Flight to Kuusamo (KAO) starting at €49.99*

Kuusamo – the small location in northeast Finland – is the perfect destination for your personal winter fairytale. In the area around the cities of Kuusamo, Ruka and Salla, you’ll find undisturbed nature, fantastically beautiful national parks, and the endless expanses of the north. There’s so much to experience here to set outdoor enthusiasts’ pulses racing. Set out on exciting climbing tours, plunge into ice-cold rapids on a rafting adventure, travel through a fairytale snowy landscape on a sled drawn by huskies, or strap on skis to hit the pistes. And as the day is coming to an end and it’s getting dark outside, you can enjoy the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

The best-known of the four national parks in the Finish Lapland region is Oulanka National Park, between Kuusamo and Salla. Crystal-clear lakes, majestic woods and deep ravines characterise the landscape there. You’re much more likely to encounter a wild animal that lives in the forest than to meet a member of your own species walking on two legs. Discover Finland’s most famous hiking path, the Karhunkierros Trail, glide along the Oulankajoki and Kitkajok rivers with your canoe, or paddle on the Kika river while rafting through rapids.

Many ancient paths wind through the enchanted forests in Hossa National Park too, but the absolute highlight is Julma Ölkky, Finland’s largest canyon lake. It reaches a depth of 50 metres in places, is three kilometres long, and only 20 metres wide at its narrowest point.

Just half an hour from Kuusamo, you’re guaranteed a wonderful day on the pistes at Ruka skiing area. For more than 200 days a year there’s snow on the ground here, inviting winter sports fans to hit the slopes. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can glide through the glistening snow on 170 kilometres of cross-country ski trails and experience the magic of Finland’s natural wonders all around you.

Alternatively, you could go snowshoeing through the snow-covered landscape and snow-clad woods. On your journey through pristine nature, you’re also sure to meet the north’s most famous resident: the reindeer. If you creep carefully to the riverbanks, you can watch marine otters frolicking and playing. You can also go via a few ancient cabins on your tour; places where you can stop in and warm yourself up a little in front of the fireplace. For sustenance, why not try the regional treats that are often offered there?

Bears, wolves, badgers and lynxes make their homes in the dense pine and fir forests of the Kuusamo region. During the summer months you can see the extraordinary sight of brown bears – which also happen to be Finland’s national animal – at close quarters during guided tours through the wilderness.

Ice climbing is another exciting activity for all adrenaline junkies. Ascend frozen waterfalls and take in the impressive snow-clad natural panorama from above.

An adventurous husky safari is also an absolutely unforgettable option. Hurtle through the crisp winter landscape and feel an unbelievable sense of freedom.

Of course, you also want to experience the magic of the northern lights, because who doesn’t dream of doing that? In Lapland, the captivating colourful hazes regularly come to life in the arctic night sky between September and April. You can get out on a night expedition with your snowshoes, or chase after this fascinating natural spectacle on a snowmobile.