Rukan Salonki - December 18

Ruka Village is one of the largest alpine ski resorts in Finland, located in the northwest of the country, right on the imaginary line of the Arctic Circle and next to the border with Russia. The Rukan Salonki accommodation complex is surrounded by nature. It is an ideal and exclusive place perfect for exploring on snowmobiles, taking rides on husky or reindeer sleighs... or simply relaxing in the sauna. You might even have the chance to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights. Welcome to Lapland! We look forward to seeing you!

Approximate price per family:
5480 $

Take advantage of this special pre-Christmas trip to experience this fantastic journey to Lapland with your family. We will be staying at the Rukan Salonki resort, probably the best in Finland when it comes to authenticity, space, comfort, service, and location. Its enormous log cabins are practically unique constructions in Lapland. There is no other resort in all of Lapland with cabins like these. Inside the cabins, the decoration is carefully designed, always staying true to the customs and folklore of the local Sami (Lapland) culture. It would be hard to find a better place to stay in Lapland than Rukan Salonki, but it's important not to make comparisons with other destinations or countries because, despite being a "snow" destination, the style of accommodation in Lapland differs significantly from the more elegant standards found in exclusive Alpine resorts or American mountains.

Day 1. Spain / Kuusamo / Ruka

Arrival at the airport. Meet with Catai staff who will assist you with the simple check-in procedures. Departure on a special direct flight to Kuusamo. Snack on board included. Meet your guide and transfer to the Rukan Salonki resort (approx. 20 min). Arrival. In your accommodation, you will find thermal suits in your size that you can use throughout your stay in Lapland. Once settled, we will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 2. Ruka. Arctic Animals: Husky and Reindeer Safari

Breakfast at the hotel. We will begin our adventure in Lapland with a visit to a husky dog farm. Upon arrival at the camp, we will be greeted by the enthusiastic barks of the dogs. Surrounded by nature, they will explain the instructions for driving and safety before starting the sleigh ride. The team consists of two people, a musher and a passenger (they can switch places during the ride). After the excitement and speed at the start, you will soon relax and enjoy the surroundings. Once back at the camp, we can enjoy a comforting hot drink in a kota. Light lunch during the excursion. Traveling through beautiful forests and over ice-covered lakes, we will arrive at a traditional reindeer farm. We will take a sleigh ride pulled by these endearing animals while the herders tell us stories about their life and sustenance, the oldest in Lapland. Free time until dinner to enjoy the hotel facilities or play in the snow. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 3. Ruka. Meeting Santa Claus

Breakfast at the hotel. Today is the day that the little ones have been waiting for. We will transfer to a secret location near Ruka, a small complex of houses and cabins with wonderful winter views. There is a slide area where children can play while waiting to see Santa. In his house, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting for us. We will have the opportunity to prepare cookies and Christmas decorations with them and learn about life in Lapland. Each family will have time to chat with Santa, take photos, and receive a gift from this endearing character (for children under 11 years old). With the unforgettable memories of this visit, we say goodbye to Santa Claus and return to our accommodation. Return to the Rukan Salonki complex and enjoy a light lunch at the hotel restaurant. Rest of the day free. In the complex, you have access to an illuminated slide track and free-use floats. On the frozen lake, you can try the Finnish carousel, where one person sits and the other spins, or use the traditional "kick-sledges," a type of sled. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 4. Ruka. Snowmobile Safari and Optional Sauna Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to put on your thermal clothing again and enjoy an incredible day outdoors. We will embark on one of the most comprehensive excursions of this trip. First, the guides will explain how to use the snowmobiles (they are very easy to drive), and we will begin our journey. The adults will drive the snowmobiles (2 people per snowmobile, with the option to take turns driving), while the children ride in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile. We will enjoy a light lunch during the excursion. You will have free time to enjoy the sauna or perhaps take advantage of the opportunity to do some downhill skiing at the Ruka alpine ski resort, located 15 minutes from your accommodation. Skiing here is easy, as Ruka usually keeps its slopes open from October until almost the end of May, with many of them illuminated. Your guide can provide advice on schedules, prices, and more. Lift tickets and ski equipment can be purchased by the hour. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 5. Ruka. Ice Fishing, Lunch in a Kota, and Snowshoeing

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start another day full of adventures by engaging in an activity that both adults and children enjoy: snowshoeing to one of the best spots for ice fishing in Ruka, Lake Veskajärvi. We will meet the fishing guide at the laavu, a shelter they have on the shore. First, we will receive instructions on how to use the small fishing rods, bait, and the "kaira," which is the drill for making holes in the ice. Then it's our turn to find the best spot and try our luck on the ice. The lake is home to perch and pike, both natural inhabitants. In the laavu, we can enjoy a hot drink around a campfire to warm up. We will have a light lunch in a traditional Lappish kota, which is a typical tent of the Sami people (also known as Laplanders) with a shape similar to teepees or Native American tents. Afterward, we will return to the accommodation and have free time until dinner. Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / Spain

Buffet breakfast. Free time until the designated transfer time. We cannot leave Lapland without experiencing a relaxing sauna. Sauna in Finland is a tradition. Although the Finns did not invent it, they are the country with the highest number of saunas per capita, with almost one sauna for every two inhabitants, and they are the ones who use it most frequently. Departure to Kuusamo Airport. Check-in procedures and departure on a direct flight to Spain. Snack onboard included. Arrival and end of our adventure in Lapland.

Aprovecha esta salida especial de pre-navidad para realizar este fantástico viaje a Laponia con tu familia. Nos alojaremos en el complejo Rukan Salonki, probablemente el mejor de Finlandia, si nos atenemos a términos de autenticidad, espacio, confort, servicio y ubicación. Sus enormes cabañas de auténticos troncos de madera son construcciones prácticamente únicas en Laponia. No existe ningún otro complejo en toda Laponia con semejantes cabañas. Dentro de las cabañas la decoración está cuidada al detalle, pero ajustándose siempre a las costumbres y folclore local sami (lapón). Difícilmente encontrará en Laponia un lugar mejor para quedarse que Rukan Salonki, pero conviene alejarse de comparaciones con otros destinos o países pues, a pesar de tratarse de un destino “de nieve”, el tipo de alojamiento de Laponia difiere bastante del estándar más elegante que podemos encontrar en estaciones exclusivas de los Alpes o las montañas americanas.

Día 1. España / Kuusamo / Ruka

Presentación en aeropuerto. Encuentro con personal de Catai que os ayudará con los sencillos trámites de facturación. Salida en vuelo especial directo a Kuusamo. Snack a bordo incluido. Encuentro con su guía y traslado al complejo de Rukan Salonki (aprox. 20min). Llegada. En vuestro alojamiento encontrareis los trajes térmicos de vuestra talla que podréis usar durante toda la estancia en Laponia. Una vez instalados degustaremos una deliciosa cena buffet en el restaurante del hotel. Alojamiento.

Día 2. Ruka. Animales árticos: Safari de huskies y renos

Desayuno en el hotel. Comenzaremos nuestra aventura en Laponia con una visita a una granja de perros huskies. A nuestra llegada al campamento, seremos recibidos por los ladridos entusiastas de los perros. Rodeado de naturaleza nos explicarán las instrucciones sobre la conducción y la seguridad antes de iniciar el recorrido en trineo. El equipo lleva dos personas, un musher y un pasajero (pueden cambiar de lugar durante el recorrido). Después de la emoción y la velocidad del comienzo, pronto comenzaréis a relajaros y disfrutaréis del entorno. Una vez de regreso al campamento, podremos degustar una reconfortante bebida caliente en una kota. Almuerzo ligero durante la excursión. Viajando por hermosos bosques y sobre lagos cubiertos de hielo llegaremos a una granja tradicional de renos. Daremos un paseo en trineo tirado por estos entrañables animales, mientras los pastores nos cuentan historias sobre su vida y sustento, el más antiguo de Laponia. Tiempo libre hasta la hora de la cena para disfrutar de las instalaciones del hotel o realizar juegos en la nieve. Cena buffet en el restaurante Kultala. Alojamiento.

Día 3. Ruka. Encuentro con Santa Claus

Desayuno en el hotel. Hoy es el día que los más pequeños estaban esperando. Nos trasladaremos hasta un lugar secreto cercano a Ruka. Un pequeño complejo de casas y cabañas con maravillosas vistas invernales. Existe una zona de toboganes para que los niños puedan jugar mientras esperan para ver a Santa. En su casa nos estarán Santa con la Sra. Claus, con quien podremos preparar galletas y decoraciones navideñas, nos contarán como es la vida en Laponia. Cada familia podrá pasar un rato con él, charlar y tomar unas fotos. Cada niño (menos de 11 años) recibirá un regalo de manos de este entrañable personaje. Con el recuerdo imborrable de esta visita nos despedimos de Santa Claus para regresar a nuestro alojamiento. Regreso al complejo de Rukan Salonki y almuerzo ligero en el restaurante del hotel. Resto del día libre. En el complejo disponéis de una pista iluminada de toboganes para deslizaros y flotadores de libre uso. En el lago helado podéis probar el carrusel finlandés, una persona va sentada y otra la hace girar y también podréis utilizar los “kick-sledges”, el más tradicional y auténtico medio de transporte, tipo trineo. Cena buffet en el restaurante Kultala. Alojamiento.

Día 4. Ruka. Safari en motos de nieve y excursión opcional Sauna Tour

Desayuno en el hotel. Toca ponerse de nuevo la ropa térmica para disfrutar de un día increíble al aire libre. Realizaremos una de las excursiones más completas de este viaje. Primero los guías nos explicarán el uso de las motos de nieve (son muy sencillas de conducir) y comenzaremos nuestro recorrido. Los adultos pilotan las motos (2 personas por moto que pueden turnarse para conducir) y los niños viajan en un trineo que arrastra la moto de nieve del guía. Disfrutaremos de un almuerzo ligero. Tiempo libre para disfrutar de la sauna o tal vez queráis aprovechar para hacer algunas bajadas de esquí en la estación de esquí alpino de Ruka, situada a 15 minutos de vuestro alojamiento. Os resultará sencillo esquiar. Ruka suele tener sus pistas abiertas desde octubre hasta casi finales de mayo y muchas de ellas iluminadas. Vuestro guía os puede asesorar sobre horarios, precios, etc… Tanto el ticket de remontadores como el material de esquí se pueden adquirir por horas. Cena buffet en el restaurante Kultala. Alojamiento.

Día 5. Ruka. Pesca en hielo, almuerzo en kota y raquetas de nieve

Desayuno en el hotel. Comenzaremos otro día lleno de aventuras realizando una actividad que gusta tanto a mayores como a pequeños, caminaremos por la nieve con raquetas de nieve para acceder a uno de los mejores lugares para practicar la pesca en hielo en Ruka, el lago Veskajärvi. Nos encontraremos con el guía de pesca en el laavu, un cobertizo que tienen para refugiarse en la orilla. Primero recibiremos instrucciones para aprender a usar las pequeñas cañas de pescar y los cebos, así como la “kaira”, que es el taladro para hacer los agujeros en el hielo. Después es nuestro turno para encontrar el mejor lugar y probar suerte sobre el hielo. El lago es el hogar de percas y lucios, ambos habitantes naturales. En el laavu podremos degustar una bebida caliente alrededor de una fogata para entrar en calor. Almuerzo ligero en una kota lapona, que son las típicas tiendas de los Sami (laponés) con forma similar a los teepees o tiendas de los indios americanos. Regreso al alojamiento y tiempo libre hasta la hora de la cena. Cena buffet en el restaurante Kultala. Alojamiento.

Día 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / España

Desayuno buffet. Tiempo libre hasta la hora indicada para el traslado. No nos podemos ir de Laponia sin practicar una relajante sauna. La sauna en Finlandia es toda una tradición. Aunque los fineses no la inventaron sí que son el país con mayor cantidad de saunas por habitante; casi una sauna por cada 2 habitantes y los que la practican con mayor asiduidad. Salida hacia el aeropuerto de Kuusamo. Trámites de facturación y salida en vuelo directo con destino España. Snack a bordo incluido. Llegada y fin de nuestra aventura en Laponia.

Rukan Salonki

In Ruka, we offer you the perfect accommodation for a family getaway. The cabin complex of Rukan Salonki provides wooden cabins in the middle of nature, where you can enjoy all the comforts of your home, luxury, and privacy. All cabins are built with large logs, offering a typical Lapland panorama, and inside they are beautifully decorated and fully equipped. Within a 2km radius of the cabins, you will find the center of Ruka Village ski resort, which you can easily reach on foot (approximately 15 minutes) or with the Ski Bus that passes near the cabins (100-300 meters) and takes you to the center of Ruka Village free of charge. The daily management of Rukan Salonki is taken care of by the family who owns it, so they dedicate special care and attention to each guest. They use only natural and local products in their cuisine, which can be enjoyed in their charming restaurant. They also provide added value to the stays through complementary activities that can be carried out just steps away from the cabin door (ice sauna, accommodation in igloos, etc.), always on an individual basis, away from any sense of crowds or congestion. The Rukan Salonki cabin complex is located only 5 minutes from the alpine ski resort and winter center of Ruka, which offers a lively winter atmosphere. Ruka opens its slopes from October until the first week of June. Situated in front of Lake Salonkijärvi, completely frozen in winter, the reception and restaurant building is within a short distance from each cabin.

Throughout the area, there are cross-country ski trails so that anyone who wants to can take advantage and go for a walk in the Lapland forest. It is the ideal place for a romantic getaway. All cabins have a sauna and toilet facilities (one or more). Although the cabins offer a pure Lapland nature experience, away from any sense of crowds or congestion, the nearby Ruka Village area offers a wide range of activities and entertainment, including a variety of bars, restaurants, spa services, sauna, and recreation.

  • Sky View Villas - 2-bedroom villas (accommodating 4 people): These newly built chalets, opened in December 2018, are made of pine wood and located on the shores of the lake. They have a size of 55m² and two floors. On the upper floor, you will find two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and on the lower floor, there is the living room, kitchen, sauna, and a modern fireplace. The unique feature of these cabins is that the bedrooms have a glass portion, allowing you to observe the Northern Lights, the starry sky, or the snow from the comfort of your own bedroom.
  • Rukan Salonki - Cabin 11: Two log cabins measuring 70m² each. Each cabin has 3 double rooms (2 beds in each room) with private toilet and shower facilities. They feature a living room with a fireplace, equipped kitchen, TV screen, DVD player, etc. There is also a sauna with showers available.

Departure December 18, 2023 from Madrid

Request a quote for families and accommodation

Family Price
Price per person starting from $2740
Conditions of Cancelation
until August 31, free of charge
from September 1 to September 30, 15%
from October 1 to October 31, 25%
from November 1 to 22 days before, 50%
from 21 days before, 100%
Contact us for more information
This grand experience includes
Direct flight from Madrid to Kuusamo (roundtrip)
English and Spanish-speaking escort guide during the trip
All transfers
Thermal suit throughout the stay (including boots and jumpsuit)
Snowmobile helmet and gloves
5 nights in selected accommodation at the Rukan Salonki Complex
Full board according to itinerary, except for lunch on the last day
Final cleaning of the cabin
All activities, excursions and safaris according to the program
Snowmobiles
Husky sledding safari
Reindeer farm visit
Snowshoeing
Ice fishing
Private meeting with Santa Claus
1 gift per child aged 11 or under
Complete online documentation
Travel assistance insurance
Airport taxes
SCIL® experience
Flight schedule
12/18/2023 Madrid 09:00 Kuusamo 14:45
12/23/2023 Kuusamo 15:35 Madrid 19:25
It will interest you to know
Full board (with jug of water included), except lunch on the last day as specified in the itinerary.
Daily cleaning in the apartments (not included in the price).
The prices of optional activities are valid for reservations made up to 30 days before departure subject to availability of places.
The order (but not the content) of the excursions may vary from this itinerary.
The prices for snowmobile and sled excursions are based on two people sharing the vehicle.
The minimum age to drive snowmobiles is 18 years old. Children below this age will ride in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile, based on their weight and height.
It is mandatory to possess a valid European car driving license in order to drive the snowmobiles, and it must be carried during the excursion.
All snowmobiles are covered by comprehensive insurance with a deductible of €1000, for which each participant is responsible in case of an accident.
Due to weather conditions (such as snow or ice accumulation) and for safety reasons, excursions may undergo changes in itinerary, duration, or even cancellations without prior notice.
The organizer does not guarantee weather conditions, snow or ice accumulation for the realization of the offered excursions or safaris. In the event that force majeure prevents the execution of any excursion and it needs to be canceled, an alternative activity will be arranged or the amount paid will be refunded upon return; either in full if the activity is canceled, or partially if conditions do not allow its complete realization.
Smoking in accommodations where it is not permitted may result in high fines, which can reach up to 4500 euros per person.
The customer is responsible for the keys to the apartments, and in case of loss, compensation will be requested.

 

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