
Iisakki Village
Escape to the quiet shores of Lake Rukajärvi, where traditional log buildings, forest paths and the calming rhythm of nature shape the spirit of Iisakki Village. This historic lakeside retreat offers cosy accommodation, authentic dining and direct access to the experiences of Ruka Safaris, from gentle snowshoe walks and lake excursions to reindeer encounters and evening adventures under the northern lights.
Every season brings its own charm. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a peaceful playground for snow activities. In summer, the forest opens to sunlight, wildlife and quiet moments by the water. Whether you seek relaxation, outdoor experiences or the warmth of Finnish hospitality, Iisakki Village invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Accommodation
Iisakki Village offers a cosy selection of lakeside villas, cabins and apartments surrounded by peaceful forest. Each stay brings comfort, nature and the warm feeling of a small northern village.
Choose the place that suits your trip. Alinan Tupa, Iisakin Portti, Iisakki Guest House, Papin Talo Apartments, offer homely spaces for couples, families and small groups. For a more exclusive stay, Iisakki Glass Village and the premium Lumo Lakeside Lodges bring nature closer with elegant design, private sauna, outdoor jacuzzi and lakeside views.
* Opens in the Iisakki-Village website.
Restaurants
Authentic dining spaces for celebrations and group experiences
In Iisakki Village you will find warm and atmospheric restaurant venues managed by Ruka Safaris. They serve guests staying in the village, groups celebrating special occasions and participants in our activity programmes.
Iisakin Talo offers homely northern dishes in a charming log-house setting. Kontioluola is ideal for larger groups and selected wild food dinners. Honkakota provides an intimate space for smaller gatherings.
Each venue brings local ingredients and the spirit of the surrounding forest to the table, creating memorable moments in every season.
* Opens in the Iisakki Village website.
Saunas
Iisakki Village offers several traditional lakeside saunas that invite you to unwind in a warm and atmospheric setting. Access to the saunas is subject to availability, and private reservations and sauna tours can be arranged for an additional fee. The village features several traditional options, including the Aivoriihi Sauna, the Iisakki Sauna and the Hikikammari Sauna, each offering its own warm and atmospheric character.
Some accommodations, such as the Lumo Lakeside Lodges, provide a more exclusive experience with a private sauna and outdoor hot tub. In winter, guests can also try the avanto, a refreshing dip through a hole made in the ice, a classic Finnish wellbeing ritual.
* Opens in the Iisakki Village website.
Activities
Iisakki Village is the perfect base for exploring the seasons of the north. With Ruka Safaris you can enjoy guided adventures all year round.
In winter, snowshoe walks, husky rides, snowmobile safaris and reindeer visits take you through peaceful white landscapes, with northern lights evenings adding a touch of magic. When summer arrives, the forest opens to long days ideal for canoeing, lake trips and easy hiking routes starting right by the village.
For bigger adventures, the nearby Oulanka and Riisitunturi National Parks offer some of Finland’s most iconic trails, including the legendary Bear Trail.
* Opens in the Iisakki-Village website.
Around Iisakki Village in Ruka
Forests, lakes and northern calm in every season
Iisakki Village sits on the quiet shores of Lake Rukajärvi, surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Ruka area. In winter, the region becomes a peaceful playground of snow covered forests, frozen lakes and soft northern light. Cross-country skiing tracks, snowshoe routes and snowmobile trails stretch across the hills and lakes, offering easy access to the calm of the wilderness.
When summer returns, the same paths open to long days perfect for hiking, canoeing and cycling. The nearby Oulanka and Riisitunturi National Parks invite you into deep forests, river canyons and scenic ridges, with iconic routes such as the Bear Trail revealing the wild beauty of northern Finland.
Here, every season invites a new way to explore, from gentle moments in nature to unforgettable outdoor adventures.
FAQ
Iisakki Village is located in the heart of the Kuusamo region, surrounded by lakes and forests, just a short drive from Ruka. Its peaceful natural setting offers the perfect balance between wilderness and easy access to activities and services.
In most cases the meeting point is at the Safari House, within a walking distance from the heart of Iisakki Village. The meeting points and times will be communicated in the booking confirmation.
Guests receive their equipment at the Safari House in Iisakki Village or at the designated equipment pick up point indicated in their booking. Our staff will guide you on arrival to the Safari House to ensure everything is ready before the activity starts.
In winter, Iisakki Village offers a wide range of authentic Lapland experiences, including husky safaris, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and Northern Lights excursions. Guests can also enjoy traditional saunas, lakeside relaxation and the unique atmosphere of winter in the Arctic.
During summer, the area is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rafting, fishing, cycling and guided nature walks. Guests can enjoy long bright days under the Midnight Sun, swim in the lake, relax in the sauna and explore the surrounding wilderness. Summer is perfect for combining outdoor activities with peaceful lakeside living.
How to Get to Iisakki Village in Ruka
Iisakki Village lies on the peaceful shores of Lake Rukajärvi, just outside Ruka in Northern Finland. It is easily reached from Kuusamo, Rovaniemi and Oulu, with good connections by air, train and road throughout the year.
By Airplane
The nearest airport is Kuusamo (KAO), with daily flights from Helsinki. From Kuusamo Airport it is about 25 km / 30 min by car or taxi to Iisakki Village via Ruka.
You can also arrive via Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) and Oulu Airport (OUL). The drive from Rovaniemi to Ruka is roughly 200 km / 2 h 30 min, and from Oulu to Ruka about 240 km / 3 h.
Car rentals and prebooked transfers are available at all airports, and we can help arrange transfer service on request.
By Train
The nearest train stations are in Oulu, Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi, all with daily connections from Helsinki. From there you continue by bus or rental car towards Kuusamo and Ruka.
You can choose an overnight train for a relaxed journey, or travel by day and enjoy the changing northern landscapes.
However, you can also take advantage of the overnight train, arriving early in the morning in Rovaniemi — perfect for making the most of the full day ahead.
If you arrive via Rovaniemi, you can easily plan a stop at Santa Claus Village before continuing your trip to Iisakki Village, a great way to start your Lapland adventure.
By Car
Driving to Iisakki Village is straightforward and scenic.
From Kuusamo it is about 25 km / 30 min to Ruka and Lake Rukajärvi.
From Helsinki the distance is a little over 800 km, usually driven in one long day or combined with an overnight stop on the way north.
Roads are well maintained in all seasons, and as you approach Ruka and Lake Rukajärvi you are already surrounded by forests, lakes and the calm of northern Finland.