Snow village is a popular tourist spot for Russian people. In addition to the winter sport activities, the highlights should be the beautiful snow & ice cravings and sculptures. If professional lightings could be provided for the ice cravings and sculptures, it would probably attract more visitors to see these beautiful arts.

Beautiful wall carvings and ice sculptures.. its an amazing winter land art place ....must see if you around .

This is a must visit for those hunting aurora in MURMANKS. It takes 3.5 hours from MURMANKS, that you can enjoy beautiful scenery along the ways. And in this snow white village, you can enjoy snow figures like pinokio etc. , entering a crafted ice house with full of beautiful arts inside, you can play snow ball, motored ski, and enjoy instant but delicious food and drink. The villagers are also friendly and warm.

Went for the snow mobile safari by Kola Travel. Was ok... Wish it was more challenging though, but it is a beginner course I guess...

Thank you for Fantastic tea and cookie service in such the cold place like that.

A must do activity. Very friendly staff. great experience in the artic mountains!!!

The food is good,and the view is very beautiful,nice place.

Interesting museum, excellent for tourists and children

The best place in Russia for the people keen on stones ;) There are so many minerals and other beautiful precious stuff from all over the world and the visit is free!

We didn't expect that this place will be so good and modern. It is really worth to spend few hours there to understand history of this city and mountains.

Definitely must see place during your staying at Kirovsk. History of founding of city, plus plenty of gems & rocks.

Stunning and interesting collection, a geologists dream.

Best of the best. Special thanks to Rosa and Lilia

very interesting mineral museum

We have booked two realy great tours fom here. If you are there in wintertime we can recommend the evening Tour wit the reindeer. And as well the husky tours. Thanks to the guides on both tours which made it an unforgettable trip. Friendly personal on the phone and at the reception.

Had both the Husky sleigh and the reindeer sleigh experiences, and it was a very nice experience. Prices are not for all pockets, but at least once in a lifetime, it's an experience that you should try. The park has breathing views, and the personnel is well prepared and friendly.

Lovely place. There's a possibility for lunch. They have reindeer sledge safaris and husky safaris. We loved the exhibition of the nature there. And that shop had so many interesting things, I was able to buy only part of the things I wanted (lack of space in my suitcase). Our husky safari was a success. Loved it. Highly recommend.

Salla Wilderness Park is a little gem in the heart of the municipality of Salla. It goes by several names including Salla Reindeer Park (Poropuisto) and more recently it has been named Salla National Park Visitor Centre. There is ample parking if you are arriving by car and there are multiple trails between the visitor centre and the local ski resort if you prefer to walk or cycle. There are so many things to see and do that it would be worth setting aside a few days to explore the area. Maybe take a hike up Ruuhitunturi to the lookout tower where you take in the views as far as the eye can see. The park is also a permanent home to around 60 reindeer. Half of which are employed during the winter as sleigh driving reindeer. There are guided feeding trips during the summer so you can get up close to the reindeer and get some great photos of the baby reindeer too. The Park's website has the information about times and prices. If you're just looking for somewhere to grab a coffee and cake then there is also a café on site with a great selection of local foods. Once inside you can also find an extensive and really well curated nature display and gift shop with some amazing locally crafted traditional items.

Loved this place. We visited three times during our unforgettable week in Salla. We can highly recommend the Reindeer Northern Lights trip. Feed the Reindeers and the two hour ride out with the Huskys. Something that our whole family will never forget!

Holiday of a lifetime. Driving the huskies, pulled around by the Reindeer. Snow Scooters. Deep snow walking. Deep snow skiing. First class instructors.Hotel served up good food. And to cap it all witnessed the Northern Lights.

We visited there few times on our holiday at Salla. The entrance ticket was 9e and after that you can visit the park as you want. At first time we saw couple amazing reindeers and got few great pictures. At the second time we came across a large group of reindeers. There is also few roads that tell stories about old hunting traps etc. Worth to visit.

Fantastic skiing location in eastern Lapland. Enough slopes for the whole family to enjoy a week of skiing and snowboarding. Lots of easy backcountry stuff for the more adventurous skiier and nice profiles on slopes. Never crowded which means you get to send it from sun ip to sun down. Only drawbacks are lack of more services so you’re stuck with only one restaurant which has room for improvement and there’s only anchor lifts so get your legs in shape before coming here😅 Second time here and we still like it a lot

Love it here. The people here are friendly and helpful. The views and landscapes are absolutely stunning. The skiing and snowboarding is great for beginners and intermediates. All the trips we went on were fantastic and all the guides were great. The view from the top of the Snowmobile trip is out of this world! Oh and the ice bar is definitely worth a visit!

Having heard of the good bike routes in Salla, we decided to rent regular fatbikes and headed for the Kaunisharjun kierros (about 15 km) as per the nice shopkeeper's advice. The route turned out to be a great mix of easier and challenging terrain with some duckboards and steep climbs and downhills along the way. There were also some absolutely beautiful spots and sceneries on the way. We finished the route in around three hours and had plenty of time for breaks on the way as well. All in all, we had great fun and I recommend renting fatbikes here and taking the Kaunisharju route. Be warned, though, that there are swarms of mosquitoes and horseflies at some places along the route.

Salla is an isolated resort approximately 100km north into the arctic circle. The rolling hills, evergreens and potential to see the aurora borealis makes this a stunning backdrop for your travells. The skiing here is good for youngsters or beginners as the runs are very limited and not particularly challenging. That said, we travelled here in February and practicly had the slopes to ourselves. Be cautious, the piste turned to solid ice when the sun is out and made the skiing not particularly enjoyable. Obviously due to the location, there is a good amout of Nordic track which is maintained and marked out really well. Ski hire is reasonably priced and well stocked. There is a restaurant on site which has a beautiful look & feel to it, however the food was regrettably average and over priced. We had a great time here and would recommend to anyone wanting to experience the wilderness of Finland.

We rented two efatbikes from here today (for six hours). We got excellent service from the booking till return (5/5)! Efatbike rental is definitely a great way to explore the nature of Salla. On our 50km trip we encountered reindeers, experienced the small canyon of salmijoen kuru and saw many amazing views. Highly recommended!

Relaxing place, where to enjoy the midnight sun in summer and quite moments. Silence, peace and nature are amazing here

Great place to learn with pleasant slopes short to no queuing, the ski hire team were fabulous and knowledgeable the shop staff were helpful and supportive, the ski instructor we had was fantastic too. Drawbacks, short runs only T bar lifts, but wow! The scenery and opportunity to whitnes the northern lights, breathtaking, plus all the Finnish people we ever met were so nice! Thanks Salla

🌊 Kiutoköngäs: Nature’s Thunderous Power Unleashed Of all the places I've visited in Finland, I’ve never seen rapids this powerful—Kiutoköngäs is truly something else. The sheer force and roar of the water crashing through the canyon is mesmerizing and unforgettable. 🥾 The surrounding trails let you follow the river’s edge, offering breathtaking views from the cliffs and countless picture-perfect spots along the way. It’s a fantastic place for a scenic hike and to immerse yourself in the beauty of Oulanka National Park. 🔥 Planning a barbecue or a longer stay by the trails? Don't forget the mosquito repellent—those little forest dwellers are eager for a feast of their own. A wild, unforgettable experience for nature lovers and explorers alike!

Amazing place to see Finnish nature shaped waterfall at its best! Just a kilometer away from the car park. Quite easy road all the way. You should definitely go and visit this place if you have the change.

Easy 1km walk from the Visitor Centre to the Kiutaköngas rapids. The rapids are an impressive sight, with red rocks and whitewater.

Beautiful hiking trails with easily identifiable paths. Signs are in Finnish, English, and Russian, so no worries about getting lost along the way. Public pavilions are available for free to rest, take shelter from rain, and cook over an open fire.

Allways beatiful and stressless place to have a moment, hike and make a fire🥰

Kiutaköngas is one of Finland’s most spectacular natural attractions, located in the heart of Oulanka National Park in Kuusamo. Rather than a classic vertical waterfall, Kiutaköngas is famed for its series of powerful rapids stretching over a dramatic 325-meter section of the mighty Oulankajoki River. The water surges through reddish dolomite rocks, creating an impressive display of raw energy that captivates visitors and nature photographers alike. Scenery and Setting The appeal of Kiutaköngas lies not only in the rapids themselves but in the striking landscape that surrounds them. Visitors approach the rapids via a well-marked 1-km scenic trail beginning at the Oulanka Visitor Centre. The route meanders through lush forests and along the riverbank, immersing travelers in serene wilderness before revealing the roaring waters. The path is considered easy, suitable for most ages, with some stairs to cater to the varying terrain. The rapids carve their way through vivid red rock cliffs, flanked by dense trees and clear blue riverside pools, creating one of the most photogenic locations in the Finnish wilderness. The sound of the rapids—particularly during spring’s snowmelt—is thunderous and mesmerizing, making it possible to sit for hours simply taking in the spectacle. Nature and Wildlife Kiutaköngas and Oulanka National Park are home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The landscape glows with wildflowers in spring and explodes with color in autumn, while rare birds flit through the trees and fish swim in the clear river pools. The area is a haven for ecotourists, avid hikers, and birdwatchers looking for a genuine taste of northern Finland’s diverse ecosystem. Trails and Accessibility Access to Kiutaköngas is straightforward from the Oulanka Visitor Centre, which is reachable by car or taxi. The hike to the rapids is regularly maintained; viewing platforms and benches offer comfortable spots to pause and absorb the setting. The destination’s accessibility and modest walking distance make it an ideal stop even for less-experienced hikers, families with children, or anyone on a tight schedule. Activities and Visitor Experience While simply observing the rapids is a memorable experience in itself, Kiutaköngas is also an excellent starting point for numerous hiking routes, including sections of the famous Karhunkierros Trail. More adventurous visitors can extend their walk deeper into Oulanka National Park or try kayaking and fishing in the river (outside protected zones). The area hosts guided nature walks and birdwatching tours during high season. Reviews consistently praise Kiutaköngas for its dramatic atmosphere, accessibility, and “must-see” status among Finnish waterfalls. The rapids feel magical and invigorating, with many finding it hard to leave the captivating scene once there. Visitors recommend spending extra time by the riverside to fully enjoy the sights, sounds, and the peace of the wild. Conservation and Visitor Tips As a protected zone within Oulanka National Park, visitors are encouraged to respect “everyman’s rights” and leave no trace. Walking only on marked trails protects delicate habitats and ensures everyone can enjoy the area’s unspoiled beauty far into the future.

Nice place, Nature, river, cascade, forest. Simply a good experience!

The location is perfect next to he ski lifts and the restaurants. Of course not to forget the grocery stores and all the other services available next to the accommodation.The lack of parking places is an issue, although there is a indoor parking hall in the village usable for a fee of 15 euros (Winter 2023). The apartment we were staying in the number 1 part of the building was pretty uncomfortable due to the noisy corridors. You heard all the people walking in the corridor, like there the door wouldn't have sealed any of the noise. The same was with the stairs, the apartment we stayed was next to the middle stairway between the parts I&II. I wouldn't call this a luxury but a commodity instead.

Very good and clean apartment, good service on the service desk. Breakfast was not good because it's on The other apartment and only 2 hours in The morning so we didn't ate at all. Also parking lots are very small and too little.

Very nice appartments. Ruka Ski Chalets are very comfortable appartments that would be suitable for a couple, a famliy or even two couples. Rooms have their own sauna. Ruka Ski Chalets are located aproximately 100 meters from the ski lift and 200 meters from the town centre.

Nice well equipped and comfortable apartments in the centre of town so close to all amenities. Ski in - ski out for the runs, easy access to all the lifts from the village over to the valley.

Excellent location, good rooms that have everything you need. Terrible beds and pillows!

Very good everything you need for self catering, no need to bring anything except food

Amazing!!! No other words. Can't believe how good this accommodation is.

Unique experience in direct contact with huskies. It was truly wonderful sledding through the snow! Thanks also to Ilari, an exceptional guide

Lovely place to visit. Husky safari. An experience not to be missed. We came here through our travel agency. We were a group of 14 people. Our dutch instructor who also speaks Finnish and English gave us a good introduction to the huskies, their way of life and why the people who work with them are so passionate. We got a very clear and do & don’t s before we went sleigh riding. The dogs have such patience and work so hard. Yet we’ll treated and the live for these animals that s amazing. We did a 14 km ride with a small lunch break at Kuusamon Lipitor Ky. Thank you👍

Incredible husky experience. They are so well looked after which was important to us. Our guide was the most amazing lady who took pics for us, told us about the huskies and answered any questions. We absolutely loved this experience! Highly recommend xx

We can highly recommend this place. The crew was very nice and you could see that they love what they do. Every dog looked happy and very good. So did the kennels. You get a lot of information about the dogs, the breed, and so on. The huskysafari was an unforgettable memory. You have to do it!

Fantastic day with these guys dog sledding. Dogs are amazing and just want to run all the time! Guides well organised and made sure everyone was doing ok as we went along. Stopped for lunch with a nice fire and some bbq sausages!

We had an amazing day. We were greeted by our Dutch instructor who also speaks Finnish and English. He was very passionate and enthusiastic, but most importantly you can tell he has a lot of love for all of the dogs. As he said, dogs are like family. You can tell that by the dogs behavior, they're very friendly and are all treated equally. I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves animals!

So amazing! The dogs are so friendly. I recommend a 10 or 25km ride with them tho. We did a 5km and it was short. It was an amazing experience.

Riisitunturi National Park – A Scenic Surprise in the Heart of Lapland We came to Riisitunturi with low expectations—and left thoroughly enchanted. Nestled at the edge of Lapland, this park offers a landscape unlike much of the rest of Finland, making it a refreshing discovery for any nature lover. The hike up to Riisi fell, is both gentle and rewarding. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique flora and fauna, offering a delightful contrast to southern parts of the country. At the summit, it’s a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers—cameras and binoculars abound.

In my opinion the most beautiful national park in Finland. I visited during the summer and haven't seen Finland during the winter. But I went to quite a few national parks and this one is my favourite. There are multiple trails to choose from. They are between 1 and 27km long. I walked the 10km trail. The whole trail was well maintained. The short trails are also very family friendly. The longer ones can be more challenging for children and elderly.

There is free parking, and good signage for the available trails. We went twice in January, and the winter forest was just spectacular regardless of weather condition. we were prepared with snowshoes, but the trail was walkable without them even early in the morning after some snow. We used crampons for better grip however.

Wonderful place! We did the easiest hike and the views were fantastic!

Riisitunturi National Park, also known as Riisitunturin kansallispuisto in Finnish, is a stunning national park located in Lapland, Finland. Established in 1982, the park covers an area of approximately 77 square kilometers. The park is characterized by its unique landscape of rounded hills, known as "tunturi" in Finnish. Riisitunturi National Park is home to a diverse range of arctic flora and fauna. The park is covered in snow and ice for most of the year, making it a winter wonderland. The park has several hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In the winter, the park is perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. In the summer, the park's hills are covered in delicious berries, such as cloudberries and blueberries. Wildlife and NatureThe park is home to a large population of reindeer.Riisitunturi National Park is a birdwatcher's paradise, with species such as the golden eagle and the gyrfalcon.The park's unique landscape supports a diverse range of arctic flora, including rare species such as the Lapland rhododendron. The park is located in Lapland, Finland, approximately 150 km north of Rovaniemi. The park can be reached by car or public transportation. There are several accommodation options available in the nearby town of Poiso Riisitunturi National Park is a great place to see the Northern Lights. In the summer, the park experiences the Midnight Sun, where the sun remains visible at midnight. The park is home to the indigenous Sami people, who have lived in the area for centuries. Riisitunturi National Park is a unique and breathtaking destination that offers a range of outdoor activities and stunning natural beauty.

This is a must see winter wonderland when u r in Finland. It takes you to a totally different world in a very short hike which anyone can do with their pace. Drive from Rovaniemi in the snow is very scenic but bit difficult if you are not used to of driving on snow.

Dress very warmly as Temperature plunged to -27 Celsius. Beautiful landscape. Awsome scenery.

We went there, the staff were friendly and we were able to eat and drink something there. The tour did not take that long but the guide was funny. I had purchased a painting that was made by a bear, quite unique if you ask me.

Fantastic! My son & I really enjoyed this experience! We warmly recommend You this place! 🐻🐺

Great and interesting day and really good guided tour.

(Translated by Google) It was worth going, he was a really knowledgeable and nice guide, he knew what he was talking about and you could see that he loves his job. At the same time you help orphaned animals. You may have to wait a little while for your guided tour, but it is worth the wait. (Original) Kannatti käydä, oli todella tietävä ja mukava opas, tiesi mistä puhui ja näki että tykkää työstään. Samalla avustat orpoja eläimiä. Saatat ehkä joutua odottamaan vähän aikaa opastus kierrostasi, mutta odotus kannattaa.

(Translated by Google) Unfortunately, the whole thing misses the mark. The facility may have once been well-intentioned, but those days are over. Money is made from the animals, but apparently nothing goes into maintaining the enclosures. The enclosures are unkempt and stink. Contented animals, let alone happy animals, look different. (Original) Leider ist das ganze sehr am Ziel vorbei . Die Anlage ist vielleicht mal gut gemeint gewesen, aber die Tage sind vorbei. Es wird mit den Tieren Geld verdient, aber anscheinend geht nichts in den Erhalt der Gehege . Die Gehege sind ungepflegt und es stinkt. Zufriedene Tiere, geschweige glückliche Tiere sehen anders aus

(Translated by Google) ‼️Do not support this activity‼️Here are a few of the animal welfare crimes at Kuusamo Large Game Centre that are currently being tried in court: -Animals have been fed/are being fed inappropriate food - Animals have been kept in cramped cages that do not even allow them to stand up properly - The bears (mother and son) had an inbred cub, which the employee/owner ordered to be left in the den for the mother to kill and eat. - An unsuccessful attempt was made to kill the lynx by hitting it on the head with an axe, which caused great pain and suffering. - The veterinarian has systematically neglected the care of the animals. Cruel actions and incomprehensible that the place is allowed to keep its doors open despite numerous serious animal welfare crimes. (Original) ‼️Älä tue tätä toimintaa‼️Parhaillaan oikeudessa läpikäytävistä Kuusamon Suurpetokeskuksen eläinsuojelurikoksista mainittakoon muutamia: -Eläimiä on ruokittu/ruokitaan sopimattomalla ravinnolla - Eläimiä on pidetty ahtaissa häkeissä, joissa ei ole mahtunut edes seisomaan kunnolla - Karhut (emo ja poika) saivat sisäsiittoisen pennun, jonka työntekijä/omistaja käski jätettäväksi pesään emänsä tapettavaksi ja syötäväksi. - Ilves koitettiin epäonnistuneesti lopettaa lyömällä kirveellä päähän, josta aiheutui suurta kipua ja kärsimystä. - Eläinlääkäri on systemaattisesti laiminlyönyt eläinten hoitoa. Julmaa toimintaa ja käsittämätöntä, että paikka saa pitää ovet auki lukuisista vakavista eläinsuojelurikoksista huolimatta.

(Translated by Google) Nice tour. We received a very interesting and knowledgeable guide/narration. (Original) Kiva kierros. Saatiin oikein mielenkiintoinen ja asiantunteva opastus/selostus.

A beautiful canyon. Hike is medium challenging at julma-ölkky, rocky and slippery on rainy days. I did the 5 km hike on ölkky crossing. Not wheelchair accessible. Nice view picture points. Toilets are available at parking lot.

Very nice place. You can easily find place to tent and clean dry toilets. This place is good spot for fishing, grilling etc

IMPORTANT: guys, when you go there, remember three things. 1. One is when you rent canoe, it is NOT for three people but for two. 2. Two is when you go by canoe, there are two lakes - make sure to CHOOSE the blue one shown in the picture. 3. Three is when you go to hike to see the canyon and the hanging bridge - do NOT take the main entrance route but the red one shown in the picture. Now why do I recommend those three? 1. If you are odd number of people, like us yesterday - we were 5 and rented two canoe, it kinda made it uncomfortable for the fifth one to sit without the seat. 2. The southern lake is objectively boring in comparison with the right northern lake - amazing views are waiting for you there. 3. The left route is objectively more difficult than the right one: three times more difficult and wet. Of course, the "brilliant" Finnish service will never tell you that. Be prepared. Otherwise, the place is beautiful, and if you do the right things - you will definitely enjoy it.

Excellent and accessible. Most clear waters I have seen in Finland

Muikkupuro is amazing! Canoeing in julma ölkky is also very good.

Extreme beautiful nature and essential services.

The park was nice. Everytime. Unfortunately the road to Julma Ölky was in very bad condition for camper cars, since long times. Maybe this was the plan to control the camper traffic there. Too bad. We would have liked to visit the great gorge and then spend the night at the great campsite at the national park center.

Very unfriendly service, and poor (cheap) food. One of the worst experiences in my 8 years visiting Finland

(Translated by Google) The visit was incredible. The accommodation is set up more like a school camp, but it's more about the experience with the bears. The team was super friendly. In the late afternoon we were finally allowed to go on our tour. We could see a lot of bears from the observation house. My highlight was a mother bear with her two cubs. We learned a lot about the animals and were very excited. In the house we were given a small snack and all sorts of hot drinks. A wonderful experience. I also found the breakfast the next morning very tasty. (Original) Der Besuch war unglaublich. Die Unterkunft ist eher wie ein Schullandheim eingerichtet, aber es geht ja auch mehr um das Erlebnis mit den Bären. Das Team war super freundlich. Am späten Nachmittag durften wir endlich zu unserer Tour. Wir konnten vom Beobachtungshaus aus sehr viele Bären sehen. Mein Highlight war eine Bärenmutter mit ihren zwei Jungtieren. Wir erfuhren sehr viel über die Tiere und waren sehr begeistert. Im Häusen bekamen wir einen kleinen Snack und allerlei Heißgetränke. Ein wunderbares Erlebnis. Zudem fand ich das Frühstück am nächsten Morgen sehr lecker.

(Translated by Google) A cozy resort. The sled route came directly to the yard and you can also refuel your sleds here 👍 An excellent wooden sauna was waiting warm at the agreed time👌 (Original) Mukavan kotoisa lomakeskus. Kelkkareitti tuli suoraan pihaan ja täällä voi myös tankata kelkat 👍 Erinomainen puusauna odotti lämpimänä sovittuun aikaan👌

(Translated by Google) Good homemade food and snacks for the stall. Koju guide Marko, full 10. Big thanks to the host for finding the cell phone that was forgotten at the lodge. Old daddy bear Aku 27 years old. somewhat bossed around his younger ones. Cute puppies visited the show. I recommend. (Original) Hyvät kotoisat ruuat ja eväät kojulle. Koju opas Marko, täydet 10. Isännälle suurkiitos majalle unohtuneen kännyn hausta. Vanha karhupappa Aku 27v. pikkasen pomotti nuorempiaan. Suloiset pennut kävivät näytillä. Suosittelen.

(Translated by Google) Simple accommodation with simple food but great guaranteed bear watching. (Original) Einfache Unterkunft mit einfachem Essen aber toller garantierter Bärenbeobachtung .

(Translated by Google) Nice place. Clean rooms. Well-equipped facilities (Original) Pěkné místo. Čisté pokoje. Dobře vybavené zázemí

An extraordinary experience to encounter a field of clothed scarecrows, evoking a deep sense of human collectiveness and familiarity — and at the same time, a feeling of unease. Thousands of non-bodies staring in the same direction, like silent soldiers obeying an unseen command, marching toward the unknown — or perhaps worshipping nature in stillness. Each scarecrow is an individual, dressed in their own clothes, some adorned with accessories — each one telling its own story. "The Silent People" by artist and dancer Reijo Kela shows that even silence can truly be heard.

Well worth stopping off if you're passing. The art installation is very interesting, unique and eerie. The lunch is superb - buffet of locally caught salmon soup, salad with homemade pickles and tasty dressings. Followed by fire cooked pancakes with jam.

The crepe filled with reindeer meat was delicious! The rowanberry leaf juice was really tasty and refreshing! The coffee was good, the staff nice and friendly and the company was great. We really enjoyed the view with the colourful Silent People! Need to go there back again!

This is a very unique and cool sight. You can go any time to walk among the "silent people" - we visited at 10:30 pm wlbefore sunset on a summer evening and it was both peaceful and a bit unsettling, but also very striking. I wanted to spend more time walking through the length of close to 1000 figures. Well worth the stop and I wish I could have spent more time here.

Great place that is totally worth a detour. The art installation in itself is already very cool, and the restaurant is just fantastic. Local food fresh from the wood stove. Some of the best we had in Finland.

Impressive installation and a lovely cafe with pancakes and cacao.

Interesting and a bit creepy. Parking available, no entry tickets

Fascinating museum about winter war. There is a very interesting 14 minute movie about it too. The monument is beautiful and very touching.

The 60 hectare outdoor museum is free of charge, consisting of nature trails and 3 fireplaces on the trail. All the 2nd world war equipments, dogouts, and machinery are "sprinkled" around the trail. The indoor museum, consisting of Finnish, Russian, and German war-time machinery, has an entrance fee of 10€ (adult). The roads are not paved. The famous Raate road ends to a barrier before the Finland-Russia border zone. Do not cross the barrier.

Raatteen Portti is an interesting place for a visit. There are items and explanations about Winter War and Continuation's War, Field Railway and Partisan attacks. Coffee & Knight Donuts are really tasty. You can buy some Souvenirs from the Shop Motti.

Very interesting place to visit, there you can learn about the war between Finnish and Russia but also about WW2. There you can also see tanks, old weaponry, further more trenches and even reindeers if you're lucky.

Informative and fascinating museum about the history of Winter war from local perspective. Unfortunately didn't have time to visit the museum road or forest paths, but definitely will return for that. Cafe has nice food and local lemonades.

It was awesome. I am a Sri Lankan and the experience was amazing.

Thought-provoking World War II museum. Field of stones each representing Finnish and Soviet winter war casualties of Raate battles was especially touching.

Here's an image giving a glimpse of Ukkohalla Resort’s scenic setting—featuring lakeside accommodations and a serene ambiance. Ukkohalla Resort – A Natural Escape in Arctic Lakeland, Finland Location & Setting Ukkohalla Resort is nestled by Lake Syväjärvi at the base of the highest ridges of Arctic Lakeland, within the Hyrynsalmi region of Kainuu, Finland. It’s approximately 90 km north of Kajaani, 170 km east of Oulu, and 180 km south of Kuusamo . Accommodation Options Ukkohalla offers a wide variety of lodging choices suitable for families, couples, and groups: Holiday apartments and chalets, including convenient “Ski-In” options located right beside the slopes and resort amenities—with private saunas, balconies or terraces, available in compact (45 m²) or larger (63 m²) layouts . Alpine-style cabins, log villas, and standalone cottages, many of which are within walking distance of the central resort area . Sky Cabin Glass Suites, premium glass-fronted units perched atop the slopes—perfect for stargazing and watching the northern lights from the comfort of your room . Wellness & Activities The resort's Sauna World & Spa is a unique wellness experience featuring themed saunas and both indoor and outdoor pools and jacuzzis—an ideal way to unwind, framed by stunning lakeside views . Winter offerings include downhill skiing across 15 well-groomed slopes and 3 snow parks (Hallapark, Treeride, and Junnupark), served by up to five ski lifts. The resort also features 114 km of cross-country ski tracks, with 12 km being floodlit . Family-friendly terrain and beginner slopes are available, including a naruhissi (rope tow), Sompahissi, Kurumelli family slope, and accessible areas like Junior Snow Park and Jib Snow Park. In addition, there’s pulkkamäki (sledding hill), a kota (warming hut), swings, and rental options for sledges and Zipfy sleds . Summer offerings include the Halla Wake Park—a cable wakeboarding facility, 150 km of mountain biking trails with fat-bike rentals, paddleboarding, SUP, disc golf, and swimming . Sustainability & Accessibility The resort takes active steps toward environmental responsibility: it operates on renewable energy, uses efficient snowmaking systems, and emphasizes recycling and overall carbon reduction . Getting there is made relatively easy with options by car, train, or air. There is a SkiBus service from Oulu during winter, making access convenient even for those without a personal vehicle . Summary at a Glance AspectHighlightsAccommodationCabins, chalets, apartments, and luxury Sky Glass SuitesWellnessExtensive Sauna World & Spa with themed saunas, indoor/outdoor poolsWinter ActivitiesSki slopes, snow parks, cross-country trails, family slopes, sleddingSummer ActivitiesCable wakeboarding, 150 km mountain biking trails, paddle sports, disc golfIdeal ForFamilies, groups, solo travelers, wellness seekers, outdoor sports loversAccessibility & SustainabilityReachable via road, rail, or air with SkiBus; strong environmental initiatives

Great atmosphere and lots of activities to do. Loved the cross-country skiing possibilities there, beautiful scenery, eventhough it was somewhat difficult to follow the routes hence there was not a great deal of signs along the routes to follow the right path, luckily the loops are not that long so it's not a catastrophy if you miss a turn.

Good place but not transport

Good place, good staff, good meal

A great skiing center altogether. Been there twice and the place is one of my favorites for snowboarding. It's not the busiest place and the slopes are always in good condition. Recommended if you're not after the steepest and longest slopes and just want to have a good time.

Good place to relax, ski

Very good place for cross country ski lovers! There are many perfectly maintained ski trails for every taste. Forest and surrounding at the moment of posting this evaluation is so beautiful as it can only be in fairitales or dreams. No crowds. Peaceful and quiet place.

Great place for all ages. Best to arrive when the place opens (or schedule your exit to closing time) as it is less crowded.

I were here when this was just Angry Birds activity park and the freestyle/scoot area was so so much better than now. All pro scooters came there because the ramps and jumps were so crazy. now there are nothing because some football and baseball games came. But its still ok

This is a favourite venue for us and our children. We have visited kajaani twice and both times have ended up driving to the superpark. It's reasonably priced with lots to do.

It is a great update, my son loved it. We stayed for a week I wish they had an ALL included bracelet though, maybe 120E a week instead of the 60E month. Lasers, VR, ER, meal plus a treat like a T shirt. Would be totally worth it.

Awesome place where both kids and adults can find things to do. There is golf simulator for those who rather play golf then ski in winter.

Its okay, megazone was very good (not included to same price) and escape room was okay (not included to same price) the superpark it self was like 2/5

A bit far away from the slopes but very friendly personnel and a good selection of stuff to do for everyone.

By far one of the best things to see when visiting Kajaani. These might be the oldest castle ruins in all of Finland. The ruins are a great way to explore the history of Kajaani and Finland. Some info boards in the castle tell you about the wars that the castle was used in 👌 The only bad thing about this place is that there is an actual road that goes directly over the castle. At least I assume that the bridge could have been built elsewhere.

In the central Kajaani you can find what probably is the oddest castle ruins anywhere. The old ruins are fascinating, full of history and worth visiting as such as there is even no fee to enter. But then there is the road - a lively trafficked road runs straight through the castle. And I mean right in the middle. It's such a disrespect to the old castle, shame on you Kajaani!

These castle ruins are the northernmost medieval stone castle in the world, with a glorious history as the last castle that refused to surrender to russians during the Great Northern War. In the end, the Russians took control of the castle and blew it up in 1716. The castle island (Linnansaari) has always been an important passageway over the Kajaaninjoki. Unfortunately, a new road bridge was built over it in the 1930s, which naturally destroyed the castle's milieu quite completely. Today, the castle, which once stood mighty in a great location, looks like a sad ruin under the highway.

Very nice place to learn about some of the Finnish Swedish Russian history. The place are ruins of the castle with the remaining base in place, and now a road going through it. The place looks great in the winter time as well as in the summer. It can be an adventurous place to wander with nearby activities for all the family.

Old ruins in the middle of the city. Parking option on both ends of the bridge where you can find a bridge going over to castle

Nice place to visit.

Ruins are interesting to visit. Though the entrance is closed (for the renovation probably) and you can see them only from the bridge.

A rock with a nice view. Ok to visit once.

Unbelievable place in the nature. Rocks and space. Air. Conifers. And the lake below. Little islands. Peace.

The national scenery with impressive landscape, lakes, hills, and a great network of trails.

Loved every second of being there

Free lift up, not many stairs to the mountain with a great view.

BreathTaking.

Best view of finland

Great place for selfies in Joensuu. There are two wolf-statues: a male and a female sitting on their benches some 50m apart.

Don't know what's historical about it. But its a bronze statue of a wolf on a bench in the market square to click selfies with. A fun pastime.

People made it wear scarffs when it gets cold, lol

If you don't sit for a few minutes with this iconic statue, you can't say you visited Joensuu.

A very important stop in a Joensuu visit ♡

Chill dude

Nice place. Excellent food.

I love absolutely everything in this botanical garden! Unfortunately I didn't see any parrots or live butterflies, but I was still satisfied with everything! ☺️

Very nice place to see different kinds of plants. Quiet atmosphere and plenty of places to sit and just relax while being surrounded by beautiful plants and trees.

One of the must-visits in Joensuu. Fun for families and friends. I love their creativity and winter wonderland atmosphere. A bit pricey but worth it.

A nice of place to see about plants, tea or coffee. A bit pricey for a quick snack, especially since the products aren't even home made. but it has a nice quiet place in the Atrium (when it is warm) to relax. Lots of potential to improve and make a nice attraction in Joensuu.

Amazing place! The plants aren't in the best condition at the moment but still a must see! Very friendly staff aswell. Except for the parrot.

A very nice botanical garden with a lunch option. A bit pricey, but well worth seeing. Beware the ticket trap parking space by the entrance.

That place is wonderful and magical. I was there at night for some jazz concert and the Botania bar is quite atypical for me , you can drink inside the garden with the lights on the plants. It's really a nice place to visit ! Maybe a little expensive drinks and food for students

The food was horrible. I ordered a shrimp salad with a double portion of shrimps. And I barely managed to find shrimps there. I found exactly 12 units. For the god's sake. We happen to have more people in our cottage. When I asked the girls over there if they forgot about what I've ordered they sarcastically responded that they didn't and what I see is a Finnish double. On the other hand I got freaking a lot of green salad. If I was a cow I would be extremely happy. But as a sane human being - I expect when the things match their titles. I understand that in general in Finland it is a good idea to lower your expectations about service quality. But hey. Not that much.

Went swimming, despite it being midsummer when we visited. It wasn't overly busy. Facilities were very clean and staff very helpful

Visited the "spa" which consisted of a couple pools filled with really cold water and a small jacuzzi. It's very bright and people in the restaurant area can watch through the glass wall. Super uncomfortable and awkward. We left after a couple minutes.

Visited the ”spa” not the hotel. It features a selection of very small pools with extremely cold water in every single one. A huge downer after a long day skiing in -16 C. Wish they would mention this at the counter / webpage so that people who arent into iceswimming would not waste their money. 1 star for the hot sauna, though.

A decent pool for the family. Swimming lanes, obstacle course, curly slide, bubble pool, water jet pool, heated outdoor pools and pool-side bar. Changing rooms have both sauna and steam room. Everything is clean and in good working order but it somehow looks a little dated.

Some hotel rooms and more apartments. SPA pool area gets very crowded on holiday season. The new Trampoline/Fun park is cool for kids. Overall nice place to stay 😊

Just had a nice steak meal here and it surprised me how well the portion was constructed. Not too expensive but definetely worth the money 👍

A small day trip to Valamo monastery on a beautiful early autumn day. As well as walking the 4.0 km walking route. A great place.

We stayed two nights in the monastery in the 4 beds guest house (red building), ground floor. It's very minimum. The mosquitoes net at the window has holes so it didn't do its job. We reported to the hotel. Unfortunately no action was taken. Hopefully they fix it for the next guests. The beds give cracking voice. It's only great if every guests respect the quiet hours otherwise you hear every movements touching the floor from your upstairs neighbors. Bring your own toiletries, mosquitoes spray, ventilators (lol). The breakfast is included. It's basic. The restaurant serves lunch buffet and as well dinner. It's great for quiet time. Walking route is available. I would think twice to come back here again with kids.

It's definitely not the place to go for a trip unless you're passing by or you are a fun of ortodox churches (although, to be honest, I've seen more beautiful than this one). I can not say anything about the accommodation or events, as I was only passing by.

This "New" Valamo monastery is much smaller than the original, which was stolen by our "beloved" neighbour. It was interesting place to visit nevertheless. It still is a functioning monastery and the church is beautifully decorated

I didn't feel good here, there are a lot of people and there is a lack of peace. However, everything else was absolutely fine.

Nothing that would've put me in awe. Only thing found in the gift ship was myrh and it's too big pieces to burn on top of one coil at home. The cruise was ok but again nothing new to see. Yet another reminder why I've left Finland. Big hand to younger monks who have adopted some sheep🐑 💙 I've been more impressed about Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism.

We had dinner and breakfast and bought plenty of souvenirs like beer and honey. The food and restaurant made me nostalgic and I loved the room we had at the back of the compound. Everything was super clean and tidy and thank you for the tea and instant coffee in the shared kitchen. The views are amazing in Autumn and a great place to contemplate life.

Impressive on the outside, even more so on the inside. Combine it with a day trip to Olavinlinna and you won't be sorry.

Incredible building built purely with wood. Impressive sight.

I have been here so many times and each time I discover new things about this piece of Finnish history. It is the largest wooden church in the world but it lacks the reverential ambience of the sturdier churches. It is however worth a visit.

The church is worth the detour. Entirely made with Wood.

Very impressive wooden church!

The largest wooden church in the world with neo-gothic and byzantine arctitrctusl influences. Lutheran service.

Unbelievable. I wonder if it has been ever full.

Very nice nostalgic and interactive museum on the forests of Finland. Set in the countryside of Finland on a ridge road that a full day out can be entertaining, relaxing and adventurous. Displays are in multiple languages. Playing areas for children. Animal models to learn more about nature. A well worth visit with a shop that has some local hand made memorabilia.

A rather strange yet truly charming museum to visit! The subject is the Finnish forestry industry and the exhibits are very interesting and engaging. There is plenty to do for kids and adults alike and it can certainly be considered fun for the whole family! There is also a very nice restaurant on site.

A very nice museum about Finnish forests and forestry. A lot of scale models, tools and demonstrations how the Finnish forest came to this day. Interesting pictures of real people and their homes. Also, there was a lot of souvenirs to buy. Very nice place to visit, recommended!

Very nice and partially interactive museum. We came late and spent only 1 hour there, but better reserve at least 2 hours. There are interesting forrest vehicles, you get to know about past and recent work in the forrest, about preserving woods etc. You should visit it with children!

A really interesting museum divided into the different ways humans and the forests of Finland coexist. Something for everyone to find interesting and I learned a lot!

Here time has stopped. Old-fashioned forestry equipment bears witness to the beginnings of mechanized logging.

Delightful, spent about 2 hours exploring. Wish we could have eaten at the restaurant, but it closed thirty minutes prior to the museum closing.

Spectacular castle with great history and very cool towers and walls. Tour is usually 1 hour long, bit time flies, even with kids when going through. Be aware that during summer, it is very warm.

Very well restored in the late 19th century to its former glory. A place worth visiting, a beautiful old castle with an interesting and eventful past. I recommend the guided tour, which lasts 50 minutes.

The city of the Opera and and for those who enjoy history I recommend a visit to the city of Savolinna. The day trip was worth it especially the castle where the 1 church of Finland is. The guide tour saved us time. Though I recommend at least 2-3 days to enjoy the full hospitality of the city. Don't forget to enjoy Muikku or a glass of nice local wines while enjoying the waters at the tori. The hospitality of the city was worth the visit. It's really a summer city.

Aila was a wonderful tour guide, she was very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend using the tours which are included in the price of the ticket I was particularly impressed to learn about the Savonlinna Opera Festival which I will definitely try to attend next year!

Really beautiful castle. Worth visiting. I recommend taking part in a guided tour (available in Finnish and English).

Olavinlinna, also known as St. Olaf’s Castle, is a medieval fortress located in Savonlinna, Finland. Olavinlinna is one of Finland’s best-preserved medieval castles and a popular tourist attraction. It has three large towers and thick stone walls designed to withstand cannon fire. The castle was built to strengthen the Swedish Crown’s eastern defenses against Russia. Its strategic location on a rocky islet in Lake Saimaa made it a formidable military stronghold. Nowadays Olavinlinna hosts the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival every summer and offers guided tours, exhibitions, and special events. The castle’s dramatic silhouette and rich history make it a symbol of Finnish heritage and resilience.

Olavinlinna Castle in Finland is a remarkable sight! Its stunning medieval architecture, perched on an island surrounded by beautiful waters, creates a truly picturesque setting. The history surrounding the castle, dating back to the 15th century, adds an intriguing layer to any visit. The tales of sieges and the cultural significance of Olavinlinna. The tour guide was great

Spectacular castle with great history and very cool towers and walls. Tour is usually 1 hour long, bit time flies, even with kids when going through. Be aware that during summer, it is very warm.

Very well restored in the late 19th century to its former glory. A place worth visiting, a beautiful old castle with an interesting and eventful past. I recommend the guided tour, which lasts 50 minutes.

The city of the Opera and and for those who enjoy history I recommend a visit to the city of Savolinna. The day trip was worth it especially the castle where the 1 church of Finland is. The guide tour saved us time. Though I recommend at least 2-3 days to enjoy the full hospitality of the city. Don't forget to enjoy Muikku or a glass of nice local wines while enjoying the waters at the tori. The hospitality of the city was worth the visit. It's really a summer city.

Aila was a wonderful tour guide, she was very knowledgeable and I would highly recommend using the tours which are included in the price of the ticket I was particularly impressed to learn about the Savonlinna Opera Festival which I will definitely try to attend next year!

Really beautiful castle. Worth visiting. I recommend taking part in a guided tour (available in Finnish and English).

Olavinlinna, also known as St. Olaf’s Castle, is a medieval fortress located in Savonlinna, Finland. Olavinlinna is one of Finland’s best-preserved medieval castles and a popular tourist attraction. It has three large towers and thick stone walls designed to withstand cannon fire. The castle was built to strengthen the Swedish Crown’s eastern defenses against Russia. Its strategic location on a rocky islet in Lake Saimaa made it a formidable military stronghold. Nowadays Olavinlinna hosts the world-famous Savonlinna Opera Festival every summer and offers guided tours, exhibitions, and special events. The castle’s dramatic silhouette and rich history make it a symbol of Finnish heritage and resilience.

Olavinlinna Castle in Finland is a remarkable sight! Its stunning medieval architecture, perched on an island surrounded by beautiful waters, creates a truly picturesque setting. The history surrounding the castle, dating back to the 15th century, adds an intriguing layer to any visit. The tales of sieges and the cultural significance of Olavinlinna. The tour guide was great

+ Heartwarming, touching, inspiring. You'll learn everything about the artist who was such a peculiar, unique person. + A lot of attention has been put on keeping the place up and running + A lot of info is also in English -> But, inside this shed where you'll get to explore the artist's life through his writings, paintings, audio etc. there's no translations from Finnish. - Some noise from the highway interferes with the amosphere (or adds to it, depending on your perspective)

Very unique destination that offered good value for money. Open 24/7 may give you a different experience depending on what time of the day (or night) you choose to visit as the light plays a big role how the statues appear.

Five stars because I made out alive of what is very clearly the lifetime work of someone kookoo…good if you want to give people of all ages proper nightmares…seriously people am I the only one seeing the despair in the figures eyes…I am sure there is real people in there

A definite must to stop and visit, whenever driving past. Great experience, no matter if it's night or day. Looking gorgeous in the summer; eerie and fantastic in the winter.

One of tge best places in Finland

Lovely, worth a stop

Not sure what I was expecting, but the place blew my mind when we stepped in. Impressive? Yes. Surprising? Absolutely. Creepy? In places, yes 😅 I highly recommend the place, hard to imagine it would not trigger some kind of emotions in everyone.

City-forming old fortress with s lot of historical remarks. Tickets can be found on the opposite side of the entrance in a separate building. The fortress area were open not more than 20% cause the rest were dangerous/forbidden/closed. Nice museum and just one view to the river from the up. The tower was closed. No air-condition, no food or beverages anywhere. Free parking 300m from the main entrance.

Small. Nice location. No Finnish or English texts in Museum itself... ☹️

Extremely interesting place. Not many people know that the place for this fortress was not chosen by chance. In the Middle Ages, the Vuoksa River did not flow as it does now, it connected the Baltic Sea with Lake Ladoga. There was also no duct in Losevo. The main channel passed through Priozersk in the east and Vyborg in the west. Here passed the famous trade route "From Varangians to Greeks". Korela Fortress covered the exit to Lake Ladoga.

Nothing really special and monumental, old fortress...

A beautiful, old fortress that survived the war and was reconstructed.There is a museum on the territory of the fortress, where there are exhibits about war and life.

Cool part of history, under two dollars per entry ticket. Not too crowded.

Ok.

The monument is beautiful, but when I visited it it was empty of water.

My wife very like grim and etc. Sculpture about suicide, like Romeo and Juliet

(Translated by Google) There was no water to suck (Original) Eipähän vettä ollut immellä

(Translated by Google) It's wild to think about the thoughts of someone who jumped the rapids on the shore of a roaring rapid. (Original) On kyllä hurja miettiä koskeen hypänneen mietteitä pauhaavan kosken rannalla

(Translated by Google) A very clean area (Original) Hyvin siistinä pidetty alue

(Translated by Google) A wonderful, unusual fountain. I learned his story later. (Original) Замечательный, необычный фонтан. Его историю узнала позже.

(Translated by Google) It's beautiful, but the Russians have littered everything with garbage. (Original) Красиво, но русские все засрали мусором.

A beautiful building. The rooms are comfortable. Sadly, there is no A/C or room service. Maybe the new owners will fix that.

The historical building is beautiful, but not in a perfect condition. The main issue was a nightclub that was noisy until 2:30am, which is just unacceptable for a hotel where customers try to sleep. The hotel has a great potential for supreme experience, but now for example balconies are in poor condition and without furniture. Rooms have no air conditioning. Breakfast is ok, and try the karelian pies. Some rooms have a view to the great water rapid next door, but beware that the rapid is open only on some days. I give two stars because I would not have booked if I knew about the noise, and 184e per night for solo room was poor value for money.

Good location with reasonable price. Room good and clean. Sauna and fitness room.

Traditional hotel next to rapids. Good breakfast with some additional extras. Rooms might be rather hot at nights since no aircon. We did not try spa section. Free parking+wifi.

Spot on location and nice architecture especially on the old part. Great breakfast and nice views.

Wonderful old building, great experience to spend few nights with superb breakfast. Sauna and pool & jacuzzis were better than earlier reviews described. It is not a spa, but nice still. Free games. Food was great in the restaurant, but check the opening times, it is not open every day.

Rooms don’t have AC. Tv didn’t work. Gym is a joke. No take away breakfast. Staff not serviceminded.

It is very good ski resort for beginners as well as for snow borders of various qualifications.

Nice but quite expensive

Winter fun at its best for the whole family. 1 hour from the city. Cannot beat it!

One of the best places for mounting skiing nearby Saint Petersburg

nice slopes for such a location

(Translated by Google) A very chic place to go skiing. Large equipment rental. Purely. There is somewhere to eat. There are no problems with parking. Music, lighting, everything is perfect. Prices are reasonable. The trails are looked after, there is always enough snow. There is a children's slope. I recommend it. (Original) Очень шикарное место покататься на горных лыжах. Большой прокат инвентаря. Чисто. Есть где перекусить. С парковкой нет проблем. Музыка, освещение, все на отлично. Цены приемлемые. За трассами следят, снега всегда достаточно. Есть детский спуск. Рекомендую .

(Translated by Google) Great place, we visited on a weekday, I was delighted. The only negative: due to a corporate event, the children's playroom was closed, but we found something to keep the baby (1.5 years old) occupied. Reasonable prices, adequate guys on the slopes, and the slopes are super 👍 both beginners and athletes ski, there are slopes with springboards, 2 lifts per slope and all are located nearby Now this is my favorite place ❤️ I recommend it to everyone 👍 (Original) Прекрасное место, были в будний день, я в восторге. Единственный минус: из-за корпоратива была закрыта детская игровая комната, но мы нашли чем занять малыша (1,5 года) Приемлемые цены, адекватные ребята на склонах, а склоны - супер 👍 катаются как начинающие, так и спортсмены, есть спуски с трамплинами, по 2-а подъемника на 1 склон и все расположены рядом Теперь это мое любимое место ❤️ всем рекомендую 👍