Car & Van Hire - Kuusamo

Kuusamo is a true playground for lovers of winter sports. This is the gateway to Finnish Lapland, and in winter, it is entirely covered with a thick blanket of white snow. Be sure to wrap up warmly because exploring this winter wonderland is going to be chilly! Here, you can discover a holiday destination like no other, with all the magic that winter can bring.

Car or van hire in Kuusamo means discovering a world of winter sports. Of course, you'll find options for skiing or snowboarding - but you can also try ice skating or trekking with snowshoes. If you'd rather not exert too much energy, snowmobile trails are a common winter activity. Dog sleds and reindeer rides give you a more traditional way of getting around. The long winter means you can ski here from October to April, with slopes for people of all ages and abilities.

What would a trip to Lapland be without visiting the area's most famous resident? Santa's Cottage can be found in the tiny village of Vuotunki, easily reached with car hire in Kuusamo. This village managed to survive the widespread destruction of World War II, so it still has a traditional, fairytale air. If you're travelling with the kids, you can do so much more than just meet Santa: you can go tobogganing together or enjoy a meal at Mrs Claus' table. This village also has plenty to offer adult travellers. You can learn how to bake traditional Finnish breads and pastries, take a guided tour through the history of saunas and enjoy some spectacular trails.

While Kuusamo is best known as a winter destination, it is also beautiful in the summer months. In summer, it's ideal for hikers, with stunning trails that wind through the forests and over rivers. White water rafting is available if you want to try it - but you can always choose to stay on dry land and just admire the many birds and animals in the woods here.

Kuusamo is a great destination for foodies. Forget beef and chicken - here, you'll find something far more exotic on the menu. Reindeer, moose and elk are all common sights in restaurants in this area, served in a variety of different ways. Finns also love salty liquorice, which can be an acquired taste. If you're not a fan, don't worry. Sweet pastries and cinnamon buns are traditional treats that appeal more if you have a sweet tooth.

Kuusamo is a small city. It is at its busiest during the snow season, so you'll generally find more traffic on the roads over weekends in winter. However, traffic jams are never a problem here.

You will find plenty of options for parking. A designated car park is often the best choice, as you'll be able to leave your vehicle there for longer. On-street parking is usually pay and display. You'll be able to buy your ticket from a parking meter, which accepts cash or cards. If you find a free on-street parking spot, you will need a blue parking disk. These can be bought in petrol stations.

When driving in Finland, you must always have your headlights on. This is true at all times of the year, all times of day and regardless of whether you are in a city or a rural area. If you are driving between November and March, you are required to use winter tyres. Engine heaters are not required, but they are strongly recommended.

In winter, roads in Finland are not treated with grit. Instead, they are cleared by snow ploughs. Always pay close attention to local weather forecasts. You'll find that the roads connecting Kuusamo's ski resorts are cleared very regularly while driving on back roads can be more complicated.

Take care when driving at dusk or dawn, as animals are most active during these times. This is an area with plenty of wildlife, and a herd of reindeer deciding to take a break in the middle of the road is a common sight. Reindeer, moose and elk are all very large animals, so they can be extremely hazardous to drivers. If you find some crossing the road, it's best to just sit back and wait for them to pass. You may be able to drive very carefully around them, but this can be tricky.

Kuusamo is located right on the border with Russia. The border is clearly marked and carefully monitored, so you are extremely unlikely to make an accidental crossing. On the Finnish side, the official border zone spans 0.1–3 km from the border, and you will require a permit to enter. If you drive into the border zone by mistake, the Finnish authorities will tell you to turn back.