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Gravel cyclists riding through the forest and lake landscapes of Ruka-Kuusamo

Gravel cycling in Finnish Lapland

Gravel Cycling in Ruka-Kuusamo

Endless forest roads, clear lakes and long northern days. Ride at your own pace — or let us build the complete gravel holiday for your group.

Gravel cyclists exploring a quiet northern road in Ruka-Kuusamo

Ride where the road opens up

Why Ruka-Kuusamo?

Quiet gravel roads connect forests, lakes, hills and small northern communities. Low traffic, authentic Finnish nature and routes of different lengths make the destination welcoming for experienced riders, active travellers, couples, families and groups.

Summer brings the Midnight Sun and long days on the bike. In autumn, crisp air and vivid colours transform the same roads into a completely different journey. Cafés, saunas, local food and warm northern hospitality give every ride a rewarding finish.

19 routesFrom short loops to full-day rides
Endless gravel & forest roadsWith very little traffic
Long daysMidnight Sun riding in summer
Two gravel basesRuka and Iso-Syöte, 117 km apart

Choose the ride that fits your day

19 self-guided gravel routes

The dedicated route finder lets you compare difficulty, duration, distance, ascent and route type before opening the original route in Komoot.

Map preview of the Vuosselijärvi Circuit gravel route
Moderate21.9 kmAbout 1 h 30 min

Vuosselijärvi Circuit

A compact Ruka-based circuit with winding gravel, lake views and useful seasonal break options.

View route →
Map preview of the Konttainen Circuit gravel route
Moderate27.9 kmAbout 2 h 15 min

Konttainen Circuit

A scenic, hilly loop from Ruka with lake and fell views and a natural picnic stop near Konttainen.

View route →
Map preview of the Tour de Valtavaara gravel route
Challenging43.2 kmAbout 2 h 45 min

Tour de Valtavaara

A demanding half-day circuit with meaningful climbing and rewarding Valtavaara and Konttainen scenery.

View route →
Map preview of the Kitka Circuit gravel route
Challenging62.4 kmAbout 4 h 45 min

Kitka Circuit

A substantial full-day option from Ruka, following long gravel stretches towards the shores of Lake Kitkajärvi.

View route →

Routes and original route information are provided by Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association through Komoot.

Explore all 19 routes

Close-up view of a gravel cyclist riding in Ruka

Travel light — we have the bike

Gravel and e-gravel rental in Ruka

You do not need to bring your own bike. Our professionally maintained fleet, helmets, bags and useful accessories make it easy to arrive ready for the road.

Gravel bikesFor efficient mixed-surface riding
E-gravel bikesExtra support for longer days
MaintenanceProfessionally prepared equipment
AccessoriesHelmets, bags and practical extras

View rental prices & request a bike

Gravel riders taking part in an event in Ruka

Gravel with a twist

Fellscape Ruka

Ruka is also home to one of Finland’s best-known gravel events — a meeting point for riders who want demanding routes, northern nature and a strong sense of community.

Ruka Safaris can arrange accommodation before, during and after Fellscape for individual riders and groups taking part in the event. A bike washing point is available for participants.

15% OFFAccommodation for Fellscape participants

One holiday — two gravel destinations

Combine Ruka + Iso-Syöte

You do not need to choose. Ruka-Kuusamo and Iso-Syöte are 117 km apart, and both belong to Lapland Boutique Resorts. We can arrange transfers for riders and bikes between the two destinations, making it easy to add more riding days, new landscapes and a different accommodation experience.

Discover Lapland Boutique Resorts →

Sleep close to the ride

Choose your northern base

Real accommodation products for couples, independent riders and groups — with direct links to the most useful information.

Interior of Lumo Lakeside Lodge at Iisakki Village

Iisakki Village

Lumo Lakeside Lodges

Design-led lakeside accommodation for 2+2 guests, with private sauna and outdoor hot tub.

View Lumo →
Twin room at Wilderness Hotel Papin Talo

Iisakki Village

Wilderness Hotel Papin Talo

Six twin rooms with private bathrooms, plus welcoming shared spaces and sauna.

View the hotel →
Shared lounge at Iisakki Guest House

Iisakki Village

Iisakki Guest House

A relaxed and practical base with shared spaces for riders and small groups.

View guest house →
Bedroom at Papin Talo Apartments

Iisakki Village

Papin Talo Apartments

Independent self-catering accommodation in the peaceful village setting.

View apartments →
Shared living room at Luppolinna group accommodation

Groups 12–24

Luppolinna

A private accommodation base designed for cycling groups and shared stays.

View Luppolinna →
Junga cabin at Oivanki Resort

One or two extra nights

Oivanki Resort

Combine Oivanki with Iisakki Village and connect the two bases through gravel tracks.

Explore Oivanki →

Everything ready for the ride

Practical support for independent riders and groups

All services below are available at an additional cost. Group services are available on request.

01

Garmin navigation

Rental devices can be prepared with selected routes already loaded. Available at an additional cost.

02

Route snacks

Food and snacks can be prepared before departure. Available at an additional cost, on request for groups.

03

Guided group rides

Guided gravel routes are available at an additional cost, on request for groups.

04

Self-drive support car

A support vehicle without a driver is available at an additional cost, on request for groups.

More than the ride

Make space for the rest of Lapland

Combine cycling with the water, trails, saunas and local flavours that make Ruka-Kuusamo worth a longer stay.

Rise above the ordinary

Build your gravel holiday in Ruka-Kuusamo

Tell us your group size, preferred distances, number of nights and whether you want to combine Ruka with Iso-Syöte.

Contact Ruka Safaris