Cruises in Heinävesi and Liperi take you through national landscapes, to Valamo Monastery, and into the archipelago. Along the way, you’ll enjoy pristine lake nature and Karelian hospitality. In addition to regular routes, charter cruises are well worth asking about. What better way to celebrate a special occasion or company outing than a cruise with full services?
A highlight of summer 2025 was the legendary s/s Heinävesi returning to its traditional route, as well as new cruises from Joensuu harbor to Saariston Puoti in Liperi. The ships were filled with happy travelers – and in summer 2026, the season will continue at full steam ahead.
HEINÄVESI
Cruises on the Heinävesi Route
Experience the historic Heinävesi waterway aboard the s/s Heinävesi. Scheduled cruises run from Savonlinna to Kuopio.
SAVONLINNA
Cruises in Savonlinna and Punkaharju
The m/s Katrilli sails between Savonlinna and Punkaharju and also offers scenic cruises.
HEINÄVESI
Cruises from Valamo Monastery
The m/s Sergei departs from Valamo harbor, sailing through the Taivallahti Canal to Varistaipale and back.
HEINÄVESI
Day Trip to Valamo
The trip begins with a guided tour and lunch in Valamo and ends with monk’s coffee after a canal cruise.
LIPERI
Cruises from Joensuu to Saariston Puoti
Lunch cruises and Sunset & Dine cruises on the m/s Suvi-Tuuli depart from Joensuu harbor, with time to taste the famous local pizza.
LIPERI
Archipelago Cruise in Liperi
On lunch and Sunset & Dine days, the m/s Suvi-Tuuli offers a scenic archipelago cruise starting from Tutjunnniemi.
History of the Heinävesi Route
The Heinävesi waterway is recognized as one of Finland’s nationally valuable landscapes, offering nearly untouched lake scenery where human traces are limited to historic canals and idyllic village views.
Canal construction began in 1895, and the s/s Heinävesi started operating in 1906. The route’s slogan “a piece of the most beautiful Finland” was introduced in 1926, and posters were printed in several languages.