Katinkulta is located in the middle of nowhere really, in the eastern Finland wilderness. The nature around the destination makes a stunning setting for holiday filled with outdoor activity at the any time of the year. Katinkulta itself offers many activities spa, gym, bowling, tennis just to mention few and the village Vuokatti gives you all the rest. October is not typically common to ski even in Finland but in Vuokatti it is possible all year around in the ski tunnel, https://vuokattisport.fi/hiihtotunneli/ . In October they also have the first track build outside too. We skipped the skiing this time and focused on hikes around the area.
The first hike we did was up to Naapurinvaara. The hike wonders around the old traditional farmland and thru the range of traditional finnish breed Kyyttö cows. If you are lucky you might get a sight of them too. We got to see them on the way back, really cute and calm fellows. The hike follows well maintaind tracks and is suitable for children. The kota, fire hut, is at the top of the hike and offers cosy resting spot to have packed snacks. Hiking routes around the Sotkamo area are easy to find from https://www.sotkamo.fi/vapaa-aika/liikuntatoimi/lahiladut-ja-reitit/ .
October can suprise us in Finland with great sunny days even though the amount of sunlight is slowly getting shorter and shorter during the days. We were really lucky to enjoy the one of the most beautiful sunny autumn days during our holiday. The colors of ruska are just gorgeous when topped of with the sun. The sunset in perfectly calm October eve was just magic.
My favorite hike was Hiidenportti and I definately recommend it for you when you want to enjoy the wilderness in it’s best, https://www.luontoon.fi/hiidenportti/reitit . We did the Hiidenkierros hike and started of from Palolampi, which is located about 50 km from Katinkulta and did the hike about 5 km. We wanted to visit the laavu, the fire place, by the pond of Porttilampi, so we wondered of the round hike to have a break in this unique spot in the middle of silence and serenity of nature. The hike is quite demanding with rocky bits and lots of hiking up and down but the views are definately worth it.
The ruska holiday gave us a great break in the middle of busy autumn. I feel the best treat to yourself is to head to the wild and just be in the nature. It gives you strenght more than you can realize, the fresh air makes wonders. Once again I found myself to prove that. The beauty lies in front of our eyes if we just stop and look. I feel really lucky we got to have this break. Which is your favorite nature spot?
Styling by Una 