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Best canoeing routes

See & do

Canoeing and kayaking in Finland is truly the way to experience the beauty of nature. Everything else is stripped away; there is only you and the world around you.  

Explore the Finnish Lakeland by canoeing, rowing, or sailing. Onboard you can marvel at some of the most breathtaking scenery in Finland – nature that has soothed and inspired people for thousands of years. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the endangered Saimaa Ringed Seal, the most famous resident of Lake Saimaa.

4 hidden gems of canoeing routes:

Luonteri archipelago loop. This route meanders through the stunning Luonteri archipelago, which is the home waters of Saimaa Ringed Seal. Sights along the way include Neitvuori Hill, the largest peak in the region, and magnificent granite cliffs. For personal recommendations, guide services and equipment rentals, contact local guide, for example, Opas-Guide Tiina. 

Squirrel Route between Juva and Sulkava is a family-friendly, full-service paddling route. The length of the whole route is 57 km, but you can also paddle shorter distances between break spots. Come in early summer when nature is waking up.

Keisarinlähde Route is 50km-long route with changing sceneries via 5 lakes is a good option for a 2-3 day paddling trip. There are historical and nature sights along the route. In the Puukonvuori area, you can also find rock paintings. Keisanrinlähde is probably one of the only places in Finland, where you can fill your flagon directly from your canoe. Two porage stretches and overnight lean-tos in Puukonvuori and Mäntysaari. Starting point by Mäntyharju railway station and paddling centre. 

Mäntyharju-Repovesi Paddling Route is a 50km-long paddling experience, also known as the Halla route, from the centre of Mäntyharju to the Repovesi National Park. Along this award-winning route you can find historical sights, rock paintings, Art Centre Salmela, Miekankoski Café and Rafting Museum and berths and camping spots approximation every 15 kilometers. Starting point by Mäntyharju railwaystation and paddling.