In Ruka, local life is not a performance—it’s something you can truly live and feel. These experiences invite you to slow down and step into the everyday traditions that shape life in the North. Through sauna and food, you’ll connect with the land, the people, and the rhythm of Arctic living.
Step into the Soul of Finnish Sauna
Few things define Finnish culture more deeply than the sauna. At the lakeside sauna in Iisakki Village, you won’t just warm up—you’ll understand why this tradition matters so much to locals. From the moment you arrive, a sauna guide welcomes you and introduces the ritual.
First, you’ll experience the gentle heat of the wood-fired sauna. Then, you can cool off in the snow or take a refreshing dip in the ice hole. Meanwhile, the outdoor jacuzzi offers another way to relax under the open sky. The guide stays with you throughout the experience, offering tips and sharing stories that bring the tradition to life.
You’ll also enjoy berry juice, herbal tea, and light snacks. This balance between hot and cold, movement and stillness, creates a sense of well-being that stays with you.
Taste the Flavors of Lapland
After warming your body, it’s time to feed your soul. The Lappish Wild Food Dinner takes place in the atmospheric Kontioluola restaurant—also known as the Bear’s Cave. Located deep in the forest, just a short drive from Ruka Village, this hidden gem offers a cozy setting for a special evening.
As you arrive, a welcoming drink awaits under the stars. Then, course by course, you’ll enjoy dishes made from local ingredients: reindeer, lake fish, wild mushrooms, and berries. Each flavor tells a story of nature, seasonality, and centuries-old traditions.
In between bites, your host explains the origins of the dishes and the meaning behind them. If luck is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights before returning to the village.
These local life experiences offer a different kind of adventure—one that stays with you long after your visit. Rather than rushing from one place to another, they invite you to pause, taste, and breathe. When you take part in them, you’re not just observing the culture of Lapland—you become a part of it.
