Tucked away in the southern end of the Finnish Lapland is Riisitunturi National Park. One of the main reasons that drew me to this place is its magnificent snow-clad trees. You can only see them during the deep winter months. Imagine the trees standing burdened under a thick blanket of snow, forming a frozen forest scene that looks like it was pulled out from the pages of a fairytale.
It’s an Arctic Landscape that extends from the incredible fell top over Lake Kitkajärvi to the blue hills of Kuusamo.
Riisitunturi is heaven for photography enthusiasts like me. In February, you can catch distant views of the vast landscaped area covered in these frozen trees. Then you’ll get the pastel pink and blue hues in the sky, with a hint of orange as the backdrop of the frozen forest.
My trip here was in late March. While I was secretly shattered for not being able to witness the pastel colours and fully frozen trees, the experience turned out to be just as incredible; because a different scene started showing. The trees were still frozen, but not fully. The wind was intense, yet the sun was shining. The trails were covered in snow, but not thick enough to need snowshoes. It’s almost as if spring is eager to make its entrance.
In this short guide, I will share how to get to Riisitunturi National Park from three starting points, best mode of transportation, pre-journey tips and a handy checklist for hiking in Riisitunturi National Park. I won’t be covering public transportation as there are no direct connections to Riisitunturi.
Whether you are currently researching, planning or already on your way this, post is for you.
Best months to visit Riisitunturi National Park in winter
- December to January ~ deep snow, subzero temperatures (can go down to 40), shorter days, magical light, pastel pink and blue skies.
- February to March ~ longer days, clearer skies, can be windy, bearable temperatures (can go down to 20), excellent conditions for photography and day hikes, half-frozen trees in late March.
- April to May ~ snow starts softening, slushier with wet trails in May, earth, moss and spring vegetation start to show.
Trail Information
- Main Path ~ Riisin Rääpäsy Trail (4.3 kilometre) circular loop
- Hike Duration ~ 2 to 3 hours. Longer if you stop for photography
- Elevation gain ~ Approximately 200 meters
- Effort Level ~ Easy to medium
- Trail Type ~ Marked trail may be covered with snow in winter
- Campfire site ~ Only allowed near marked rest areas, campfire sites and huts
- Huts ~ Open wilderness huts
- Facilities ~ Dry toilet (no running water), plenty of parking space, and Riisitunturi Café Tykky
Getting There
- By car ~ easiest and most convenient option, roads are well ploughed in winter
- From Rovaniemi ~ 2-hour drive
- From Kuusamo ~ 1-hour drive
- From Ruka ~ 45-minute drive
- Mode of transportation ~ very limited—car rental is recommended or join a local guide with pickups and transfers. Book here!
Road Tips, Weather Conditions and direction
Road Tips
A few things to note before you start driving in the Finnish Lapland is that roads are usually maintained exceptionally well in winter, and the main reason is due to cultural adaptation. People, institutions, and systems embrace winter as a normal part of life. They are prepared to function regardless of snow or ice. It is all maintained roads between Rovaniemi and Kuusamo.
When it comes to the type of vehicle, a 4×4 is not neccessary. A Toyota Corolla Cross will do just fine. Just be aware that roads can be a tad icy and can make them slippery, especially in smaller roads leading to the park. Driving on them can get a bit iffy especially if you are driving big vehicles and are not used to driving them.
Most rental companies like Europcar offer cars with winter tyres. Don’t get confused with the studded ones. They are different and not necessary. Normal winter tyres will suffice. Compare prices and rent a car here.
Weather & Avalanche Forecast
The weather can make or break your winter driving experience. Don’t skip checking weather conditions the night before or on the day of. Most importantly, check avalanche warnings and forecasts.
In winter, avalanche warnings are issued for six mountain areas—Ruka, Luosto-Pyhä, Ylläs-Levi, Ounas-Pallas, Saariselkä and Kilpisjärvi. Check avalanche forecasts here.
Direction to Riisitunturi National Park
The parking area and the trailhead, where you will start the hike, is located right beside the Riisitunturi Café Tykky.
Navigation apps like Google Maps and other navigator apps tend to provide incorrect driving direction. To reach the parking area, which is located at the border of the national park, drive 3 kilometres on a gravel road from Patoniementie. The junction is at Patoniementie 180, Posio and look out for the sign post that shows an arrow pointing the direction.
Tips ~ The road leading to the starting point of the trail is plowed in winter. However in spring, the road will develop a spring thaw, preventing access to the starting point of the Riisitunturi hiking trails. Be fully aware that the thawing will occur from the end of April to mid May and by early June the snow will be completely melted. I recommend keeping these conditions in mind when you decide on the best dates to do the hike.
Get to Riisitunturi National Park from Rovaniemi
In my Norway, Finland & Estonia: 16 Days No-Driving Arctic Itinerary, I mentioned that Rovaniemi City Centre would be a practical base and starting point. It’s a good choice if you plan on doing Arctic activities outside of town but still want to do stuff in town too.
Logistically, it made sense for us, as we weren’t driving, and the departure point for the VR Matkalla train to Helsinki was conveniently located—just a few minutes from where we stayed.
Readers may find Rovaniemi a bit touristy, but practically, it offers plenty of accommodation options, numerous eateries, local guides at every corner, easy access to lakes and the wilderness right at your doorstep. It also has excellent connections for day trips.
Drive to Riisitunturi National Park from Rovaniemi
The driving distance between Rovaniemi and the trailhead of Riisitunturi National Park is 163 kilometres, roughly 2 hours and 9 minutes (one way). Follow directions here.
Join a Local Guide from Rovaniemi
If you don’t plan on driving, you can reach Riisitunturi with a local guide. We booked our tour with Beyond Arctic because pick-up and drop-off were included.
Often in these guided hikes, lunch by the campfire with photography sessions is included, and is usually led by a professional photographer. They’re designed for both exploration and skill enhancement in one experience.
Get to Riisitunturi National Park from Kuusamo
Kuusamo is every outdoor enthusiasts favourite place. It is a region that has 160 kilometres of hiking trails, 605 kilometres of biking tracks, 350 kilometres of paddling routes and 100 kilometres of boating routes. This also makes Kuusamo the perfect base and starting point if you want to include hiking at Riisitunturi National Park in your trip itinerary.
Drive to Riisitunturi national Park from Kuusamo
Riisitunturi National Park is located southwest of Kuusamo and the distance is 40 to 50 kilometres—roughly a 1-hour drive to and from. Follow direction here.
If at any point, you succumb to the temptations of driving yourself and the prospect of being able to do detours along the way, then compare prices and rent a car here. There are multiple providers available in Kuusamo.
Bearing in mind that if you do decide to continue this Arctic trip without driving, your best option to get to Riisitunturi is by using a taxi service or join a local guide.
The taxi services available in Kuusamo
OTAXI ~ a regional taxi service that can be booked through a phone call.
Posion Taksiasema ~ a taxi service available in the Posio area.
Taksi Mikko Jaakkola ~ individual taxi operator serving the region.
Cost ~ expect a range of €120 – €150 direct trip, one way.
Get to Riisitunturi National Park from Ruka
Before I move to the topic of getting to Riisitunturi from Ruka, know that Kuusamo is a municipality and Ruka, a well-known ski resort village, is located in Kuusamo. It is a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders and hikers. It’s also open all year round.
The distance from Ruka to Riisitunturi National Park is 35 to 40 kilometres via the 9500 Route. The driving time usually takes around 45 minutes, making Ruka the nearest and convenient starting point in terms of distance. It also makes a good alternative base besides Rovaniemi.
Here you can find plenty of accommodation options, equipment rentals for hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding and much more.
Drive to Riisitunturi National Park from Ruka
There are several providers you can rent a car from:
Ruka Info ~ Here you can rent a Land Rover or Defender. It’s ideal if you’re looking for something that can navigate versatile road conditions.
Europcar ~ here you can rent a wide selection of cars with convenient pick-ups and drop-offs all over Kuusamo.
Hertz ~ this rental company is usually located at the airport. This means you most likely have to go to the airport to pick up and drop off the car there. Like Europcar, it offers a wide variety of vehicles to choose from.
Compare prices from these companies and more here.
Join a Local Guide from Ruka
There are multiple guided tours from Ruka, including day trips to Riisitunturi. Join a local guide from Ruka here.
What to Pack, Responsible Travel and Facilities in the Riisitunturi National Park
Day hikes or overnight winter camping depends on what the weather conditions are like. Your personal experience may end up being relatively easy because of good weather, or it could be an intense experience if the weather conditions are extreme.
The winter conditions can be unpredictable, and especially in winter, it is important to be prepared and well equipped.
Packing Checklist
- Snow Pants
- Technical or merino wool base and mid layers
- Beanie
- Merino wool neck gaiter
- Waterproof winter jacket, preferably with level 10,000 and above
- Snow boots ~ if you’re going with a local guide, snowboot rentals are typically included.
- Insulated wool gloves
- Merino wool socks
- Hand & foot warmers—these are my non-negotiables. They helped me avoid frost bites on my toes and fingers.
- Water
- Makkaratikku or sausage grill sticks
- Sausages or marshmallow for campfire lunch breaks and dinner
Responsible Travel Checklist
- The Riisitunturi National Park is a nature reserve. This means the Everyman’s Right is not valid in national parks.
- Camp is only permitted at camping sites. You are only allowed camping in the immediate vicinity of designated campsites, campfire sites and huts in the hiking and nature tourism zone and anywhere in the remote zone. See map below:
- Only make campfires in designated sites.
- In the hiking and nature tourism zones, make campfires using firewood for this purpose.
- In the remote zones, you are allowed to use small root stalks, dry branches and twigs to light a fire.
- Tip ~ Before lighting a fire, always check if there are any forest fire warnings in affect. If there is a warning in affect, camp fires are only permitted to be lighted in cooking shelters with chimneys.
- Remember to bring your own trash bag. There are no recling waste bins, so be sure to bring your trash back with you.
- Always keep your pets on a leash. Be sure to clean dog waste or any pet waste from the trails.
Facilities in Riisitunturi National Park
There are several hiking services where lean-to-shelters and campfire sites serve hikers both on nearby trails and the wilderness. Here are some facilities you may find in the park:
Campsites and Lean-to-Shelters
Campsites are a shared resting place and if at any time you plan on using it, be sure to be considerate of other hikers. Keep in mind that there are no waste management at these campsites, so it’s important to bring your own trash bag and bring rubbish back with you. Do not burn them.
There are four lean-to-shelters and four campfire sites. If you need to cook, there are two cooking sites and a day cottage. See Campsite locations here.
Overnight Camping
On the nature and tourism zone within Riisitunturi National Park, you are only allowed temporary camping at designated rest areas. But if you are elsewhere, you are free to camp anywhere.
Open Wilderness Hut
An open wilderness hut is an accommodation, or as the locals call it— Hotel Riisi. It is for self-guided hikers to rest and spend the night for free. Remember, while it is free to use, be mindful and considerate of other hikers too. Find useful hut etiquette here.
While transportation options may be limited, Riisitunturi is one of Lapland’s true natural wonders — and absolutely worth the effort to experience. Whether you’re planning a peaceful day hike or an unforgettable overnight under the stars, this snowy escape deserves a spot on your Arctic itinerary. Now that you know how to get there, it’s time to start digging out those winter clothes and get ready for a little magic.
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