Canoeing on Lake Saimaa – Experience Finland’s Most Stunning Paddlingroutes by Canoe or Kayak
Paddle Through the Stunning Waters of Lake Saimaa in Eastern Finland
Embark on a canoeing adventure in the Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks or the Joutenvesi Nature Reserve – right in the heart of the Saimaa ringed seal and osprey habitats!
Rent canoes, kayaks, and outdoor gear from us for a day trip or an extended wilderness adventure. In Oravi, you’ll find a full-service rental shop, while at Kirkkoranta in Kolovesi, you can take advantage of our convenient self-service rental station.
We also offer guided kayaking trips, where you can experience the breathtaking nature of Saimaa with an expert guide.
Adventure awaits – rent your gear or join a guided tour and set off on the water!
Discover the Most Beautiful Canoeing Destinations of Finland
From the idyllic canal village of Oravi, an unforgettable paddling adventure begins in the labyrinthine archipelago of Lake Saimaa – home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and majestic osprey. We provide high-quality equipment and local expertise – nature provides the experience!
For paddlers, Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks and the breathtaking Joutenvesi archipelago are nothing short of paradise. Hundreds of islands, hidden waterways, wildlife, over 30 campsites, clean waters, and a safe environment – what more could a paddler ask for?
Kayak and Canoe Rental in Oravi and Kolovesi National Park
Kayak and canoe rental is available in both Oravi and Kolovesi. Oravi’s full-service equipment rental offers canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, and a wide range of outdoor and camping gear. In Kolovesi, you can use a convenient self-service rental point, allowing you to pick up the equipment flexibly for your own trip.
Maps
Waterproof paddling maps for Kolovesi, Linnansaari, Joutenvesi and Central Saimaa (Savonlinna–Varkaus–Heinävesi, including Linnansaari and Kolovesi) are included with canoe rentals. You can also purchase your own maps at the Oravi rental shop.
TIP: You can plan your own route using Metsähallitus’ Excursion map service. The map also includes a measurement tool that makes it easy to calculate distances and plan your trip.
Paddling routes – canoeing and kayaking trails on Lake Saimaa
The area offers countless paddling routes, allowing you to plan your own journey based on distance, pace, and weather conditions. Below, you’ll find some popular route options, which you can adjust to suit your own preferences.
Need help choosing the perfect route? Our local experts are happy to assist you in finding the best option for your experience level and interests.
Guided Paddling Tours – A Safe and Fun Way to Explore the Lake
Experience paddling on Lake Saimaa safely and at ease under the guidance of a professional nature guide. We organize guided paddling tours from Oravi to Linnansaari National Park , Joutenvesi Lake as well as on the peaceful waters of Kolovesi National Park.
If paddling is new to you, a beginner-friendly tour is a great way to get started. You will learn the basic techniques and enjoy a short paddling route in the sheltered archipelago of Oravi with guidance from your instructor.
For those with prior experience, we offer longer paddling expeditions, with the pace and route planned according to the group’s skill level. Meal breaks are enjoyed in the heart of nature – camp meals and all necessary equipment are provided, allowing you to focus fully on the experience and the scenery.
A fun option for groups is a giant canoe tour, where the whole group paddles together in one large canoe!
Explore more below – we hope to see you soon!
Guided tours and holiday packages
Easy paddling trip
This 3-hour beginner-friendly tour is the perfect hands-on introduction to kayaking. You’ll learn the basics of safe paddling, how to use the equipment, and the fundamentals of self-rescue – all before heading out on a short and scenic trip in the sheltered waters near Oravi.
Day trip to Kolovesi National Park
Discover the stunning beauty of Kolovesi National Park on this fully guided kayaking day tour. Paddle through serene waters framed by ancient cliffs and forested shores, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. Along the route, we’ll pause for a relaxing wilderness lunch in the heart of nature.
Day trip by kayaks in Linnansaari National Park
Set out on a full-service kayaking adventure into the heart of Linnansaari National Park, led by an experienced local guide.
This day trip includes everything you need: kayak equipment, safe and informative guidance, tasty snacks enjoyed in nature.
We’ll paddle through the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest seals in the world.
2-Day Kayaking Tour in Linnansaari National Park
Join a fully guided tour to the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal!
Your local guide knows the area like the back of their hand and will take you deep into the heart of Linnansaari National Park. The tour includes all necessary equipment, cozy accommodation in a traditional log hut, an authentic Finnish sauna experience, and delicious meals throughout the trip.
All-Inclusive Archipelago Experience at Lake Joutenvesi
Embark on an unforgettable nature adventure in the wilderness lake of Joutenvesi! This all-inclusive package combines active canoeing, relaxing sauna, delicious food, and cozy accommodation in the heart of the Lake Saimaa archipelago.
Easy Seal Paddling holiday for 2 persons
Available: 10th May – 6th June
Would you like to see the cute Saimaa Ringed Seal in their own habitant?
Package includes an accommodation in twin room, breakfasts in restaurant Ruukinranta, canoe or double kayak with paddling equipment and Package includes an accommodation in twin room, breakfasts in restaurant Ruukinranta, canoe or double kayak with paddling equipment and private sauna by Oravi canal for 1 hour.
Max. 2 guests
Easy Paddling holiday for 2 persons
Available: 7th June – 31st August
Are you looking for a relaxing paddling holiday without camping in the wild?
Package includes an accommodation in twin room, breakfasts in restaurant Ruukinranta, canoe with paddling equipment and private sauna by Oravi canal for 1 hour.
Max. 2 guests
Easy Autumn Paddling holiday for 2 persons
Available: 1st September – 19th October
Are you looking for a relaxing paddling holiday without camping in the wild?
Package includes an accommodation in twin room, breakfast baskets delivered to the room, canoe with paddling equipment and private sauna by Oravi canal for 1 hour.
Max. 2 guests
Paddling Routes
Linnansaari and Kolovesi Canoeing Route
Discover two of Saimaa’s most stunning national parks—Kolovesi and Linnansaari—on one unforgettable tour. This two-park route has been one of our most popular paddling adventures since 1997.
Linnansaari canoeing routes
1-3 days paddling route suggestions
Oravi – Joutenvesi – Kolovesi Tour
This 80–100 km paddling route takes you from Oravi to Kolovesi National Park and back.
Heinävesi route
The Most Beautiful Parts of Lake Saimaa on a Historic Canoe Route.
Paddle through the highlights of Lake Saimaa along a lake route that has been used by adventurers for over a hundred years
Kolovesi Tour
A full circuit around the park and its main islands, Mäntysalo and Vaajasalo, is only about 35 km, making it ideal for a weekend trip.
Day Trips from Oravi
From Oravi, it’s easy to make a day trip to Linnansaari National Park or explore the Joutenvesi area.
