Ruka Coaster Tour from Rovaniemi & Riisitunturi National Park Scenic Walk

In the morning, you’ll be sitting in a sled at the top of Rukatunturi, one hand on the brake and 767 metres of track winding downhill through the trees ahead of you. You decide how fast it goes.

Later that afternoon, you’ll be standing on a hilltop at Riisitunturi National Park, looking across the landscape while enjoying a delicious barbecue lunch with grilled salmon.

Ruka Coaster from Rovaniemi: Finland’s northernmost alpine coaster

Ruka Coaster was the first alpine coaster to open in Finland, and it has already carried more than 50,000 riders. The track runs 767 metres down the side of the fell, weaving through spruce forest with wide views opening across the valley below.

The best part is that you control the speed. Every sled has its own brake levers: push them forward and you can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h; ease off and take it slowly, enjoying the view as you go.

In winter, the trees are heavy with snow and the track glows beneath the lights.

Free time at Ruka: choose your own little adventure

A Ruka Coaster tour from Rovaniemi gives you more than just the ride: you will also have time to explore the village, enjoy a coffee or take in the fell views.

You’ll have around 1.5 hours at Ruka in total. Your Ruka Coaster ride is included, and the rest of the time is yours to enjoy as you like.

If you are looking for things to do in Ruka beyond the coaster, the village is right at the foot of the slope. You can grab a coffee, browse the small shops, enjoy a terrace view of the fell, or simply sit down with a cinnamon bun and watch the sleds race past.

There are plenty of Ruka activities to choose from, and in Ruka during winter, the village is especially lovely for a relaxed walk, a drink in a café, or another coaster ride if one is not enough. Your guide will tell you exactly when and where to meet again, then leave you free to enjoy the time your own way.

Into Riisitunturi National Park: a winter fairytail,

After you visit in Ruka, continue on a guided winter hike in Riisitunturi National Park, one of the most magical winter destinations in Finnish Lapland. From Ruka, we travel into the snowy wilderness to discover the famous snow-covered trees and wide fell landscapes of Riisitunturi.

In winter, the park’s spruce trees are wrapped in deep snow and frost, creating the remarkable white shapes often called Lapland’s snow monsters. Walking among them feels like stepping into a fairytale, and makes this one of the most memorable things to do in Ruka in winter.

Our Riisitunturi tour takes you through peaceful forests and open winter scenery, with time to enjoy the crisp Arctic air and capture beautiful photographs. It is an ideal experience for visitors looking for an authentic Finnish Lapland winter hike away from the crowds.

Lunch break in Riisitunturi National Park

After the hike, we take a well-earned break in Riisitunturi National Park and cook lunch over an open fire, surrounded by peaceful forest scenery. It is freshly prepared for you by our guide to enjoy in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

• Grilled salmon fillet, served with fresh bread and grilled mushrooms
• Marshmallows, toasted over the fire for dessert
• Warm berry juice, perfect for warming your hands

Vegetarian options, allergies and other dietary needs are no problem: just let us know when you book.

Is this trip right for you?

If you enjoy some walking, and breath-taking views, then yes, definitely. This is one of the best experiences in Lapland for couples, friends travelling together and families with children old enough for the trail.

For the coaster, Ruka’s own rules apply: riders must be at least 8 years old and 135 cm tall to ride alone. Children aged 3 to 7 can ride in the same sled as an adult. Full details are available on the official Ruka Coaster page.

As for the hike, it’s beginner level: around 1.5 hours in total on uneven ground. Nothing technical, and no hiking experience is needed.

What to bring

Dress warmly for the pauses as well as the walk. You may feel colder when standing still to admire the scenery or relaxing by the fire, so warm layers are essential.

• Warm layers, with a windproof outer layer
• Walking boots with some ankle support
• A hat and gloves in winter, or insect repellent around midsummer
• A camera, plus a phone kept somewhere warm — Arctic temperatures are not kind to batteries

If you would rather not travel with a suitcase full of Arctic clothing, we can help with that too. Take a look at our winter gear rental in Rovaniemi, or read our guide on what to wear in Lapland.

Choosing your season

This activity is available in winter only. Travelling between May and November? See our alternative experience here.

Come and spend the day with us

Join our Ruka Coaster from Rovaniemi day trip for a memorable mix of adventure, nature and a campfire lunch. Have a look at the available dates below, or get in touch and we will build the day around you.

If you would like to talk through your plans first, book a travel consultation and we can help shape your whole Lapland trip. You can also browse all our Rovaniemi tours.