Frequently Asked Questions

Gravel riding sits somewhere between road and mountain biking—fast and free like road, but adventurous and untamed like the trails. It’s about riding dirt and gravel roads, sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, but always leading somewhere interesting.

It’s the kind of riding where you don’t need to dodge traffic or commit to gnarly technical sections. Just wide-open roads, big landscapes, and the kind of freedom that made you fall in love with riding in the first place.

In Ruka, gravel riding means endless forest roads, rolling hills, and a deep, quiet wildness you won’t find elsewhere. Just ride.

If Girona is the café ride, Ruka is the escape – no traffic, no crowds, no overly curated coffee stops (at least, not yet). Just fast-rolling dirt, crisp air, and open horizons. Ruka is a place for those who know the best gravel isn’t about hype, but about discovery. Here, you can ride more than 900 km of mapped-out gravel routes. 

Explore the routes
 

It’s everywhere and nowhere. A home base without walls. The House is your go-to for everything Ruka gravel: routes, travel tips, where to stay, where to eat, and what to do off the bike. No doors to walk through, just everything you need, right where you need it.

Through the House,you’ll find everything you need to ride in Ruka – and if you’re looking for more, you can even apply here for a trip to experience it firsthand.

Ruka - the House of Gravel

No gravel bike? No worries. But you should get one, really. We’re talking endless dirt, gravel, and roads that’ll make your heart race. You can ride a MTB and still have a lot of fun, or you can rent a gravel bike from the rental shops presented at the bottom of this page.

How long? Doesn’t matter, really. If you want the full hit, give it a solid weekend or longer. But, honestly, you could ride all day, every day, for a week and still feel like you’re only scratching the surface. Make it work for you. Just don’t rush it. You can explore all the route options here.

Explore the routes

Getting here isn’t too difficult, but it’s remote enough to feel like an escape. Fly into Kuusamo Airport (it’s small, but that’s part of the charm) on a domestic Finnair flight from Helsinki. There are five bike spots per flight, so book early. 

Once you’re in, Ruka’s waiting. No crowds, no hassle. Just pure, uninterrupted gravel.

You'll find updates on the gravel routes on our page Where to ride. 

The Ruka-Kuusamo gravel season begins in June with the melting of the snow and there is plenty to ride until the snow returns in October. Please make sure you do not make harm on the roads while biking. If the surface of the gravel road is soft or the route is otherwise wet, choose another route!

You can report any issues affecting the rideability of the routes to Ruka Info via email at info@rukakuusamo.fi. Such issues may include the grading or resurfacing of gravel roads (sharp crushed stones on the road surface) or the impact of vehicle traffic related to logging operations on the gravel road surface.

Where to ride

You’ve just ridden some of the best gravel in the world. Now it’s time to unwind with some quiet luxury. Hit up a sauna, grab a bite at a local spot (they know how to cook here), join a guided adventure, or just stare at the horizon until you remember why you came. This place isn’t just for riding gravel. It’s about reconnecting.

Go get lost in the woods.

Bike Wash Stations in Ruka

During the summer, you can wash your bike for free at the washing station located at the end of the Piste building in Ruka Village, next to the gondola lift. Additionally, there is a free bike wash station near Ski-Inn RukaValley.

Another option is the Ruka Wash car wash in Ruka Parking Hall, where you can clean your bike using warm water and detergent. The cost is €1.20 per minute.

Bike Maintenance and Spare Parts

Below is a list of bike rental shops that offer gravel-compatible bikes. These rental shops also provide spare parts and maintenance services. We recommend contacting these shops directly for more detailed information on their services and availability.