January in Rukan Salonki

The first days of 2024 in Lapland are experienced in a very special way. That's why we propose this magical trip where you will meet Santa Claus and participate in activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing, and rides on reindeer and husky sleds.


 

Approximate price per family:
7259 $

Start off 2024 on the right foot and take advantage of the first week of January to embark on this fantastic trip 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 huge 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 crafted, always adhering to the customs and folklore of the local Sami (Lapland) culture. You will hardly find a better place to stay in Lapland than Rukan Salonki, but it's important to avoid comparing it to other destinations or countries because, despite being a "snow" destination, the type of accommodation in Lapland differs quite a bit from the more upscale standards found in exclusive Alpine resorts or American mountains. Expect a visit from the Three Wise Men in a truly unique place.

Day 1. Spain / Kuusamo / Ruka

Check-in 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 onboard included. Meet your guide and transfer to the Rukan Salonki resort (approximately 20 minutes). Arrival. In your accommodation, you will find thermal suits of your size that you can use throughout your stay in Lapland. Once settled, we will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the hotel's 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 barking of the dogs. Surrounded by nature, we will be given instructions on driving and safety before starting the sled ride. The team consists of two people, a musher and a passenger (you can switch positions during the ride). After the excitement and speed of 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 frozen lakes, we will reach 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 with Santa Claus

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

Day 4. Ruka. Snowmobile Safari

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. Adults will ride the snowmobiles (2 people per snowmobile, taking turns driving), and children will ride in a sled pulled by the guide's snowmobile. We will enjoy a light lunch during the excursion. Free time to relax in 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 will be easy for you. Ruka usually keeps its slopes open from October until almost the end of May, and many of them are illuminated. Your guide can advise you on schedules, prices, etc. Both lift tickets and ski equipment can be purchased by the hour. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.

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

Breakfast at the hotel. We will start another day full of adventures by engaging in an activity that both adults and children enjoy: snowshoeing. We will walk through the snow with snowshoes to reach 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 and bait, as well as the "kaira," which is the drill used to make 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 are typical tents of the Sami (Laplanders) with a similar shape to teepees or Native American tents. Return to the accommodation and free time until dinner. Buffet dinner at the Kultala restaurant. Accommodation.

Day 6. Ruka / Kuusamo / Spain

Buffet breakfast. Free time until the indicated transfer time. We can't leave Lapland without experiencing a relaxing sauna. Saunas are a tradition in Finland. Although the Finns didn't invent them, they have the highest number of saunas per capita, with almost one sauna for every 2 inhabitants, and they are the ones who use them most frequently. Departure to Kuusamo Airport. Check-in procedures and departure on a direct flight to Spain. Snack on board included. Arrival and the end of our adventure in Lapland.

Comienza el 2024 con buen pie y aprovecha la semana de Reyes 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. Espera la visita de los Reyes Magos en un lugar único.

Día 1. España / Kuusamo / Ruka

Llegada a nuestro destino 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 

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, raquetas de nieve y almuerzo en kota

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 an ideal accommodation for a family getaway. The Rukan Salonki cabin complex offers wooden cabins in the middle of nature, where you will enjoy all the comforts of home, luxury, and privacy. All cabins are built with large logs, offering a typical Lapland panoramic view, 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 for free. The daily management of Rukan Salonki is taken care of by the family owners themselves, so they dedicate special care and attention to each customer. They use only natural and local products in their cuisine, which can be enjoyed in their charming restaurant, and they also provide added value to the stays with complementary activities that can be done just steps from the cabin door (ice sauna, accommodation in igloos, etc.), always in an individual way, away from any sense of crowds or congestion. The Rukan Salonki cabin complex is located just 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 building and restaurant are within a short distance from each cabin.

Throughout the area, there are cross-country ski trails for anyone who wants to 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 (one or more). Although the cabins offer pure Lapland nature, away from any sense of crowds or congestion, the nearby Ruka Village area offers a wide range of activities and entertainment, a variety of bars, restaurants, spa services, saunas, and recreational facilities.

  • Sky View Villas - 2-bedroom villas (sleeps 4 people): Newly built chalets, inaugurated in December 2018, constructed with pine wood on the shores of the lake. They have 55m² and two floors. Upstairs, there are two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, and downstairs, you will find the living room, kitchen, sauna, and a modern fireplace. The uniqueness of these cabins is that the bedrooms have a glass part, 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. They feature a living room with a fireplace, equipped kitchen, TV screen, DVD player, and more. There is also a sauna with showers.

Departure 02 January 2024 from Madrid
Family Accommodation Price
1 adult + 1 child Sky View Villas $7259
1 adult + 2 children Sky View Villas $9305
2 adults Sky View Villas $7799
2 adults + 1 child Sky View Villas $9835
2 adults + 2 children Ruka Kanger $11585
2 adults + 2 children Sky View Villas $11858

Cabins up to 14 pax - Request a quote

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
Snack on board
English and Spanish-speaking escort guide during the trip
All transfers
Thermal suit throughout the stay (includes boots and jumpsuit)
Helmet and gloves for the snowmobile excursion
5 nights in the selected accommodation of the Rukan Salonki complex
Full board as per itinerary
Meeting with Santa Claus
Gifts for children (up to 11 years old)
Reindeer sleigh ride
Snowmobile safari
Husky sleigh ride
Ice fishing
Snowshoe safari
Final cleaning of the cabin
Complete online documentation and gifts
Travel assistance insurance
Airport taxes
SCIL® experience
Flight schedule from Madrid
01/02/2024 Madrid 09:00 Kuusamo 14:45
01/07/2024 Kuusamo 15:45 Madrid 19:35
It will interest you to know
Full board (including a jug of water), except for lunch on the last day as specified in the itinerary: breakfasts at the restaurant, light lunches during excursions, and dinners at a local restaurant.
Daily cleaning in the apartments (not included in the price).
The order (but not the content) of the excursions may vary from this itinerary.
Flight schedules are subject to change and will be confirmed before the departure date.
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.
When the group size is very large, it may be divided into several smaller groups, which provides a more convenient operation for passengers. The schedule or order of services on excursions may be altered for this reason, without changing the content of the excursion. Your guides at the destination will inform you in advance of the schedule for your excursions.
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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