Ronivaara · Kuusamo, Finland

Courtyard Buildings at Ronivaara

Old buildings, Finnhorses and everyday farm life around the same yard.

A farmyard built over time

Ronivaara’s courtyard has grown around old farm buildings, the stable, horse areas and the everyday routes between them.

The stable stands at the heart of the yard. Around it are the riding arena, routes leading towards the horses’ outdoor areas, our family home and several older buildings that have remained part of Ronivaara as the farm has developed.

The courtyard was not created all at once. Buildings have been repaired, moved, adapted and given new purposes as the needs of the farm have changed.

The old is allowed to look old, but the buildings that remain in use still have a purpose in everyday life.

The red cottage

The red cottage is one of the most distinctive old buildings in the courtyard.

Part of the building is an old granary that was moved to the farmyard many years ago. Today, the cottage still carries traces of earlier rural life through old horse equipment, harnesses and the character of the building itself.

The cottage has also become part of present-day Ronivaara. Some programmes and events use it as a place to gather, pause or enjoy refreshments.

Nearby, a campfire place under the trees gives another place to stop within the farmyard.

Red cottage in the courtyard of Ruska Laukka in Ruka-Kuusamo

Summer and winter images of the courtyard of Ruska Laukka in Ruka-Kuusamo

”Thank you! Lovely, idyllic place, good teaching, nice horse, nice people, beautiful winter trails.”
a traveller

The old village blacksmith’s workshop

Another piece of the farm’s history stands at the edge of the courtyard: the old village blacksmith’s workshop.

The forge and old blacksmith’s tools are still there, connecting the building with the time when horses, tools and practical rural work were closely linked.

Today, the workshop has a new role while keeping its original character. Some Finnhorse programmes use it as a place to gather around the fire and enjoy refreshments after time outdoors.

For visitors, the workshop is one of the places where the history of horses and rural life is still visible without turning the farm into a museum.

Old buildings still have a place here

Ronivaara’s older buildings are part of the same principle that guides much of the farm’s development: repair, adapt and reuse what can still serve a purpose.

A building does not need to become new in order to remain useful.

Old structures, materials and spaces are maintained and adapted when this can be done safely and practically. Their new uses have developed alongside the horses, people and work of Ronivaara.

This keeps parts of the farm’s history visible while allowing the place to continue changing.

Read About Sustainability & Responsibility

The courtyard changes with the seasons

The buildings remain, but the farmyard around them changes throughout the year.

Winter gathers snow around roofs, paths and horse areas. Spring brings melting snow and changing ground. Summer opens the yard towards green fields and pasture, while autumn brings darker evenings and changing colours around the old buildings.

The courtyard is not a separate attraction from the rest of Ronivaara. It is part of the everyday surroundings through which horses, people and guests move during the day.

Ruska Laukka tallin pihapiiristä kesä- ja talvikuvia Ruka-Kuusamossa

You may meet these places during your experience

Depending on the programme and season, your visit may take you through different parts of the farmyard.

You may pass the old buildings on your way to the horses, gather near the fire after a ride or sleigh experience, or simply see them as part of the surroundings while everyday farm life continues around you.

Not every programme uses every building. They remain part of Ronivaara first – and become part of a guest experience when the particular programme, season and day make it suitable.

Explore more of Ronivaara

The Farm & Surroundings

See how the farmyard, horse areas, forests, fields and routes fit together.

Explore the Farm & Surroundings

Life & Seasons at Ronivaara

See how snow, pasture, light and everyday farm work change through the year.

Explore Life & Seasons

Finnhorse Farm Experiences

Spend time with Finnhorses and other animals in the everyday surroundings of Ronivaara.

Explore Farm Experiences

Sustainability & Responsibility

Learn how repairing, reusing and caring for the existing farm environment are part of Ronivaara’s responsibility work.

Read About Sustainability & Responsibility