Ranua: Lakeside, Trails and Leisure Spots

Ranua can be explored through specific interests: the village centre by Ranuanjärvi, a historic wooden church, trails with summer and winter offerings, and leisure spots by the water. When choosing where to stay, a useful starting point is to ask whether the trip will be shaped mainly by activity on the Oravi routes, time by the lake, or local architectural history. The places below differ in their location and the activities listed for each.

Kirkonkylä and Ranuanjärvi

Kirkonkylä is Ranua’s central settlement area and has developed along the shores of Ranuanjärvi. Ranuan kirkko is in the centre by the lakeshore, Multilahti Beach is right next to the village centre, and Ikosenpuisto is also on the lakeshore in the village centre. Ranuanjärvi is therefore a point of reference both for describing the settlement and for several specifically named leisure spots. These locations provide an initial orientation when planning activities by the water and in the village centre.

A wooden church with a history

Ranuan kirkko is a small wooden cruciform church with 338 seats. The term “cruciform church” refers to its shape; the wood, floor plan and seating capacity describe different features of the building. Jarl Eklund designed the church, which was inaugurated in 1914. This gives a specific account of its architectural history without equating the inauguration with a year of construction. Together with its location in the centre by the lakeshore, the church is one of the village’s distinctive landmarks. Travellers interested in architecture can therefore consider both the building’s form and its history.

Oravi routes: distances and seasons

Near the village centre, the Oravi routes comprise about 13.5 kilometres of fitness trails in total; in winter, there are cross-country ski trails. The figure of about 13.5 kilometres refers to the fitness trails as a whole. Individual routes range from 1 to 10 kilometres. Four lit circular trails are listed at 1, 2, 3 and 5 kilometres. This distinguishes the total length from the individual route options, while the change from fitness trails to winter ski trails also makes the season relevant to planning. A fitness staircase with about 50 steps is also located along the five-kilometre Oravi route. Check local information on current conditions before choosing a route.

Leisure by the water

Multilahti is a beach maintained by the municipality of Ranua on the shore of Ranuanjärvi, right next to the village centre. It is described as a summer outing destination for the whole family. Facilities and seasonal swimming conditions may change; check current local information before visiting. At Ikosenpuisto, on the shore of Ranuanjärvi in the village centre, visitors can swim and play beach volleyball. The two places therefore differ in the details highlighted: Multilahti is described as a summer outing destination, while the two activities listed for Ikosenpuisto are swimming and beach volleyball.

Three ways to play at one venue

Frisbee golf, park golf and football golf can all be played at the MultigolfPark on the same site. Those wishing to choose between these three types of game will find them together in one place. This sets the offering apart from the individual activities by the water and the Oravi routes, which are listed by length. Confirm current availability locally.

Discover more destinations: Pelkosenniemi, Äkäslompolo, Kemi, Sirkka, Mäntyjärvi, Kilpisjärvi, Konnevesi, Patokoski.

For the broader travel overview: Lapland.