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Day 1. The Arctic Circle, Myllykoski and Ruka
We start the day early. On the way out we stop at Santa Claus Village and cross the Arctic Circle line; the village is lit up in the morning dark. Then we drive east to Oulanka National Park, close to the Russian border.
We walk from Juuma to Myllykoski along a snowy forest trail. The Kitkajoki river keeps flowing even in winter; from the suspension bridge you see the rapids and the old mill from 1926, and by the fire in front of the mill we warm up. In the afternoon we move on to Ruka and ride the Ruka Coaster, which glides down a snowy slope with views of the forest. In the evening we return to Rovaniemi, and after dinner we set out on the first northern lights chase.
- 07:30Pick-up from your accommodation in Rovaniemi
- 07:45 – 08:15Santa Claus Village: the Arctic Circle line and photos
- 08:15 – 11:45Drive to Oulanka · ~195 km, coffee break on the way
- 11:45 – 13:45Walk from Juuma to Myllykoski, suspension bridge, break by the fire · ~5.5 km return
- 13:45 – 14:30Transfer to Ruka · ~23 km
- 14:30 – 15:15Lunch in Ruka village
- 15:15 – 16:15Ruka Coaster
- 16:15 – 19:45Drive back to Rovaniemi · ~200 km, break on the way
- 19:45 – 21:00Dinner and rest
- 21:00 – 01:001st northern lights chase and photography · length depends on the weather
Because daylight is short, the Myllykoski walk is around midday. In December the sun rises at about 10:30 and sets at 13:25; there is enough light for the walk until 15:00. I check the winter condition of the Juuma road before every group. Ruka Coaster is open 13:30–21:30; children under 8 and shorter than 135 cm ride with an adult.
Day 2. The frozen waterfalls of Korouoma
The first night's aurora chase runs long, so we start the day calmly. We drive south-east, about two hours, to Korouoma canyon. In this deep valley, formed hundreds of millions of years ago, water running down the canyon walls freezes every winter into giant ice waterfalls.
The Koronjää loop is about 5 km: short, but with steep ascents and descents, and slippery in winter. With ice cleats or snowshoes we walk without hurrying, and take a warm break by a fire in front of the Charlie Brown, Mammoth and Brown River waterfalls. In the late afternoon we return to Rovaniemi, and after a rest we set out on the second northern lights night.
- 09:00Pick-up from your accommodation
- 09:00 – 11:15Drive to Korouoma · ~107 km
- 11:15 – 14:15Koronjää loop, three big frozen waterfalls, break by the fire · ~5 km
- 14:15 – 16:30Drive back to Rovaniemi
- 16:30 – 20:30Free time, dinner
- 20:30 – 00:302nd northern lights chase and photography · length depends on the weather
The ice waterfalls of Korouoma form differently every year depending on the weather; January – March is the most reliable period. There is no phone signal in some parts of the canyon.
Photo: Yair Haklai, CC BY-SA 4.0
Included
- Guiding in Turkish or English on both days
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Rovaniemi and all transport
- Ruka Coaster ticket
- Two northern lights nights and your professional photos
- Breaks by the fire and hot drinks on the walks
- Ice cleats and snowshoes
Not included
- Accommodation (in Rovaniemi; I share my recommendations)
- Lunches and dinners
- Thermal clothing (I recommend where to rent it)
Good to know
A long first day
The first day covers about 430 km, which takes 7–8 hours of driving in winter. I drive the whole way, and we take breaks on the road. That is why the next morning starts later.
Walks
Myllykoski is about 5.5 km return and Korouoma about 5 km. Both are slippery in winter, with ups and downs; normal fitness is enough, but they need care. Bring good winter boots; the ice cleats and snowshoes are from me.
With children
The walks and the long drive can be tiring for small children; the programme suits children aged 8 and over better. On Ruka Coaster, children under 8 and shorter than 135 cm ride with an adult.
Northern lights
The aurora is not a promise but a search: no guide can give a 100% guarantee. This programme has two aurora nights. My guarantee is this: if we go out and come back without a single photo, I offer you the next night free of charge.
Weather
Snow, a storm or a closed road can change the times. For your safety, we adjust the route together every morning according to the road and weather conditions.
“On every programme I meet you and stay with you until the last day.”
Çevikkan Koçoğlu · Your guide, in Lapland since 2022Send me your dates and I will take care of the rest
We arrange the order of the days together, according to your dates and the weather forecast.