a hidden gem in Kuusamo. The 50-metre high rock walls are best felt from the water, which is also about 50 metres deep, but the 10-kilometre Ölöky spit trail around the canyon lake is also worth experiencing.

Main photo: Harri Tarvainen / Visit Finland

Learn more about other destinations in Lapland:

Kittilä

Ivalo

Rovaniemi