Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Organises guided trips down the rapids (per person from €50), and gentler canoeing ex-
peditions on the surrounding lakes and rivers. Equipment hire and excellent information
on self-guided routes are available.
Fishing
Ruunaa is a prized fly-fishing area. Trout and salmon fishing is exhilarating in the numer-
ous rapids, with quieter areas accessible along a long wooden walkway.
One-day/week fishing permits (€15/75) are available in Lieksa and at the Ruunaa Visit-
or Centre; there's also a fishing-permit machine near the Neitikoski rapids. Fishing is per-
mitted from June to early September and again from mid-November to late December.
Trekking
The Karhunpolku (Bear's Trail) passes through Ruunaa. You can pick it up just 50m
north of the Naarajoki bridge - the path is marked with round orange symbols on trees.
Around the river system and over two beautiful suspension bridges runs Ruunaan
Koskikierros , a marked 29km loop along good pitkospuu (boardwalk) paths. If you have
more time, there are another 20km of side trips you can take. Starting at the Naarajoki
bridge, walk 5km along Karhunpolku to reach the trail. Another 3.3km brings you to the
Ruunaa Hiking Centre .
Sleeping
There are 12 free laavu (basic lean-to sleeping shelters) in the hiking area. Campers are
encouraged to pitch tents by the shelters, or at one of the 19 dedicated campfire sites. Book
national park accommodation at Wild Nordic , Karelia Expert and the Ruunaa Visitor
Centre.
Ruunaa Hiking Centre CAMPGROUND
( 013-533-170; www.ruunaa.fi ; tent sites €12 plus per person €3, cabins/cottages €35/100; )
Near the pitkospuu (boardwalk) to the Neitikoski rapids, this excellent hiking centre incor-
porates a large cafe, camping area, kitchen, sauna, luxurious four- to six-bed cottages and
simple cabins. Mountain bikes, canoes and rowboats are available for hire.
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