Distance
111 kmDuration
5-6 hoursTotal ascent
807mHighest point
374m% Unpaved
67 %% Singletrack
2 %Difficulty (1-10)
3% Rideable
100 %The Ruka stage is the longest riding day of the Kitka Loop and a clearly structured section where terrain and services alternate in a logical rhythm. Approaching from the south, the day begins on quiet, traffic-free gravel roads that gradually lead toward the busier atmosphere of the Ruka resort. The first kilometers offer steady progress through forest landscapes with a manageable amount of rolling climbs, until the route brings you to Ruka for a lunch and resupply stop.
Ruka is the most important service point of the day. You will find plenty of food and drink options here, as well as a good opportunity to restock for the long ride ahead. After the break, the route turns back onto smaller roads and continues along old forest and gravel connections toward the village of Käylä. Käylä is the second natural stop of the day: the village has the Taikapankki café and a small grocery store, and the rapids of Käylänkoski are a worthwhile quick stop right by the route.
In the latter part of the day the character of the route becomes noticeably smoother and faster. The scenic paved roads along the northern shore of Lake Kitka open up wide views across the water and allow for efficient riding, balancing the overall load of a long day. Near the end there is one more short detour back onto forest roads before the final kilometers and the return to Korpihilla Café, which makes a natural finish and a well-earned reward after the stage.
Photos: Taneli Roininen
- Ruka resort and its services for a break and resupply
- Käylä village: Taikapankki café, a small grocery store, and Käylänkoski rapids
- Scenic lakeside roads along the northern shore of Lake Kitka with wide open views
- The route works with any bike that fits at least a 50 mm tire. An experienced rider may manage with 45 mm, but the ideal tire width is 50 mm or wider.
- The gravel riding season at Posio’s latitude usually starts by early June at the latest, once the gravel roads have hardened and dried after spring thaw. The season typically ends in late September when autumn rains begin and temperatures drop below freezing. The first snow usually falls in early October, although year-to-year variation is large. Gravel day rides are often comfortable even during Lapland’s notorious mosquito season, but if you want to avoid the worst of the insects, plan your visit from mid-August to late September.
- The route is digitally navigated only; it is not waymarked on the ground. Navigation is done with a GPS device such as a watch, smartphone, or bike computer.
- Always stay on the designated route and aim to use only the camping and break spots recommended in the route description.
- Mobile coverage may not be available across the whole route. You can call for help via 112 or the 112 Finland app when there is signal.
- For emergencies, it is recommended to carry basic first-aid supplies and bike repair tools.
- Lapland weather can change quickly, so layering and waterproof gear are highly recommended.
- This stage works well as a day trip when staying around Posio village, but reaching the start of the stage requires a transfer service. Lomakeskus Himmerki in Posio offers a wide range of accommodation options from camping to small cabins and larger log villas.
- Ruka (approx. 34 km) offers comprehensive services and is the best place for the main resupply stop of the day.
- Café Ajantaika is a good break stop at around 55 km.
- Käylä (approx. 67 km) offers a café and a small grocery store and works well as the second resupply point.
- The day finishes at Korpihilla Café.
- The main challenge of the day is its length, as this is one of the longest stages in the route network. The route includes over 1000 meters of climbing, which is reasonable for the distance but still enough to ensure you will feel the effort by the evening. Physical load is the most demanding factor. Overall, this is a moderate stage mainly because the day is long.
- Reaching the start point on Kuusamontie requires a transfer, and a transfer is also needed from the finish at Korpihilla Café.
- The easiest way to reach Posio is to take a night or day train to Rovaniemi and continue by coach to Posio (around two hours). There are multiple Helsinki–Rovaniemi trains daily, usually including a night train. Bike spaces can sell out during peak holiday periods, but because there are several departures each day, you may not need to book far in advance unless you specifically plan to arrive on the night train.
- Only a few bikes fit on the Rovaniemi–Posio coach at a time, but on most services it is possible to reserve a bike space in advance via Matkahuolto.
- Because some of Posio’s gravel routes require logistics support, a new transfer service is planned for summer 2026 to handle rider logistics as well as possible evacuations from the routes.