Book Flights to Kuusamo (KAO)

Ensconced idyllically in the fells of Finnish Lapland, Kuusamo is always an excellent holiday destination, whether you visit when the temperature is –20°C or +20°C. Fly to Kuusamo all year round for an active adventure. It is a popular choice for fans of spending time in the great outdoors and partaking in a wide range of activities. Learn more about what to expect from your trip with this Finnair travel guide to Kuusamo.

SIGHTS IN KUUSAMO

At Ruka Ski Resort, you’ll find well-groomed runs aplenty, even in early spring. Ruka’s ski season lasts over 200 days, making it one of the longest in Europe. Both downhill and cross-country skiing can be enjoyed here, and the winters also offer exciting activities like husky-pulled sleigh rides, snowmobiling, reindeer-pulled sleigh rides, sledging, ice fishing and long hikes with snowshoes. The area has an ice rink too. Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is the nearest airport to Ruka, Finland. During the summer season, you can experience the thrills and spills of white-water rafting on foaming rapids, or hike to your heart’s content in the starkly beautiful countryside in one of the magnificent national parks in Oulanka, Riisitunturi and Hossa, or even Paanajärvi in Russia. Catch flights to Kuusamo, Lapland, to hike the splendid Karhunkierros, one of Finland’s most-loved trails. The main trail spans 80 kilometres (50 miles), but shorter routes can also be followed. The dramatic wilderness is home to some of the country’s rarest animals, including bears, wolves and wolverines. Other summertime activities include canoeing, fishing, cycling, camping and nature-spotting.

Kuusamo House provides the main cultural events in the area, with a small collection of art and regular performances. Even more art can be found at the Kaamos Gallery, and the Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre is a world-class exhibition of local photography. There are two museums worth visiting when in town: The Museum of Kuusamo and another located in the old Kirkkoketo School. Stop by Kuusamo Church to snap a picture. If you travel to Kuusamo between mid-May and the end of July, you can also enjoy the Midnight Sun. The Northern Lights are usually visible between August and April.

KUUSAMO WITH CHILDREN

If you’re flying to Kuusamo with children, here are some extra ideas to add to your family’s itinerary. Don’t forget to pre-book any extras, such as seat selection and kids’ meals, when arranging your airfare to Kuusamo.

Angry Birds Activity Park – A great place for little ones to have fun whatever the weather. The indoor play area has varied equipment and activities including pedal carts, zip lines, video games, a trampoline and climbing frames.

The Predator Centre – See a range of local creatures that have been rescued, including wolves, bears, reindeer, lynx and foxes.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO NEAR KUUSAMO

Kuusamon Tropiikki Spa – Relax and unwind after a long day of skiing with a blissful spa experience. Massages, a sauna, an indoor pool, yoga classes and facial treatments are a few of the options available here.

Oulanka National Park Visitor Center – This is the best place for obtaining information about the national park and planning your outdoor adventures.

Iisakki’s Winter Village – Sitting on the shores of Lake Rukajärvi, this village is constructed each year from snow. The igloos, restaurant and theatre are certainly worth visiting.

SHOPPING IN KUUSAMO

Most local shops in Kuusamo specialise in handmade crafts from the area, and you’ll also find stores that sell outdoor equipment and clothing.

Aste Brandstore Ruka – This store sells a range of clothing for both leisure and sports.

Elmo Sport Kuusamo – A selection of outdoor clothing and equipment can be found here.

Riipisen Riista – A great place to source a wide range of local handicrafts, gifts and souvenirs.

Ateljee Taitoneula – If you’re looking for interesting home items with a local touch, the diverse products here are sure to please.

Kuusamon Uistin – This famous spoon factory also has an onsite store.

FOOD AND DRINK

Sample these local delicacies when you get off your flight to Kuusamo:

Poronkäristys – A Lappish speciality available in Kuusamo, this dish consists of sautéed reindeer.

Leipäjuusto – This is a type of cheese that is produced locally. Because of the sound it makes when chewing, the cheese is also sometimes referred to as “Finnish Squeaky Cheese”.

TRANSPORT IN KUUSAMO

The main centres are easy to get around on foot, but transportation is needed for exploring the surrounding areas. Although many people have a car to facilitate their adventures, there is also useful public transportation in Kuusamo that serves most places of interest.

Buses – Local buses connect Ruka with the airport all throughout the year. Do note, though, that these buses do not travel through Kuusamo town. In the winter months, buses connect Kuusamo and Ruko; most years there are free ski shuttle services. Buses also connect with the Karhunkierros Trail, Juuma and Oulanka Visitor Centre.

Taxis – Taxis in Kuusamo are not difficult to arrange. If you call for a taxi then the company might group you with others going in the same direction, helping to cut the costs of the fare.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KUUSAMO

For the warmest days, plenty of sunshine and long hours of daylight, the best time to visit Kuusamo is between June and August. You can enjoy outdoor activities almost right around the clock thanks to the Midnight Sun phenomenon. July is peak tourist season; avoid this month if you’re looking for cheap flights to Kuusamo.

Kuusamo has one of Europe’s longest winters, lasting from October to June. The long, dark days of the Polar Night stretch from November to March. Book your flights to Ruka (landing at Kuusamo Airport) for between November and April to make the most of the long ski season. This is the perfect period for skiing, walking with snowshoes and taking reindeer- and husky-led safaris. Purchase your plane tickets to Kuusamo for between September and April for the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights. December is the most magical month to meet Santa Claus, even though he’s in residence all year round.

FLIGHTS TO KUUSAMO

Finnair has direct flights to Kuusamo from Helsinki. You can also connect through Helsinki for flights to Kuusamo from the UK, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Italy and other cities across Europe and beyond. With all transit services and gates in one terminal building, connecting through Helsinki Airport is simple. Connection times are typically short too. Helsinki to Kuusamo flights take around 01h 40min. Finnair operates Kuusamo flights on every day of the week.

Book your airline tickets to Kuusamo with Finnair for comfortable seating, great in-flight services, convenient check-in options and the best in Nordic hospitality.