What's Currently Happening in Ruunaa Hiking Area
Renovation works on the structures of the Ruunaa hiking area continue
(Published 18th of July 2024)
During week 30 (July 22-26, 2024), maintenance work will be carried out at the Horkka rest area, and now it is Horkka's lean-to shelter's turn to get a new roof. Therefore, if you are seeking peace, it is advisable to head to other lean-to shelters for overnight stays. The work will be done during the daytime from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Horkka lean-to shelter on the Excursionmap (excursionmap.fi)
The basic renovations of the Ruunaa campfire sites and structures have been completed in recent weeks in Lakkapää, Mutikaisenkari, Murroojärvi, Murrookangas, Haapavitja, and Siikakoski parking areas. Renovation work will continue throughout the summer.
(Published 3rd of July 2024)
Next week (week 28) 8-12 24 July, renovation work is being done at the Murroojärvi rest area. In this case, e.g. the roof of the lean-to shelter is being renewed, so you should head to the other lean-to shelters to stay the night, if you don't want to be woken up for hammering. The work takes place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Murroojärvi lean-to shelter in Excursionmap (retkikartta.fi).
The Demanding Accessible Neitikoski Trail is open again
(Published 24th of May 2024)
The repairs on the demanding accessible Neitikoski Trai have been completed and the trail will be open again from the evening of Friday 24 May 2024 onwards. The work will continue at the end of summer from August 19, 2024, when the trail will be closed again.
Renovation works on the structures of the Ruunaa camping area continue - Neitikoski broadwalk bridge will be partially closed during the renovation works
(Published 6th of May 2024)
The accessible boardwalk bridge at Neitikoski will be partially closed for customer safety during the route renovation period in the spring from May 6th to May 30th, 2024, and from August 19th onwards at least until the end of October.
Extensive service infrastructure and signage improvements are being developed and enhanced at the Ruunaa hiking area with separate funding allocated by the Parliament for the years 2023–2025. The development project focuses on improving and renovating structures required for accessible routes and fishing. The renovations will continue throughout the coming summer.
During the upcoming summer, Metsähallitus will be renovating the accessible route at Neitikoski, as well as fishing docks and fire pits. In addition to the accessible route at Neitikoski, trail markings throughout the Ruunaa area will be renewed this summer, and boardwalks, shelters, and fire pits will be renovated.
We will provide information about maintenance work, its timing, and its impact on hiking on this News page
Tips for the spring season excursions
(Updated 3th of May 2024)
- Familiarize yourself with The Outdoor Guide to Finland’s National Parks. You can find basic information, gear lists, safety tips, and destination suggestions for winter hikes. Read Outdoor Etiquette and Instructions and rules in the Ruunaa Hiking Area before heading out on your hike.
- For spring hikers, the most important thing is to stay warm and have enough energy. Layered clothing in sufficiently loose garments is a good start. Warm food and drinks help hikers stay warm. Be prepared for the hike with enough drinking water and energy-rich snacks.
- Ensure the safety of your hike. Always check the warnings in advance (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). The Hiking Area may have some areas where the phone connection can be bad. Download the 112 Finland application (112.fi) to your phone. When an emergency call is made through the 112 Finland application, the emergency center attendant is automatically informed of the caller's location.
- There is almost 30 campfire sites in Ruunaa Hiking Area. You can also camp there.
- You can fish year round in Ruunaa. Ruunaa Rapids and the lakes between them are part of Metsähallitus recreational fishing area no. 7525, where a fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi) is required along with an area-specific recreational fishing permit (no. 7525) (eräluvat.fi). Permits may also be purchased on the Metsähallitus Eräluvat web shop (verkkokauppa.eraluvat.fi).
- General wading ban is in effect at 1.9.-31.5.
