A short drive from Ruka, the Korouoma Canyon is a dramatic 30 km rift in the forest where, in winter, streams freeze into towering blue-white ice falls up to 60 metres tall.
It's one of the region's great winter hikes — and a magnet for ice climbers.
The frozen waterfalls
Names like Jaturi and Mammuttiputous (the 'Mammoth Fall') mark the biggest ice formations. From December to March the canyon walls glow with frozen cascades — spectacular to walk beneath and watch climbers ascend.
The hike
A popular circular trail of around 5 km leads down into the canyon to the main falls. It's moderate — some steep, slippery sections — so proper winter boots and, in deep snow, snowshoes or spikes are wise.
Getting there
Korouoma is roughly 45–60 minutes from Ruka, near Posio. There's a car park at the northern trailhead. Dress warm and allow a half-day.
Make it a full day
Hike the frozen falls by day, then join an aurora tour from Ruka at night for a perfect winter combination.