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. Discover historic canals, free-flowing rapids, and multiple nature reserves—all on a single journey. Start your trip from the guest harbor in Heinävesi, paddle through the Kermajärvi Nature Reserve, and finish at Kirkkoranta in Kolovesi National Park—or extend your route through Joutenvesi all the way to Oravi and Linnansaari National Park.

Trip Duration

• Kermajärvi to Kolovesi: 66 km / approx. 7 days
• Kermajärvi to Oravi: approx. 10 days by open canoe
  Experienced sea kayakers may complete the route in a shorter time.

Starting Point & Transfers

Gear is transported to the starting point upon request. You can join the transport from Oravi or arrive independently at Heinävesi harbor.

Guidance

Self-guided tour. Navigation by map or GPS is required. The route has no signs, except at designated campfire harbors.

Start and End Points

• Start: Heinävesi harbor
• Possible endpoints: Kirkkoranta canoe harbor (Kolovesi) or Oravi harbor

Accessibility

Heinävesi is reachable by bus from Varkaus and Joensuu (nearest train stations). From Savonlinna, you can take a daily safari bus to Oravi and join the canoe transport to Heinävesi.

Important Notes

• There is no firewood service at Kermajärvi campsites. Check the situation with the Heinävesi tourism office and always bring a camping stove.
• Accommodation is available in Oravi (apartment hotel) and Linnansaari (eco-hostel).
• Locks on the route: Follow the instructions posted at the waiting docks before each lock. Obey the traffic lights and instructions. Be cautious of large boats and currents. Hold onto the ropes on the lock walls.
• If you need transport from the end point (Kirkkoranta or Oravi), arrange this in advance.

Route Description & Daily Planning

The map below shows the main route, which the trip is based on, but you are free to customize the journey to your preferences. Campsites are marked on the map, allowing you to plan daily distances based on your pace and the weather.
If continuing toward Oravi and/or Linnansaari, you may camp in Joutenvesi under Everyman’s Rights. Transport to the starting point must be booked in advance and is not included in rental prices. See transport fees here.

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Difficulty Level

A relatively easy lake route without portages. Total distance: 66–100 km depending on the chosen route. Requires basic canoeing and camping skills, and average physical fitness.
You can plan the trip independently or book a route planning session with our staff.
Recommended for lake canoes (over 5 m) or touring kayaks with good storage capacity.
Rapids (class I–II) can be bypassed via canals.
Open lake sections can be challenging in windy conditions for inexperienced paddlers.
No river sections. Campsites every 5–10 km.
Moderate accommodation services available along the route, except within protected areas.
Camping in Joutenvesi is permitted under Everyman’s Rights—note that there are no official campsites in that area.
In Oravi, you can camp or stay at the hotel