Starry Sky Stories – Snowshoe into the Arctic Night
Experience highlight
Leave the lights of Ruka behind and explore the Arctic night on snowshoes. Experience natural darkness, listen to stories of the northern sky and enjoy hot wild berry juice under the stars.
Experience overview
Location: Ruka
Duration: 2 hours
December to April
Departure: Evening departures — time varies by season
Minimum age: 6 years old
Small group (max. 8 participants)
Guided languages: English, Finnish
Difficulty: Easy
Operated by our trusted local partner
Responsible choice
Leave the lights of Ruka behind and discover what the winter forest feels like after dark.
Starry Sky Stories is a relaxed evening snowshoe adventure at Konttainen, where darkness, stars, silence and stories come together.
We begin with headlamps showing us the way through the snow-covered forest.
Then we switch them off.
Away from artificial light, we give our eyes time to adjust to the natural darkness. At first, you may see very little. Gradually, shapes begin to return. The snow reflects faint light from the sky and the forest around us becomes visible in a different way.
On a clear night, stars appear above the trees.
Your guide helps you find some of the familiar features of the northern sky and shares stories about stars, constellations and how people have used the night sky to find their way.
You do not need any previous knowledge of astronomy. This is not an astronomy lecture, but a chance to look up, listen and experience the Arctic night at an unhurried pace.
During the adventure, we stop for hot wild berry juice and take time to enjoy the quiet surroundings.
The Northern Lights may also appear.
They are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. If they appear during our adventure, we will stop to enjoy the show in the Arctic sky – there is no need to hurry.
This is not a Northern Lights hunt. The winter forest, natural darkness, stars and stories are the heart of the experience.
Tour Highlights:
- Learn about constellations, zodiac signs, and star stories from around the world and especially north.
- Walk up to 2 km in snowy landscapes (depending on snow conditions it is possible to walk on the trail with your own winter shoes).
- Enjoy traditional hot wildberry juice under the night sky.
Details:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Distance: 2 km, or more if you feel like zigzagging through the deep snow!
- Group Size: Minimum 2 persons.
Looking for a private experience or a tour from your own cabin? We can bring this unforgettable stargazing adventure to your preferred location.
Need help planning your outdoor adventures?
If you have questions about this experience or would like advice on other guided nature adventures in Ruka-Kuusamo and Finnish Lapland, we are happy to help you find the right experience.
Contact us: +358 50 5606 633 | guide@mytrail.fi
This experience is created by MyTrail (MunPolku in Finnish). We offer small-group guided nature adventures in Ruka-Kuusamo and Lapland throughout the year.
Discover more trails and experiences at mytrailfinland.com
What is included
- Professional local nature guide
- Snowshoes and poles
- Headlamp
- Hot wild berry juice
- Reindeer hide to sit on during our break
- Stories about the northern night sky, stars and constellations
- Small-group experience
- Pick-up from Ruka area
What is not included
- Winter clothing and boots are not included. If you do not have suitable clothing for Arctic winter conditions, winter clothing can be rented separately.
Please note
Previous snowshoeing experience is not required. Your guide will show you how to use the equipment before we start.
The snowshoe route is approximately 2 kilometres and takes place in natural winter terrain. Soft or deep snow can make snowshoeing more demanding than normal walking.
The experience takes place after dark. Participants should be comfortable walking in a winter forest with a headlamp and spending approximately two hours outdoors.
A clear sky, visible stars or Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed.
Clouds, snowfall and changing weather are natural parts of winter in Ruka-Kuusamo. Even when the stars are hidden, we can still experience the darkness, silence and atmosphere of the winter forest.
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. This experience is not a Northern Lights hunt.
If the Northern Lights appear during our adventure, we will take time to enjoy them, so the experience may last a little longer.
The guide assesses the conditions throughout the evening and adapts the route when necessary.
Where is the meeting point
The meeting point for this experience is Konttaisen parkkipaikka/Konttainen parking, Virkkulantie, 93999 Kuusamo, FI.
Can I be picked up from my accommodation
Pickup is included in the tour price from the standard pickup locations listed below.
You may also meet at the designated meeting point.
Any extra charge or meeting-point arrangement is stated in the pickup-location name when this information is available.
Hotel List
- Hostel Aurora, Kuusamo town center
- Kuusamon Tropiikki Holiday Club
- Magical Pond, Taikalammentie
- Ruka Peak - Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Juhannuskalliontie
- Ruka Valley, in front of Ski-inn hotel
- Ruka Village (Rukankylä), ski-bus stop, Rukatunturintie 12
- Rukan Salonki Chalets, Salongintie
- Scandic Rukahovi
- SKI-INN MastonAitio
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page.
Guest reviews
Check availability
Select the number of participants and your preferred date in the calendar below.
The booking system will automatically display the current price and real-time availability for your selected date.
Contact us
Have a question or need help planning your experience? We would love to hear from you. Send us an inquiry or get in touch directly by:
Get inspired by our experiences
À partir de
100€
/ Adult
Ruka
Skiing in Ruka-Kuusamo on a Frozen Lake and Wilderness Lunch – beginner level
7 hours
Easy
Private, Small group
Skiing in Ruka-Kuusamo on a Frozen Lake and Wilderness Lunch – beginner level
Voir le détail
Masquer le détail
À partir de
159€
/ Adult
Ruka
World of reindeer, longer sled ride
3 hours
Easy
Mostly small group
This farm has been owned by the same family now for five generations.
Voir le détail
Masquer le détail
À partir de
190€
/ Adult
Ruka
Wilderness Lunch Experience – Oulanka National Park in Winter
2 hours 30 minutes
Easy
Private, Small group
Our Wilderness Lunch is an immersive culinary experience. Relax and observe the cooking process unfold around the fire, as our wilderness chef treats you with the best of local wild food. This three-course Wilderness Lunch will stay with you forever.
Voir le détail
Masquer le détail
À partir de
190€
/ Adult
Ruka
Snowshoe adventure in Iivaara nature reserve
4 hours
Challenging
Small group
Arctic experience far away from everything – private tour
Voir le détail
Masquer le détail
À partir de
190€
/ Adult
Ruka
Oulanka National Park Private Winter Walk
3 hours 30 minutes
Moderate
Private
Frozen Rapids of Kitka River & Pancakes by the Fire
Voir le détail
Masquer le détail
À partir de
100€
/ Adult
Ruka
Ski Trip in Kuusamo to Help Birds & Wilderness Lunch
7 hours
Moderate
Private, Small group
Ski Trip to help birds and Wilderness Lunch is a truly unique experience where you can explore the local nature on skis, help birds and enjoy a delicious wild food lunch by the fire. Join this ski trip and be a part of our nature conservation project!
Voir le détail
Masquer le détail
