Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ends at Teljo, about 50km south of Kuhmo. You'll need to arrange transport from either
end.
From Patvinsuo, the trail crosses heathland and boardwalks for 17km to the first lean-to
shelter at Ahokoski, then runs another 9km to a wilderness hut at Pitkäjärvi. Four kilo-
metres further, a short trail detours to the WWII battleline of Kitsi. The trail then heads
northwest to the Ruunaa Recreation Area.
Beyond Ruunaa it's around 30km to Änäkäinen, once a WWII battlefield but today a
tranquil recreational fishing area. The trail follows the Jongunjoki through a peatland
nature reserve on its final leg to the Ostroskoski wilderness hut, about 6km from Teljo. If
you still have energy to burn, it's possible to canoe back to Nurmijärvi: contact canoe-
rental outfit
Erästely
in advance.
TAPION TAIVAL (FIGHTER'S TRAIL)
The easternmost trekking route in Finland, Tapion Taival gives you the choice of a 13km
wilderness track along the Koitajoki, an 8km northern extension across the Koivusuo
Nature Park, or another extension north of Koivusuo to Kivivaara. The Koitajoki section
through epic Karelian wilderness is a highlight. The path is marked by orange paint on
tree trunks. You'll need your own transport and a good local map to reach the trekking
area.
Ruunaa Recreation Area
013
Just 30km northeast of Lieksa, Ruunaa is an outdoor activities hub with 38km of water-
ways. Designated campsites (with fire rings) are also provided and maintained. Keep your
eyes peeled as the area is home to otters, deer and sometimes bears.
A hilltop
observation tower
at Huuhkajavaara offers a magnificent panorama over
Neitijärvi.
Activities
Ruunaa is busy all year, hosting snow sports in winter and rafting in summer.
Rafting
