Kolovesi National Park

The landscape of Kolovesi National Park is defined by majestic cliffs and a maze-like archipelago.
It’s a true paradise for paddlers—no motorboats allowed!

Paddling in Kolovesi

Kolovesi National Park is one of Finland’s most valuable nature reserves and a top destination for canoeing and kayaking. It is one of the few waterways where motorboats are banned to preserve the area’s peace and natural beauty. The wilderness-like archipelago is largely untouched, with old-growth forests and several prehistoric rock paintings telling stories of the region’s ancient past. The water is crystal clear, and fish are plentiful. Kolovesi is best suited for campers and nature travelers who prefer simplicity over full services. It also makes a great spot for a family day trip.

Self-Guided Trips

You can start your trip from either Oravi or Kolovesi. Paddling from Oravi to Kolovesi takes 1–2 days through the scenic Joutenvesi waters—so there’s no need to rush. There are no official campsites on Joutenvesi, but you can camp within the limits of “Everyman’s Rights.” You can also begin paddling directly from Kolovesi, with launch points at Käkötaipale (southern Kolovesi) and Kirkkoranta (eastern Kolovesi). One-way trips are possible, with return transport by car. You can book equipment and services through our online store or customer service.

Our rental stations are located in Oravi and Kolovesi’s Kirkkoranta. When booking gear online, please double-check that you select the correct pickup location for your trip start.

Kolovesi rentals operate on a self-service basis, so bookings and payments must be made in advance. In Oravi, it’s also possible to pay on-site.

Guided Tours

Our guided kayaking tours are full-service trips, including equipment, a guide, and meals. Tours are usually done in single or tandem kayaks and are offered throughout the summer.

The minimum group size for guided tours is typically four people. We combine participants into groups, so solo paddlers are welcome too. Below you’ll find our bookable tours online. You can also sign up through our customer service, and we’re happy to customize private tours for your group.

Popular Routes

Oravi – Kolovesi – Oravi: approx. 80–100 km, 4–7 days
Oravi – Kolovesi (or Kolovesi – Oravi): approx. 40–50 km, 2–3 days, return by car
Around Kolovesi, start/end at Kirkkoranta: approx. 20–30 km, 1–2 days
Heinävesi Route: approx. 66 km, 4–7 days, starting from Heinävesi and passing through locks into Kolovesi
National Park Tour: min. 130 km, 10–14 days, exploring both Kolovesi and Linnansaari national parks, and the wild Joutenvesi nature reserve

The area’s waterways are generally safe with rare strong storms. Numerous islands offer shelter—plan your route accordingly to stay on the protected side.

If you’re traveling in a group, remember that Kolovesi campsites are small and not designed for large groups.

Camping & Campfires

Inside the national park, campfires are only allowed at designated sites, which all include firewood. During wildfire warnings, fires are not permitted. Outside the park (like on Joutenvesi), campfires are not allowed under Everyman’s Rights, so bring a camping stove.

Camping is allowed only at marked sites on the park map. Kolovesi has nine campsites, each with tent spaces, a fire ring, firewood, and a dry toilet. Most have docks for easy landing. Camping elsewhere in the park is prohibited. You can rest anywhere unless otherwise indicated (red-marked restricted areas).

Outside the park, camping under Everyman’s Rights is allowed for 1–2 nights, as long as you’re not near buildings or homes. Open fires are not permitted. Always leave your campsite as you found it!

Maps

Plan your route using the National Parks’ map service at Retkikartta.fi. More info on Kolovesi can be found at luontoon.fi/kolovesi.

Waterproof kayaking maps for Kolovesi, Linnansaari, and Central Saimaa (Savonlinna–Varkaus–Heinävesi area) are available in Oravi. Map rental is included when you rent equipment from our rental stations.

Nature Trails in Kolovesi

Nahkiaissalo Nature Trail (3.3 km) – Challenging terrain with rocky and root-covered sections. Marked with orange circles. Signs along the route describe the old-growth forests and wildlife. The trail includes varied landscapes, from sunny cliffs to moist valleys. Estimated time: ~2 hours. (Accessible by car.)

Mäntysalo Trail (3.8 km) – Also challenging, with a variety of forest types from natural mixed woods to cultivated forest. Marked with orange circles. The recommended direction is to take the left fork after the start. Allow at least 2 hours. Located on the north end of Mäntysalo Island, accessible by boat.

Rock Paintings

An ancient human figure painted on the steep wall of Ukonvuori tells of early hunters. The painting is around 5,000 years old. All of Kolovesi’s rock paintings are near key waterway junctions—perhaps to mark hunting grounds, borders, or ownership. Likely, only a fraction have survived. Ukonvuori also has an old quartzite quarry. Though the crystals sparkle temptingly, please respect the park’s untouched nature.

Other rock paintings can be found on the cliffs of Vierunvuori in the north of the park, and at nearby Havukkavuori. Ukonvuori is easy to visit on a day trip from Kirkkoranta, with a convenient dock.