HALF-DAY / DAY TRIPS
 

In the Mustaniemi-Kuikonniemi ridge area (approx. 8-9 km)

An easy day trip along the coves of the ridge area! The ridge area starts right from the shore of Harjun Portti; the distance to Mustaniemi and Kuikonniemi located in the ridge area is approx. 4 km each way, which is roughly a 2.5-3.5 hour paddling trip depending on skill level.

In Mustaniemi and Kuikonniemi, there are also trenches from the Salpa Line era, a summer café, and a beach, so it is worth stopping ashore during the trip. We recommend passing under the ridge at its narrowest point, under the Stone Bridge (Kivisilta), to the Kuikonniemi side.

Additional loop approx. 4 km
The trip gets extra length when you start paddling north in Laukanlahti (after passing under the Stone Bridge) and go around, for example, Kotkasaari. The lagoon-like landscapes along the ridge road are absolutely unique. You can get back to the other side at the Stone Bridge.
 

Karjalankallio in Laukansaari (approx. 8 km)

At the northern end of the arboretum is the Karjalankallio lean-to shelter. Landing spot on the rocks after the lean-to.
 

Around Tuunaansaari (8 km)

Paddling around Tuunaansaari, half of the route on the Puruvesi side, half on the Pihlajavesi side! Passing under the highway happens near the bridge at Vanhimmansaari.

Sumpunlahti (approx. 17 km round trip)

A sheltered and beautiful recreation area at the southern tip of Vaahersalo! The round trip to this bay located on the east side of Vaahersalo is approx. 17 km. A beautiful sandy beach, a Lappish hut (kota), and barbecue areas make this a perfect destination.

See more details and photos on the VeneilySaimaa website
 

Around Vaahersalo (approx. 20 km)

Head south towards Pihlajavesi and go around Vaahersalo. Along the way, e.g., the Sumpunlahti recreation area and wonderful small coves - towards the end of the trip, you can also pop into the shore of Maatilamatkailu Mannila! The total paddling distance is approx. 20 km, so the trip can be done in one day at best.
 

Around Laukansaari (approx. 16 km)

Under the Stone Bridge to Laukanlahti, and under the bridge found at Tervahaudanniemi to the Puruvesi side. Back around Laukansaari and the Karjalankallio lean-to.

Trips longer than a day

Where are the excursion harbors located and where to go? You can see suggested long routes on the route idea we created in Google My Maps by clicking here.
 

Petrisaari and Eevansaari in Puruvesi (28-35 km)

Wonderful landscapes, sandy beaches, and undisturbed natural peace in Puruvesi.

• The distance to the wonderful sandbar of Eevansaari is approx. 14 km each way via the shortest route. See more about Eevansaari here.

• In Petrisaari there is an excursion harbor, it is approx. 17 km paddling distance each way via the shortest route. See more about Petrisaari here.
   

HIEKKASAARI IN PIHLAJAVESI (approx. 23 km)

A wonderful small island in the middle of the clear Hirvasselkä. See more on the Veneilysaimaa pages.

Kongonsaari and Pesolansaari

Wonderful sandy beaches and Salpa Line stations in Pihlajavesi, on Kongonsaari.
See Pesolansaari and Kongonsaari.
 

AROUND SAVONLINNA (trips over a week)

For long-distance specialists, for 6-9 night trips! Depart from our harbor towards Puruvesi, through the Raikuu canal to Paasselkä, west towards Linnansaari National Park (or to Kolovesi National Park if adding days to the trip). Back south towards Savonlinna, through Kyrönsalmi you get to paddle past the magnificent Olavinlinna Castle to the fine island landscapes of Pihlajavesi, the fastest route towards Punkaharju is through the north side of Ritosaari. You can make the trip longer by continuing towards Kongonsaari. See for example the 260 km long paddling route made by our Polish guests here!

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PADDLING EQUIPMENT for 20 people

KAYAKS

• Single kayaks: Oasis 4.30: Easy and directionally stable. Great kayaks for beginners. At their best in day-trip use, but also a kayak fully suitable for weekend trips. 4-point footrests, front and rear storage hatches.

• Single kayaks Prijon Touryak: Touryaks are older touring kayaks that are excellently suited for even longer trips due to their large storage space. Front and rear storage hatches, attachment nets. No rudders. Adjustable footrests.

• Single kayaks Wave Sports Hydra 2020: High-quality and agile touring kayaks. The kayak is easy to handle, it suits beginners as well as paddlers who are a bit further along in their hobby. The kayak has a skeg. Adjustable footrests.

• Double kayaks: Oasis Twin: A sturdy and easy double kayak, suitable for beginners. At its best in day and occasional weekend trips. The equipment of the double kayak includes, among other things, 4-point footrests, molded and rear bulkhead, rear storage hatch.

• Double kayaks: Prijon Excursion: Excursions are spacious touring kayaks for two, which are equally suitable for longer trips as well as day paddling. The kayaks have a rudder and adjustable footrests.