Gravel Bike Gravel Bike |Ruunaa

Ruunaa Karttulenkki 42 km

A 42-kilometer long versatile cycling route in the Ruunaa landscapes 

Description

Embark on an unforgettable adventure on the Ruunaa Karttulenkki cycling route, which guides you around Ruunaa's magnificent rapids in varied and breathtaking landscapes. This route circles the entire Ruunaa recreation area and can be cycled in about half a day, but if you want to immerse yourself in all the sights and the peace of nature, you can easily spend a whole day on it. The route offers a variety of challenges: demanding paths, easy forest road stretches, and a long gravel road section that takes you up to fell landscapes covered by forest. Karttulenkki is perfect for gravel cyclists, but it also includes a few short, technical rocky sections that add excitement to the journey.

You can start the cycling round from several parking areas along the route, at Ruunaan Matkailu or Ruunaan Retkeilykeskus. 

The terrain sections of the route can be challenging due to steep hills and rocky and rooty paths. Most of the route is very rideable with a gravel bike, although in some parts it may be necessary to walk the bike. 

Safety

  • Cars also use the road sections.
  • Please pay attention to other users on the trail sections.
  • There is hunting activity in the area.
  • Some boardwalks are in poor condition along the way. Boardwalks and planking will be renewed during 2025. 
  • On rainy and wet weather, boardwalks, stones, and roots can be very slippery.

  • Open fires are prohibited during forest or grass fire warnings and in strong winds. Be careful - do not leave a fire unattended. The last to leave, make sure the fire is out.

  • Carry first aid supplies with you.

    General emergency number: 112 (Also download the free 112 Finland app to your phone).

    Note that there may be mobile phone coverage gaps.

    Check the Finnish Meteorological Institute warnings!

Location & Parking

You can find instructions for arriving at the Ruunaa area on the luontoon.fi site.

There is no public transport to the destination, but you can ask accommodation providers about transport services. 

Karttulenkki parking areas

Directions

You can find the route description for the Karttulenkki at the luontoon.fi site

Tools and equipment

Spend a longer holiday cycling - accommodation and rental equipment can be found at  Ruunaan matkailu and Ruunaan Retkeilykeskus. 

Additional information

Somewhat demanding - basic fitness is required.
Starting point
You can start the route from several different points, as there are many parking lots along the route. This route line is drawn to begin from the Neitikoski hiking center.
Difficulty level
Medium
Length
38.4km
Estimated time
02:15h
Ascent meters
186m
Descent meters
186m
Highest point
205m
Lowest point
127m
Author tips:

Karttulenkki offers wonderful facilities for lovers of rapids and fell landscapes! Along the route, you can admire three significant rapids of the Lieksanjoki River: Neitikoski, which is easily accessible via an accessible plank bridge (a 300-meter detour from the route), as well as the impressive suspension bridges of Siikakoski and Haapavitja. On the gravel road section, you get to climb the top of Muurroovaara, from where magnificent views open to the surrounding fell landscapes. Along the route, east of Neitijärvi, you can make a small, about 1.5-kilometer detour to the Huuhkajanvaara observation tower. The tower offers beautiful views over Neitijärvi, and the last few meters to the tower are best covered on foot while enjoying the surrounding nature. This route offers unforgettable nature experiences that make the journey a true adventure!

Author:
Mari Mustonen
Updated: 15.06.2026