Metsähallitus is carrying out extensive renovation and renewal of the Ruunaa camping area near the eastern border. Special attention will be paid to accessibility on the off-road routes. The construction work will last from next summer until the end of 2025.
Hikers will enjoy numerous improvements at Lieksan Ruunaa in the coming years.
Metsähallitus has received €800 000 to improve the terrain and fishing structures and signage in Ruunaa.
An accessible path, jetties and fireplaces will be restored at Neitikoski. At Siikakoski, a new fishing pier, an accessible fireplace and a toilet will be built. A 150-metre accessible path will be built to the Pike Quay.
According to Kekkonen, accessibility is important not only for people with reduced mobility, but also for special groups, families with children and the aging population.
The Neitijoki and Neitipuro bridges are major individual repair targets.
Cyclists will get a new mountain biking route.
Bridges and signage will also be renewed
In addition to the accessible sites, the Neitikoski and Siikakoski parking areas will be renovated.
Ruunaa will also have new entrance signs, route markings, small bridges and long trees.
The upper layer of the Murrookoski road will be renewed and the passing places and the parking area will be renovated.
– We hope that as the services improve, tourists to Koli National Park will also find Ruunaa as one of their places to visit, Kekkonen adds.
The work will start next summer and continue until the end of 2025.
Metsähallitus tenders larger construction works and does the smaller ones itself.
Over 64,000 visits were made to Ruunaa last year, the largest group of visitors consists of 35-44 year olds. Regionally, the most visitors to Ruunaa come from North Karelia and North Savo.
Metsähallitus calculates the total effect of the money spent by visitors to Ruunaa last year to be 3.8 million euros.