Blue Moment at Riisitunturi

In the heart of winter, an entire Arctic day can fit into one snowshoe adventure.

We travel from Ruka and Kuusamo to Riisitunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland, arriving while the landscape is still wrapped in the blue light of morning.

Then we follow the light.

From the blue moment before sunrise to the low midday sun, from sunset back into blue twilight, this full-day snowshoe adventure is built around one of the most distinctive features of winter in the North: the constantly changing Arctic light.

Along the way, we explore Riisitunturi's snow-covered forests and fell landscapes and stop for a warm outdoor lunch by the fire.

From blue to light – and back to blue again.

An Entire Arctic Day in One Adventure

Around Christmas, the sun stays above the horizon in Kuusamo for less than three hours.

The days slowly begin to grow longer after the winter solstice, but during our festive season the sun still travels very low across the southern horizon.

This creates an unusual opportunity.

During one snowshoe adventure, we can experience the whole cycle of a northern winter day: morning twilight, sunrise, low daylight, sunset and the return of blue twilight.

What Is the Blue Moment?

The blue moment is the period of twilight before sunrise and after sunset when the sun is below the horizon but still illuminates the sky.

In winter, the snow reflects this remaining light and the entire landscape can take on shades of blue, violet and soft pink.

Despite the name, the blue moment is not always just a brief moment.

Around Christmas in Kuusamo, civil twilight can begin around 09:00, well before the sun rises at approximately 10:30–10:40. After sunset at around 13:30, twilight continues until approximately 15:10.

This means there can still be enough natural light to see the landscape and move on snowshoes without a headlamp long before sunrise and well after sunset.

The change happens gradually.

Darkness becomes blue. Blue becomes daylight. And in the afternoon, the same journey happens in reverse.

Morning Blue

We leave Ruka at 08:30 and drive approximately 45 minutes to Riisitunturi National Park.

By the time we put on our snowshoes and enter the forest, morning twilight is beginning to illuminate the snowy landscape.

We walk through quiet forests and heavily snow-covered spruce trees as the light slowly strengthens.

Around 10:30–10:40 during the Christmas period, the sun rises above the horizon.

If the weather is clear, we may see the first direct sunlight reach the snow-covered landscape.

If clouds or snowfall hide the sun, we continue to experience the transition from blue twilight into daylight. A visible sunrise is never guaranteed – and it does not need to be for the light to change around us.

Riisitunturi in the Midwinter Light

The winter sun stays low.

Even around midday, it never climbs high into the sky during the darkest weeks of the year.

This low light can create long shadows and subtle colours across the snow-covered forests and open fell landscapes.

Riisitunturi is particularly well known for its spruce trees that can become heavily covered with snow during winter – a phenomenon known in Finnish as tykkylumi.

We take our time.

There are opportunities to stop, look around and photograph the landscape rather than simply walking from one point to another.

Lunch by the Fire

During the short winter day, we stop for a longer break by the fire.

A warm outdoor lunch and hot wild berry juice are included.

After spending the morning on snowshoes, sitting by the fire gives us time to warm up, eat and simply watch the winter landscape around us.

Then we continue our journey with the afternoon light already beginning to change.

Sunset – And Back to Blue

Around Christmas, the sun sets at approximately 13:30.

But sunset is not the end of the light.

For a long time afterwards, the sun remains close enough below the horizon to illuminate the sky. Snow reflects this soft light, and we can usually continue through the landscape without switching on our headlamps immediately.

Gradually, daylight gives way to blue twilight.

The colours deepen. Details become softer. The snow-covered forest begins to look different from the one we walked through only a few hours earlier.

Eventually, as natural light fades, we have headlamps with us when needed.

The Light Is Never Guaranteed

This adventure is about experiencing the cycle of Arctic winter light, not guaranteeing a particular photograph.

We cannot promise a visible sunrise or sunset.

The sky may be clear, cloudy or filled with falling snow. The landscape may turn pink and gold, remain pale and soft, or disappear into a snowy haze.

All are part of winter in Finnish Lapland.

Your guide follows the weather, snow and light conditions throughout the day and adapts the route when necessary.

Experience Highlights

• Experience Riisitunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland

• Follow an entire short Arctic winter day on snowshoes

• Begin in the blue twilight before sunrise

• Experience the changing light around sunrise

• Explore Riisitunturi's heavily snow-covered winter forests

• See the low light of the midwinter day

• Enjoy a warm outdoor lunch by the fire

• Follow sunset into the afternoon blue moment

• Learn why twilight lasts so long in the northern winter

• Small group with a professional local nature guide

At a Glance

Season: Christmas & New Year festive season
Time: 08:30–16:30
Duration: approximately 8 hours

Snowshoeing distance: approximately 6–9 km. The guide chooses the final route according to snow conditions, weather and the pace of the group.
Location: Riisitunturi National Park, Finnish Lapland
Pick-up: Ruka area and Kuusamo centre
Group size: 2–8 participants
Minimum age: 12 years
Difficulty: Moderate
Languages: English and Finnish
Price: €239 / person

What's Included

• Professional local nature guide

• Pick-up and drop-off from the Ruka area and Kuusamo centre

• Transportation to and from Riisitunturi National Park

• Snowshoes and poles

• Headlamp

• Warm outdoor lunch by the fire

• Hot wild berry juice

Is This Experience Suitable for Me?

Previous snowshoeing experience is not required.

Your guide will show you how to use the snowshoes and poles before we start.

This is, however, a full winter day outdoors. The route includes natural terrain, uphill and downhill sections, and changing snow conditions.

Deep or soft snow can make snowshoeing considerably more demanding than normal walking.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, and participants should be comfortable spending several hours outdoors in winter conditions.

The minimum age is 12 years.

If you are unsure whether the experience is suitable for you, please contact us before booking.

What Should I Wear?

Warm winter clothing is essential.

We recommend several warm layers, insulated winter boots, warm gloves or mittens and a winter hat.

Because we spend a full day outdoors, layering is particularly useful. You can adjust your clothing depending on the temperature, wind and your level of activity.

Snowshoes, poles and a headlamp are provided.

Need Winter Clothing?

Winter clothing and boots are not included in the experience.

If you do not have suitable clothing for Finnish Lapland winter conditions, winter clothing can be rented separately.

Winter Weather Is Part of the Experience

Snowfall, wind, cold temperatures and limited visibility are natural parts of winter at Riisitunturi.

A clear sky, visible sunrise, sunset or particular colours cannot be guaranteed.

Your guide assesses the conditions throughout the day and adapts the route when necessary.

The exact route, walking distance and timing of breaks depend on the snow, weather and pace of the group.

Safety always comes first.

Book Blue Moment at Riisitunturi below

From Sunrise to Sunset on Snowshoes

Follow the changing light of an entire Arctic winter day in Riisitunturi National Park in Finnish Lapland.

From morning blue to daylight – and back to blue again.

Small group, maximum 8 participants.

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