Ruka Safaris - Papin Talo

Such a beautiful setting, and the people were the friendliest.

We stayed in June, midsummer in Kuusamo, and getting to experience daylight around the clock was something special. The rooms were spotless and the beds were good. There’s a small kitchenette in each room, plus a large shared kitchen and space downstairs that guests can use for free. The sauna is available every day, and you can cool off with a dip straight into the lake. The restaurant was delicious, especially the traditional Rediersteof, which we definitely recommend. The nearby hiking trails are breathtaking. The room did get quite warm, with little chance to air it out, and the bathroom was small. Apart from those things, everything was perfect. Definitely recommended!

The Bear excursion is an unforgettable experience, so be sure to make time for it. The restaurant is also worth a visit. We came to Finland for the first time in July 2023 and got such a warm welcome in beautiful surroundings. These were the first three days of our Finland and Norway tour, and I can't think of a better way to start.

We booked a hotel room, but it was full, so we were given an apartment instead. It had a fantastic view and an outdoor seating area, and was super clean. The kitchenette was very well equipped, including a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, four-burner stove, oven, pans and cooking utensils, plus cutlery and dishes for four. There was also a bar with two stools. The beds were comfortable and there was plenty of storage. The main thing missing was a proper chair. There was a bulky fold-out spare bed, but it wasn't comfortable, and there was nowhere else to sit. We spent a whole week in bed in the evenings, though the weather was great and we were out a lot during the day. After a few hours, it got hard to find a comfortable way to sit or relax. Still, it’s a lovely, authentic Finnish building with apartments and hotel rooms, and everything else was great. I’d go back in a heartbeat ♡