Kuusamo and Ruka
Almost all our cabins in this region are around Kuusamo, most of them near Ruka, a fell-top ski resort with one of the longest seasons in Europe, often opening in October. Most cabins are log-built with their own sauna. In summer, Oulanka National Park is within an hour to the north, with the long Karhunkierros trail and the shorter Little Bear's Ring loop from Juuma. Kuusamo airport is around 30 minutes from Ruka.
Best for: Skiers, hikers and families who want a proper snow holiday
Not for you if: You want a short transfer: from London you change in Helsinki, fly an hour or so north, then drive half an hour.
Syöte (Pudasjärvi and Taivalkoski)
Iso-Syöte and Pikku-Syöte are Finland's southernmost fells, with a modest set of downhill slopes, long cross-country trails and Syöte National Park around them. Pudasjärvi lies to the west and Taivalkoski to the east, each about 45 minutes away with supermarkets. In summer this is forest, bog and river country, with canoeing on the Iijoki. Kuusamo airport is about an hour and a half away, Oulu around two hours.
Best for: Cross-country skiers and families who want a quieter fell resort
Not for you if: You want a big ski area with nightlife: Syöte is small and evenings are quiet.
The Oulu coast and Hailuoto (Haukipudas, Ii, Oulunsalo)
Oulu is the region's city, with a market hall, long cycle paths and the sandy Nallikari beach, and its airport is in Oulunsalo. Haukipudas and Ii are north of the city on the Gulf of Bothnia, where the Kiiminkijoki and Iijoki rivers reach the sea. Hailuoto, a flat island of dunes, juniper and a lighthouse, has been joined to the mainland by bridges and a causeway since June 2026, replacing the ferry.
Best for: Summer stays with a city, sandy beaches and cycling close by
Not for you if: You want reliable winter activities: the coast is flat, and the fells inland are better for snow.
Pyhäjärvi and the Oulujoki valley (Muhos, Utajärvi)
Pyhäjärvi sits beside a large lake of the same name at the southern edge of the region, around two hours from Oulu, and suits a summer week of swimming, fishing and sauna. Closer to Oulu, Muhos and Utajärvi follow the Oulujoki river through farmland and forest. Choice is limited, so book early for July.
Best for: Lake swimming, fishing and a quiet summer week
Not for you if: You want plenty of choice: there are only a handful of cabins in this part of the region.
