Ruunaa area is suited for both short ski trips and longer excursions with proper crosscountry skis. Please remember that currents can make ice surprisingly thin in places and that there may also be currents in unusual places in the winter.

Ruunaan Matkailu maintains skiing trail length of 12 km in Siikakoski - Murroojärvi area.

Game species in the area include hares, wood grouse, black grouse and hazel grouse. In order to ensure the safety of hikers and fishermen, hunting is not permitted in most of the area between Koskireitti Trail and Lieksanjoki River or on Lieksanjoki River. Hunting is permitted on Kattilaniemi cape with the exception of the woods by the shores of Neitikoski and Kirppuvirta rapids. Please consult hunting maps for more details.

• Read more about hunting licences (eräluvat.fi)

There is a snowmobile route (30 km) maintained by the North Karelia Association for Recreational Trails that circles the area. The association also manages a trail that runs through the southwestern parts of the area and continues to Kuhmo in the north and Ilomantsi in the south.Read more (pohjoiskarjalankelkkaurat.fi, in Finnish).

There are many kinds of paths and forest roads suitable for cycling in the area's varied, hilly terrain. Always stay on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers. Some duckboard routes are only two planks wide and therefore not recommended for cyclists.

Good places for swimming can be found in Lakkapäänlahti bay or by the car park on the shores of Lake Neitijärvi. Swimmers can also use the jetty by the sauna at Neitikoski Rapids when the sauna is not in private use. Please remember that Lieksanjoki River is rocky and deep, and the currents can be strong in places. There is no official swimming spot in the area.

Koskikierros Trail (31 km) and Karhunpolku Trail (133 km), which runs from Kuhmo to Patvinsuo National Park through Ruunaa Hiking Area, are ideal for longer hikes. There are lean-to shelters for overnight stays, or you can bring your own tent.

There are no restrictions on motorboats in the area. Commercial moorings must be used when mooring boats for extended periods of time. Rowing boats can be hired from local entrepreneurs.