The waters of Northern Saimaa in North Karelia are made for paddling. Kolovesi National Park in Heinävesi is among Finland’s most popular canoeing destinations. New, easily accessible routes start from the harbors of Liperi and Heinävesi, making it simple to get on the water while enjoying harbor services.
The harbors also offer accommodation and dining – from Finland’s best pizza and traditional fried vendace to award-winning cakes and the delicacies of a Karelian café. Northern Saimaa’s paddling routes also inspire boaters to explore the region’s lakes and islands.
Northern Saimaa Routes
Enjoy paddling on the lakes and archipelago of Northern Saimaa. Routes starting from the harbors of Heinävesi and Liperi lead you between rocky islands – and you might even spot a Saimaa ringed seal.
Paddling routes
Kermanjärvi Loop
Kermanrannantie 49, Heinävesi
Kermanranta Loop (38 km)
• Duration: 1–3 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This 38 km loop follows sheltered waterways, avoiding open lakes. The route can be paddled clockwise or counterclockwise – choose the direction according to the wind. Ideal for leisurely paddling and overnight trips.
Services: The route starts from Heinävesi Harbor, where you’ll find camping spots, a sauna, and delicious treats at the Kermacotta café-restaurant.
Tutjunniemi paddling routes
Saaristotie 25, Tutjunniemi (Liperi)
Pesolansaari Loop (13 km)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate – recommended for kayaks
Tikansaari Loop (12 km)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate – recommended for kayaks
Matinsaari Loop (11 km)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate – recommended for kayaks
Services: The routes start from a popular harbor, home to Saariston Puoti, famous for its high-quality pizzas and Italian cuisine.
Kirkkolahti paddling routes
Kirkkolahti, Heinävedentie 2, Liperi
Siikasaari Loop (23 km)
• Duration: 5 hous
• Difficulty: Demanding – for experienced paddlers only
Päivilänvaara Loop (15 km)
• Duration: 3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Services: The routes start from Liperi’s village harbor, where you’ll find a service building with saunas and a motorhome park. The summer & event restaurant SUMMER serves tasty pizzas and Karelian café delicacies.
Guided Tours and Rentals
Ollilan Tupa and Saariston Puoti organize guided paddling trips in the Liperi archipelago. Melontakaverit rents kayaks and canoes for independent use, and Karelia Cottages in Rääkkylä provides equipment for its own paddling route.
Story of the Route Development
Paddling Guide Heikki Lehmus
Heikki is a certified paddling guide and climbing instructor, and he also works as an activity instructor for young people. We invited him to design the new routes.
“What’s great about the Northern Saimaa routes is the diversity of the landscapes. You’ll find rural idylls, cultural scenery and sheltered waters, contrasted with rugged rocky shores and wide open waters. The big lakes don’t need to be crossed, and by paying attention to the wind direction, you can paddle safely even in stronger conditions. It’s also wonderful that the starting and return points of the routes have excellent services and inviting waterfront restaurants.”