I had been to Ruka, Finland a few times before and had never really done my research on where to stay. I was at home in Rovaniemi and looking for an option of somewhere to spend Christmas when Ruka Peak showed up on my TikTok.
Less than five minutes later, I booked a room at Ruka Peak for two nights over Christmas.
This post shares what I thought about my stay there, including everything I did at Ruka Peak (and in nearby Ruka!) and whether or not I think it is worth your money.
Spoiler alert: I loved everything about my time at Ruka Peak and I truly believe it is the best place to stay in Ruka.
If you have any questions about Ruka Peak boutique hotel, or Ruka in general, let me know in the comments. Thanks!
In this post...
About Ruka Peak Hotel
Ruka Peak is a family-run boutique hotel located in Ruka (in Kuusamo, Finland). It is, technically, a ski-in, ski-out hotel, but it doesn’t feel like other mass accommodation in the area.
It is located 1410 feet (430 meters) above sea level and is situated on the backside of the resort away from the larger properties and the town center (but don’t worry; you’re still super close!).
This beautiful hotel offers what most other hotels in the area don’t – epic views! And not of the resort’s center, but of the breathtaking nature that surrounds Ruka.
You will find 6 double rooms and 2 suites at the property, as well as a restaurant, bar, lounge area, sauna, and hot tub.
While Ruka tends to be one of the snowier places in Finland (meaning cloud coverage is pretty frequent), the balconies at Ruka Peak are great for seeing the aurora on clear nights.
While Ruka Peak only has a handful of rooms on-site, they do offer a few villas in the area if you’re looking for lodging that is more spacious (or in a more private setting). Breakfast was included in my stay (and was delicious).
Ruka Peak Boutique Hotel Highlights
Being One With Nature
I have stayed in the center of Ruka before and while I love it, I loved this WAY more. There are ski runs out front, but the property is tucked away on the backside of the mountain, offering a far more intimate experience. And, a very ‘nature’ driven stay!
At Ruka Peak, the decor was modern and rustic all at the same time. I felt so comfortable and cozy throughout my stay and I loved it. Sometimes I get to a place and it feels a bit too pretentious for me.
This was anything but! The Ruka hotel offered all the luxury I was seeking but with a hospitable touch that set it apart from other places I have stayed in Ruka.
My balcony was also the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the mornings. I absolutely loved everything here and it was such a unique place to spend Christmas.
Ruka Peak by Hugo Restaurant
At Ruka Peak, you will find their on-site restaurant, Ruka Peak by Hugo. It is small and has exceptional wine offerings… but my highlight was most definitely the food.
When I visited, they offered a special Christmas menu where I got to enjoy a reindeer shank (the first time I had this cut) and it was delicious. Some of the best food I have had in Finland over the years!
You will need to make a reservation (which you can do on their website) and please note that they are closed during large portions of the off-season.
Ruka Peak by Hugo offers 3-course and 5-course menus, all with a focus on Nordic ingredients. They also offer wine pairings.
Sauna (and Hot Tub)
At Ruka Peak, you can actually book yourself time in the sauna and hot tub! There are two saunas (which include changing rooms and a shower) and a wood-burning fireplace.
They call this experience ‘Sauna World’ and there are two jacuzzis included (for up to 14 guests). Drinks and snacks included. Each guest is 35 Euros.
If you’re a guest with the hotel, you can book your time slot upon arrival (or get in touch with them in advance).
Activities
Depending on what season you book your stay at Ruka Peak, you can participate in several activities during your trip! In the summer months, they can book you a silent walk in the forest, summer hiking, and rafting.
CHECK RATES HERE: Ruka Peak Boutique Hotel
In the winter months (which is the high season), you can book a northern lights safari, dog-sledding, reindeer safari, snowshoeing excursion, and a trip to their secret hut in the wilderness.
You can also book your ski lessons and equipment rentals through Ruka Peak.
Perfect for Couples
Honestly, my favorite thing about Ruka Peak is that the boutique hotel was PERFECT for a couples getaway. My partner, Ed, and I went there and found it truly a relaxing getaway that was intimate but still somewhat luxurious.
While I think Ruka Peak is great for all types of visitors, I think it is particularly wonderful for those on a Lapland honeymoon or those looking for a cozy holiday with their partner.
Close to Ruka Trek (My Favorite Cafe!)
I am a sucker for a good cafe and Ruka Peak is super close to my favorite cafe in town called Ruka Trek & Hard Trek Cafe.
There is a super cute dog that works there, if that is of interest to anyone reading this.
How to Get to Ruka Peak Hotel
Ruka Peak is located at Juhannuskalliontie 27A in Ruka. You will need to drive there (or you can take a taxi from the center as it is not too far!).
The turn is a bit before you enter the resort’s center and you will go up the hill a bit (slowly, the road is windy) and then take a left on Juhannuskalliontie. It is at the very top on the left-hand side. There is parking for guests right in front of the hotel.
Ruka is about 2.5 hours from Rovaniemi (perhaps a bit longer in the winter). The closest airport to fly into is Kuusamo (KAO is the airport code).
Do you have any questions about Ruka Peak Boutique Hotel? I am happy to answer them!
This was booked on my own dime and is not a sponsored stay – I just really loved it that much and hope some of you can book a weekend getaway there!
More Northern Finland Travel Guides
- What to do in Rovaniemi in winter
- Day trips from Rovaniemi
- Renting a car in Finland
- Lapland in autumn
- Polaris Villas in Muonio
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Megan is a travel blogger and writer with a background in digital marketing. Originally from Richmond, VA, she now lives in Finnish Lapland after previous stints in Norway, Germany, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. She has a passion for winter travel, as well as the Nordic countries, but you can also find her eating her way through Italy, perusing perfume stores in Paris, or taking road trips through the USA. Megan has written for or been featured by National Geographic, Forbes, Lonely Planet, the New York Times, and more. She co-authored Fodor’s Travel ‘Essential Norway’ (2020) and has visited 45 US states and 100+ countries.