Go back
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.
Lakeistenranta canoe rental in Anttola, Mikkeli
You can explore Saimaa by canoeing or kayaking. The rental price includes life jackets, paddle, opening cover.
Canoe / kayak 12 € / h, 40 € /12 h,
55 € / 24 h
Mäntyharju-Repovesi National Park
The network of trails and routes connecting the centre of Mäntyharju to Repovesi National Park offers many great ways to enjoy the nature and scenery along the ridges and forest lakes.
Many of the trails and routes are accessible year round and are suitable for visitors of all ages. Persons with restricted mobility can also enjoy the wonderful nature along suitable trails. Plenty of accommodation and campfire areas can be found along the way.
Welcome to Mäntyharju-Repovesi National Park to hike, paddle, ski and cycle through our beautiful nature!
Guided Paddling Excursion to Rokansaari Island in Puumala Archipelago
During this all day (8 hrs) paddling excursion our experienced guide will take you to explore the stunning Puumala archipelago on the clear waters of Lake Saimaa. You will get to take in the beautiful lake scenery whilst paddling the 17 km route and learning about the surrounding nature. You will continue your adventure on one of the region's most interesting geological spots, Rokansaari Island. The island has several inland ponds and sandy beaches if you wish to have a refreshing dip after enjoying a light lunch.
In addition to the guide, the price includes equipment rental, lunch and hot beverages. Please wear weather appropriate clothing. The excursion is suitable for beginners.
Rental equipment, kayaks, canoes, Sup-boards and camping equipment
Rental equipment, kayaks, canoes, Sup-boards and camping equipment
We have canoes, kayaks, SUP boards and many other services such as courses and meals that can be booked in advance through our online shop or by calling us directly. Booking kayaks, canoes and SUPs through our online shop is currently out of service, but you can book by phone by calling Ari +358 50 449 3002 and Leila +358 40 522 2293, or by emailing linkkumylly@linkkumylly.fi.
And the best thing is our office is close the Mäntyharju railway station and the lake is front of the office.
Kesä 2025
Summer Night Paddling on Lake Saimaa
Come and take to the waters around the Lake Saimaa archipelago with us in the mystical atmosphere of a summer night. We use open canoes, depending on the conditions and the physical fitness of the participants, going at a relaxed pace and stopping ashore for a picnic. No prior canoeing experience is required. Kayaking is also an option if participants have prior kayaking experience.
Departure: Hanhiniitty, Ylössaarentie 84, Niinisaari.
Time: Every Thursday at 8 pm (26.6 - 7.8.2025)
Duration: 4 h
Price: 85 €. (includes guidance,canoeing kit and a snack)
Reservations at least one day in advance. Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
Trip will only take place if there are at least 4 participants.
Guide Tiina’s nature & paddling services on Lake Saimaa
Taiga Estate – Haukkovuori Cliffs
Nature Guide Tiina’s Taiga “organic wellness” estate in Pienniemi is at the site of an ancient settlement with a rich cultural heritage. The estate is on the Veskansa canoeing route (access via Road 62). Taiga estate area is a Saimaa Geosite and part of the Puumala Archipelago Route.
With guided tours, you can safely get to know the nature of the archipelago, at best you can see the Saimaa Ringed Seal and hear stories about the nature.
Experience Saimaa's most beautiful landscapes by paddling, hiking, cycling, climbing or snowshoeing.
During the Guide Tiina's trip, you will get to know the amazing sights of Saimaa Geopark with the expertise of an experienced nature guide in these destinations, such as Haukkovuori or Pistohiekka Saimaa Unesco Geopark nature sites.
We offer nature services for travelers:
*Cabin accommodation, overnight in a lean-to, a tent or a larger, traditional Sami tent called a goahti
* Saunas and wild herb treatments
* Organic food by the campfire at the Pohjantähti lean-to or the Metsäkota goahti
* Canoe and kayak rentals
We also arrange safaris and guided TaigaHikes canoe trips and forest treks to ancient, sacred rock formations by the Haukkovuori cliffs (only 1 km by waterway to Haukkovuori, a Saimaa Geosite).
Uhkua's canoeing in Lake Saimaa to the Vuoltee canal on tuesdays
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER 3.6. – 26.8.2025 EVERY TUESDAY.
Departure at 13:00 from Nikinsalmi, Suurlahdentie 3189, 52360 Someenjärvi.
We paddle open canoes through the beautiful lake nature to historical Vuoltee canal. After an hour of paddling we take a little break by the natural camping site. There we enjoy the views for a while and eat picnic lunch prepared from local ingredients.
Price: 86 €/ person (incl. lunch)
Please confirm your place at the latest 48 hours before the trip:
+ 358 40 744 7631 / asta@uhkua.fi
Kesä 2025
The Three cabins paddling route on Lake Saimaa.
Self-paddling trip 4 days, 3 nights on the Saimaa Katosselkä in the area where is possible to see very rare Ringed seals. On this trip you will stay in the comfort of your own canoeing hut and have a sauna every night if you wish.
Saimaa Canoeing’s canoeing routes are private, serviced and particularly interesting. An easy, safe and responsible way to start a canoeing trip.
The Katosselkä region is a beautifully rugged and rocky, even wilderness-like corner of Saimaa. Most of its beaches are protected under the Natura programme, so there are hardly any cottages. Boat traffic in the Katosselkä area is generally very low, making it ideal for canoeing and nature observation. Katosselkä is also a nesting area for the Saimaa ringed seal, so in spring you need to be particularly sensitive to avoid disturbing the seals with paddlers.
The Three Cabins Canoeing route is a luxury paddling trip, where a small group does not have to sleep on a hard mattress or wade around in a tent with wet gear. You paddle during the day in the beautiful scenery of Lake Saimaa, have a sauna in the evening and then sleep in a bunk in a paddling cadins for the night. The first two nights are on private islands, and the third night’s hut is no worse for the peace and quiet. No neighbours in sight.
PLEASE note that starting point is different than our Base Camp!
Squirrel Route
The Squirrel Route (Oravareitti in Finnish) between Juva and Sulkava is the first biologically studied Finnish aquatic nature trail marked with information boards.The canoeing route is suitable for families in particular, the easy Oravareitti starts at Juva Camping and goes over Lake Jukajärvi towards the small stretches of river and easy rapids. There are several places to rest and spend the night and travellers have a choice between spending the night outdoors amidst nature or comfortably indoors under a solid roof. The route is at its best in May and at the end of the summer when the water level is high.
The overall length of the route is 57 kilometres.
Ice Kayaking on Lake Saimaa. Talvi 2024-25
Our spring paddling season starts as soon as the ice cover on Lake Saimaa begins to recede. On this canoeing trip, we’ll get up close and personal with the ice and nature as spring awakens.
The trip starts with putting on the appropriate ice paddling gear, preparing the equipment, and a kayaking and safety briefing. After that, the ice paddling expedition can begin. Even if we’re paddling in freezing water, with the right equipment, with professonal guide, kayaking is a nice and warm activity, even if a little frost pinches your cheeks. For safety reasons, winter paddling trips are made in tandem kayaks.
If you have never paddle before, this trip will offer a fresh first taste of kayaking. And for those of you who already have some paddling experience under your belt, we offer a new dimension to the wonderful world of kayaking.
Basic fitness and swimming skills are required to participate.
Availability: Sunday 13th and 27th of April
At other times the trip is available on request in March and April for groups of 2 to 10 people. With larger groups, we can split into smaller groups and plan an alternative programme for those who wait.
Duration: 2.5 h
Starting point: Puumala town centre (VEERANRANTA: Niementie 1 C, 52200 PUUMALA ) or another location as agreed
Price: € 98/person (the minimum price is €392/group). Price includes:
services of a winter paddling guide
kayaking equipment
dry suit, shoes, gloves
hot juice
transport of equipment
liability insurance and 10% VAT
Bring with you: warm underwear, overpants + shirt, woollen socks, a warm hat, sunglasses and mittens
Booking: info@saimaacanoeing.fi / + 358 50 5487653
Saimaa Ringed Seal Paddling Route
During the Saimaa ringed seal observation tour, you will navigate the beautiful archipelago and paddle across several areas where the endemic seals dwell. We will prepare you how to spot the Saimaa seals and to make your independent trip safely. On your first night you can enjoy camping on your private island. For the second night, you will stay in a small paddlers’ cabin with a sauna, located on an island, which is often surrounded by endemic Saimaa seals. The island covers 10 hectares (nearly 25 acres). On the last night of your tour, you’ll camp again in the peace of your private island.
Autumn Saimaa Paddling Adventure
Step into a canoe and paddle through the autumn colors of Lake Saimaa in autumnal moods. Spend the night on an island reserved just for you, where you will stay in a cosy forest cabin. You can heat up a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna and take a dip in the lake. If the sky is clear you can admire the starry sky, the moonlit sky or sometimes even the northern lights in complete silence.
On this trip, you'll paddle and stay in the wilderness of the Katosselkä nature reserve. The Saimaa ringed seal also lives in this water area, so with luck you'll also meet one of the world's most endangered mammals.
You can choose the length of the canoeing trip. At the shortest, you can paddle only about two kilometres to your own island, or you can take a longer route around the interesting shores of Katosselkä.
Instead of a one-night trip, you can also spend two nights on Katosselkä and at Vartiosaari hut.
If you can break away for a proper paddle, we recommend our four-day Three Cabins paddle trip.
Syksy 2025
Mäntyharju–Repovesi Canoeing & Kayaking Route
Mäntyharju-Repovesi paddling route is not difficult and is suitable for those who have no experience, but the larger stretches of water may be hard work during strong winds. The crossing of Voikoski carrying section is approximately 700 meters, so make sure you are prepared for that distance. There’s one canoecarriage, a solid ground and it’s made easier to land on the water. You may find also geocache nearby.
Resting places
Ruokohiekka,
Miekankoski area and cafe,
Pieni Linnasaari,
Haukkavuori,
Linkkumylly (cafe),
Orilampi Holiday Center,
Hillosensalmi train station,
Mustavuori goahti (needs reservation),
Kuutinlahti fireplace
Sights and Services
Miekankoski The Old Log Rolling Museum, Blacksmith’s Smithy,
Turku Peace Monument and summer café. Fishing permits are
available there. You can arrive by road and start paddling here
if you want to avoid the Pyhävesi stretch. You can see the old
Virransalmi museum bridge which was built 1936.
Starting point
Kurkiniemi
Asematie, 52700 Mäntyharju
NB: On a page www.mantyharju.fi/mantyharju-in-english/ you'll find a brochure in English.
Equipment Rental in the Center of Puumala, Lake Saimaa Region
Rent equipment in the center of Puumala and enjoy self-guided tours in the beautiful nature of Lake Saimaa region in the Finnish Lakeland. In the winter we rent snowshoes. In the summer we rent canoes, kayaks, fishing kayaks and sup-boards.
Online booking is available. Rental point operates as a self-service.
Canal Paddling Route
On the canal tour, you will paddle both in the sheltered mazes of the archipelago and on the outskirts of the big backs and in a culturally and historically interesting environment. As you paddle through the Käyhkää and Kukonharju canals, you can only imagine the hustle and bustle of the region in the late 18th century. At that time, a great Russian war hero, General Suvorov, decided to clear the fairway for warships from Lappeenranta to Savonlinna.
Our own waterway, which required the construction of four canals, was needed because the only natural waterway, the Puumala Strait, was sadly on the Swedish side. Historically, therefore, you will paddle in the ancient border waters of the great powers. Pretty exciting.
On the second and last day of the route, paddles through, already at that time, the strategically important Strait of Puumala. Then it is possible to deviate to civilization and stop in the church village of Puumala to eat vendace or actor Ville
Haapasalo's hatsapuri.
Lakeistenranta Camping pedal boating in Anttola, Mikkeli
Pedal boating
You can gain strength in the muscles of your legs by paddling along Saimaa.
Pedal boat 10 € / h
Saimaa Ringed Seal Kayaking Tour, kevät 2025
Have you already canoed in May in the waters where the Saimaa seals play? Come and join us look out for these seals in the water areas where they live, still fully respecting their peaceful existence. We do not always encounter them, but in May, in particular, it may be possible to observe Saimaa seals from a safe distance. Naturally, the nature of the Lake Saimaa has plenty of other sights and sounds to enjoy in May.
This is a full-day trip in a small group, leisurely paddling together with your pair in a double kayak. A double kayak is stable and safe and makes observation possible. We will land and have a soup and coffee or tea during our lunch break. We will paddle total about 4 hours ca. 10 km.
Evening paddle and sauna in Lake Saimaa
Experience Lake Saimaa paddling in an open canoe. The evening ends with sauna in the wonderful landscapes of Saimaa!
The group meets at our farm and gather for a little initial information. After that, we are heading towards Yövesi. The total paddling distance is approx. 10 km. We try to keep the pace calm and take small breaks on the water and also pull the canoes to the shore and take a longer break in an island. There we have time to enjoy lunch, take a little walk or even a refreshing dip in the Lake Saimaa.
The route goes through the beautiful landscapes of Saimaa, following shoreline and small islets. It’s also possible that we’ll see ringed seal of Saimaa during the trip if we are lucky. After paddling a pre-heated sauna and evening meal awaits the adventurers.
This trip is suitable for people who has some paddling experience over the age of 15. You can get the paddling equipment from us, so all you need to bring with you is drinking water, clothes suitable for the weather and change after sauna. Towels included.
Hand-crafted seasonal local food lunch on the go and an evening meal after the sauna includes the price. Safety instructions are followed and trained staff will guide you throughout the excursion. The excursion has a weather reservation. If the weather does not allow going out on the lake, we do our best to reschedule the trip.
This experience is available from June to October. Starting time of the trip can be arranged according to the season and wishes. Total duration c. 6 hrs, paddling c. 3,5 hrs with breaks.
The length of the route can also be customized according to the wishes and skill level of the group, so the paddlers of all abilities can take part. There are also shorter routes near. For example paddling around nearby little island (about 1 hr paddling) or paddling to ‘Vuolteen kanava’, which is a beautiful old canal (about 2 hrs paddling). We are happy to prepare food for these trips also. Ask about pricing.
Keisarinlähde - Canoeing & Kayaking Tour
This five lake tour with ever changing scenery is an ideal 2–3 day paddling trip. The tour has an added attraction due to location of the rest and overnight stopping places. The 15–20 km day trips with the stops and carrying sections are comfortably achievable. Keisarinlähde is very likely one of the few places in Finland where water bottles can be safely filled whilst sitting in a kayak. You may find also geocache nearby.
The story is that Emperor Alexander I stopped for refreshments at Kallavesi Keisarinlahde on 10th June 1803 when inspecting the Russian – Swedish border.
Starting point
Kurkiniemi
Asematie, 52700 Mäntyharju
Resting places
Puukonvuori 15 km from the start,
Iso-Mäntysaari 17 km from Puukonvuori,
Taina Shelter 10 km from Iso-Mäntysaari
NB: On a page www.mantyharju.fi/mantyharju-in-english/ you'll find a brochure in English.
Paddling in Repovesi National Park
At Linkkumylly we offer a canoe and kayak rental service for you to enjoy the clear waters of nearby Sarkavesi. There are several canoeing routes to choose from, one of the most popular is to Repovesi National Park and is suitable for all ages and experience levels. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and nature, stop to admire ancient rock paintings or do a spot of bird watching along the way. Or why not combine two activities by paddling to the National Park and mountain biking back to Linkkumylly.
Puukonvuori shelter
The area of Puukonvuori shelter has been built especially for paddlers and boaters. In winter you can reach the shelter by the ski trail on ice. The nature between Hallanlampi – Itkonlahti is very versatile consisting of bare and steep terrain and beautiful cliffs. The scenery to lake Kallavesi is astonishing. Facilities include firewood and an outhouse. The area is also suitable for year-round fishing.
The rock paintings in the Puukonvuori area are related to the concentration of rock paintings in Eastern Finland. The paintings are associated with the Stone Age hunting culture. Some of the traces on the high rock walls may have been dated between 3500 BC and 500 AD based on the ancient shore height. When flooded Saimaa in ancient times reached the lakes of Mäntyharju and its waters flowed for some time through the area's route towards the sea, the region was the most important route for the fishing population moving from one place to another. Through the lakes of Mäntyharju, it was possible to move from the Kymijoki area to the vast back of Lake Saimaa. In the rock paintings of Mäntyharju, passing is better reflected than settling. In conclusion, thousands of years ago, Mäntyharju was already a landscape for travelers.
Puukonvuorentie 76
