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PortAventura
Kuusamo Holidays
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Holidays to Kuusamo serve up some stellar, snow-blanketed scenery – this peaceful town’s a great spot to see the best of Finland’s natural beauty.
Low-key town
Kuusamo is nearby Ruka’s more peaceful sibling – nature takes a front seat in this place, whether you’re talking scenery or activities. Walking trails weave through forests of snow-smothered pines and vast frozen lakes. Or, if you want to spend some time indoors, you can visit the Hannu Hautala Nature Photography Centre. This exhibition hall’s the first of its kind in Finland, and showcases some seriously impressive pictures.
Animal action
This town offers plenty of opportunities for you to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. You can spend an afternoon visiting a reindeer farm. You’ll get the chance to feed them, and learn all about Santa’s sleigh-pullers. Or, you can see bears, wolves, and lynxes at the Predator Centre.
Natural sights
Kuusamo plays host to some top-drawer natural sights, and Hossa National Park’s one of the best of the bunch. It’s pretty new – this place officially became Finland’s 40th national park in June 2017. Frozen-over rivers, plunging ravines and snow-capped forests are just some of the highlights. The Stone Age Varikallio cave paintings are well worth a visit, too. You’ll find them on rock faces along the edge of Lake Somerjarvi. These paintings of hunting and shamanic rituals were painted at least 3,500 years ago.
At a glance
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Have a close encounter with a bear at the Predator Centre
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Tuck into some sautéed reindeer
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Wander through snow-dusted national parks
View Your Itinerary
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Arrive in Kuusamo
Once you’ve landed at Kuusamo Airport, you’ll be handed your thermal gear, before being whisked off to your hotel in Kuusamo and Ruka. You’ll have the rest of the day to explore – opt to grab a toboggan and hit the slopes, or take a stroll through snowy fields and forests.
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Elf school training and free time
Your morning line-up includes a husky and reindeer sleigh ride. Next, warm up around a campfire, while Santa’s elves tell stories. In the afternoon, it’s time for a trip to see the man in red. Your visit kicks off with a tobogganing lesson, followed by a light bite and piping-hot juice. Mr and Mrs Claus’s house is next up, where you’ll get to listen to Santa tell tales about his life. After that, you’ll have free time to fill with your choice of activities.
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Santa's Secret Cottage
Now that you’re an elf-in-training, you can pay a visit to Santa’s secret cottage. Here, you’ll polish off your lessons before meeting the big man himself. After Santa’s taken note of your Christmas wishes, you’ll gather round to listen to him tell tales about his life. Then it’s time to play games with the elves on Santa’s frozen lake. If you’re on a 3-night trip, you’ll finish off your day with a traditional Christmas dinner and games, and a fireworks display.
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Free time
Those of you on a 4-night trip can use today as free time. Opt to spend it playing in the snow, or book a place on one of our excursions. You’ll have your festive finale – complete with fireworks and a traditional Christmas dinner – to round things off in the evening.
