Timeline
16:50
Check the route to Rumakuru. It is about 6 km from Saariselkä via marked hiking routes or maintained skiing tracks. Ensure you have appropriate footwear for the steep and rocky terrain.
17:05
Arrive at Rumakuru. Find a spot near one of the two day huts in the valley, which dates from about 1900 and was likely built by gold diggers. Settle in to wait for the light.
17:35
Watch the sunset. On 15 October, the sun sets toward the WSW at 17:35. The golden light starts about 16:07, creating a long, low-angle glow over the rocky valley.
17:50
Choose another route for returning to Saariselkä or Laanila to experience the valley from a different perspective as it darkens.
Local tip
The sun stays low all day in October. Bring warm layers as the temperature drops quickly after sunset.
Check before you go
- Check the route and condition of the hiking tracks or skiing paths before heading out.
- Verify opening hours and transport options if you need to return to Saariselkä or Laanila after dark.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Saariselkä (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).