Ruka: Coaster, Bike Park and Summer Trails

Ruka can be explored through a wide variety of activities: the Ruka Coaster, the Summer Sled Track and the Bike Park sit alongside marked summer trails and the car-free centre of Ruka Village. When planning, it helps to decide whether rides, cycling trails, guided excursions or routes between the different parts of the area should be the main focus. The activities also differ in the seasonal and trail conditions visitors need to take into account.

Coaster and Summer Sled Track

The Ruka Coaster follows a winding route of more than 750 metres and reaches speeds of up to 40 km/h. The ride offers views of the surrounding landscape. The Summer Sled Track has different defining features: it is a one-kilometre steel toboggan track ridden on a specially designed sled. The two tracks can therefore be distinguished by their routes and the rides described.

The Summer Sled Track operates seasonally; check before your trip whether it will be running on your dates. From Ruka Village, access is via the Village Express chairlift. Its operation is seasonal and weather-dependent, which is also worth bearing in mind when planning this route.

Bike Park and guided summer activities

The trails at Ruka Bike Park are accessible via four bike lifts: the Village-2-Valley gondola, the Village Express chairlift, the Vuosseli T-bar lift and the Family Park magic carpet. The downhill bike trails are divided into Flow and Technical categories. Family Park is located right next to Ruka Valley and is particularly suitable for beginners.

Those who prefer a guided experience in summer can find hikes and e-bike tours with Ruka Guided Nature Experiences. Individual tours and dates may vary seasonally. The Ruka area also has marked day-hiking trails, including the Ruka Scenic Trail and the Ruka circular trail. Alongside guided activities, these named trails offer options for day hikes.

Hiking and navigation on the Karhunkierros Trail

For the Karhunkierros Trail, the start and end point is important when planning your route: it was moved from Ruka Village to Saarua in eastern Ruka. The official start and end point is in the Saarua area, east of Ruka. Following the relocation, the trail was expected to be 81 kilometres long in total. Check the current official route before setting out.

Getting around Ruka Village

The centre of Ruka Village is car-free. The Village-2-Valley gondola and the SkiBus help guests of Ruka Village get around the area. The gondola connects Ruka Village and Ruka Valley in about nine minutes; its operation is weather-dependent. All local public transport buses stop at the turning circle on the southern edge of Ruka Village. These include the SkiBus, Airport Bus, Karhunkierros Trail Bus and other scheduled buses. Routes and timetables may change, so check them before travelling.

Ruka Village has the Ruka Parking Hall, a heated underground car park open to all visitors, with 37 charging stations. Covered access routes lead from the car park to Shopping Centre Kumpare, RukaSuites and Hotel RukaVillage, as well as to the lifts near the piste and Rukahovi. For finding your way around, useful reference points include both the bus stop on the southern edge and the connections between the Village and Valley.

Discover more destinations: Kiiminki, Siikajoki, Oulu, Närpes, Karvia, Savio, Vahto, Kesäniemi.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.