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Earth Day 2024: Day of Renewable Hope

Earth Day is an annual theme day celebrated on April 22nd, which prompts critical reflection among us all about how we treat our planet. In 2024, Earth Day will focus on the theme "Renewable Hope," which encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take concrete steps toward a more sustainable future.

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April and "rospuutto"

Now all the stuff has been cleared from the ice and the guides' spring break is about to begin before the summer holidays start. This year, the summer season in Orav will kick off on 26 April with the arrival of summer workers at Restaurant Ruukinranta. From then on, the restaurant will be open until the end of September. There will be plenty of events right from the start of the season. On May Eve 30 April we will enjoy pop and jazz music and on Saturday 4 May the first round of the Northern Saimaa Karaoke Championship will take place in restaurant Ruukinranta.

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Today we are collecting all the signs from the winter hiking route

According to the weather forecast, today is the best day to collect the sign poles from the ice. From now on, it is entirely at your own risk to move around on the ice. The ice is already weak in many places and the streams are melting so don't go out on the ice if you don't know the area. You can ask for a local guide from our office.

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The signposts, benches and lake hut will be on ice over Easter, and next week we will be collecting the signposts from the ice. Today you can hike to Linnansaari and snowshoe the nature trails or, if you like, book a sleigh ride to the island. The ice carried a kicksled in the morning but due to the warm weather the ice surface softens quickly during the day, so walking is the best option. The rental shop and cafeteria in Oravi is open today from 9am to 5pm and the kitchen is open from 12pm to 4pm. Monday is our own Easter holiday and the shop will be closed then.

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Walking on winter hiking route today

You can walk along the marked winter hiking trail (5 km/one way) to Linnansaari and, for example, fry sausage at the island's campsite. About 2,5 km from Oravi, there is a lake hut on the ice along the winter hiking trail, where you can also stop to make a fire and admire the scenery (firewood fee 3€/person, 7€/family). The morning is rainy, so it's good to have waterproof shoes. The skating trail is not open today. Oravi village shop and cafe is open today from 9-17 and the restaurant Ruukinranta is open from 12-01 (the kitchen is open until 20.00). Public sauna Oravi's waterfront sauna from 15-17 (sauna fee 7€/person). Program in Oravi today on Saturday: Salmen pojat's traditional ice fishing competition from 10-14, departure from the beach of the winter hiking trail. Live music and dancing in the restaurant from 21 onwards.

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The winter hiking route is open

The ice surface was hard enough for kicksledding this morning but is likely to soften again during the day as the forecast is for +5 degrees. So if you want to go kicksledding you should head to the trail very early in the morning. The hiking trail is good for walking and we also arrange sleigh rides to the island. Oravi village shop and café is open today from 9am to 5pm, Restaurant Ruukinranta is open from 12pm to 8pm today. On Saturday, Oravi will host the traditional "Salmen pojat" Ice Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by general sauna hours from 3 to 5 p.m. The restaurant kitchen will be open on Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m., with live music and dancing starting at 9 p.m.

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The winter hiking trail is open, but the skating trail is still closed

The skating/kick sledge route is still closed, you can walk the winter hiking route to Linnansaari.

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The ice route is closed today

It is getting colder so we let the water on the ice freeze without disturbance

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By kick sledge to Linnansaari

The ice route from Oravi to Linnansaari has been plowed this morning and you can use a kick sledge on the route, it is not suitable for skates. You can also walk along the marked winter hiking route to Linnansaari, where you can find marked nature trails for snowshoeing. Oravi's equipment rental and shop-café are open from 9-17, the Linnansaari café is not open today. Public waterfront sauna and possibility for winter swimming in Oravi at 15-17, separate saunas for men and women. The sauna fee is 7€/person and can be paid at the reception. Lunch pizzas with 3 toppings at restaurant Ruukinranta in Oravi between 13-16, price 15€/person.

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Kick spark route from Oravi to Linnansaari open and the sun is shining :)

The ice route has now been ploughed but the ice is uneven. You can use a kick spark to move around the track but it is not suitable for skating. The hiking trail is suitable for walking and skiing. There is also a traditional skiing trail in the forest Oravi and it is in good condition.

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