This Cookie Policy explains what cookies are, which cookies Ruka Northern Lights Tours uses on this website, and how you can manage or opt out of them. We are committed to being transparent about the data we collect and to giving you meaningful control over your privacy. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device (computer, tablet or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites function properly, to improve performance and to provide information to the website owner.
Cookies can be:
- Session cookies — temporary files that are deleted when you close your browser.
- Persistent cookies — files that remain on your device for a set period, or until you delete them.
- First-party cookies — set directly by the website you are visiting (us).
- Third-party cookies — set by external services embedded in our website (e.g. Google Analytics).
Under the EU ePrivacy Directive and GDPR, we are required to obtain your consent before placing any cookies that are not strictly necessary for the operation of this website.
Cookies We Use
Third-Party Cookies
Google Analytics
If you consent to analytics cookies, Google Analytics 4 sets cookies on your device. The data collected is processed by Google Ireland Limited (Gordon House, Barrow Street, Dublin 4, Ireland). Some data may be transferred to Google LLC servers in the United States under Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.
Google may use this data in accordance with its own privacy policy. We have configured GA4 with the following privacy settings to minimise data exposure:
- IP anonymisation is enabled — the last octet of IP addresses is masked before storage.
- Data retention in GA4 is set to 30 days for user-level data.
- Advertising features (Google Signals) are disabled.
- We do not send personally identifiable information to Google Analytics.
Google's privacy policy: policies.google.com/privacy. To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites, you may install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
Stripe (Payment Processing)
When you proceed to payment, you will interact with Stripe's secure payment interface. Stripe may set cookies required for the secure operation of the payment form. These cookies are strictly necessary for the payment process and are governed by Stripe's own cookie policy. We do not control or have access to these cookies. Stripe's privacy policy: stripe.com/privacy.
How to Manage Cookies
You have several ways to control or delete cookies:
Via Our Cookie Banner
When you first visit our website, a cookie banner will appear giving you the choice to accept or decline optional analytics cookies. You can update your preferences at any time by clicking "Manage Cookies" in the footer of any page.
Via Your Browser Settings
Most browsers allow you to view, block or delete cookies through their settings menus. Use the guides below to manage cookies in your browser. Note that blocking all cookies may prevent the booking flow from working correctly.
Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data. Or visit support.google.com
Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data. Or visit support.mozilla.org
Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data. Or visit support.apple.com
Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data. Or visit support.microsoft.com
Settings → Advanced → Privacy & security → Cookies. Or visit help.opera.com
Consult your device manufacturer's support pages, or the in-app privacy settings of your browser app for iOS or Android.
Via the Google Analytics Opt-Out Add-on
To prevent your data being used by Google Analytics across all websites you visit, download and install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, available for most major browsers.
Your Choices
You are always in control of which optional cookies are active on your device when you visit our site. A summary of your options:
- Accept all cookies: The website works fully, including analytics to help us improve our service.
- Essential cookies only: The booking flow and all core website features continue to work. Analytics are not collected.
- Block all cookies via your browser: You can still browse the website but the booking form may not function correctly, as session cookies are required for secure form submission.
Choosing to decline analytics cookies will not affect the quality of your experience on this website or the service you receive from us.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us:
Ruka Northern Lights Tours
Email: bookings@rukanorthernlightstours.com
Phone: +358 465 630 404
Address: Ouluntaival, Ruka, 93600 Kuusamo, Finland
For data protection queries more broadly, please also see our Privacy Policy or contact the Finnish Data Protection Ombudsman at tietosuoja.fi.
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will always reflect the most recent revision. Significant changes will be announced via our cookie banner on your next visit.