By Wooden Boat to the Rapids of Ruunaa – Whitewater Rafting and Wilderness Lunch in the Heart of Nature
Embark on an unforgettable day trip into the wild nature of Ruunaa! This full-day adventure takes you from Koli to the river landscapes of the Ruunaa hiking area – no car needed.
The journey begins at the Koli harbor, where you’ll cross scenic Lake Pielinen aboard a traditional wooden boat, guided by a professional skipper, to the Vuonislahti harbor. From there, a minibus takes you to Ruunaan Tupa, where, with the help of your guide, you'll gear up for a unique experience – traditional wooden boat whitewater rafting, rooted in Ruunaa’s historic log-floating heritage.
The minibus then takes you to the starting point of your adventure. A skilled boatman will navigate you safely through six rapids on the wild waters of the Lieksa River. During the trip, you’ll witness the untouched nature of North Karelia and experience the power of the river up close – safely and comfortably.
Along the way, there’s a break for a wilderness lunch by the glow of an open fire in a traditional Lappish hut. The menu includes smoked salmon, turnip pasty (lanttukukko), Karelian pasties with egg butter, bread, butter, campfire-grilled sausage, salad with dressing, traditional Finnish table beer (kotikalja), juice, water, and campfire-brewed coffee or tea with a pastry.
Join this one-of-a-kind day trip that blends nature, culture, and history into an unforgettable experience.
The return journey from Ruunaa begins at 14:00. You’ll travel by minibus back to Vuonislahti, where a scenic cruise aboard the Marival II departs at 16:00 and takes you across Lake Pielinen to Koli harbor. The boat features a restaurant and bar, as well as spectacular views of the lake’s mosaic shoreline, islands, and the iconic Koli peaks.
These excursions take place every Tuesday and Thursday in July 2025 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The departure and return point is Koli Harbor, Rantatie 12, 83960 Koli.
