PaddlingLength92 km
Duration(2-5d)
Degree of difficultyMedium
This paddling route follows a historical log driving route once used to transport timber from Lake Saimaa to the Kymijoki watershed. It is one of Southern Finland's longest paddling routes, stretching from Lappeenranta to Kouvola. This overview focuses on the section in South Karelia, up to Kannuskoski. Along the route, there are landing spots approximately every 5 km, and informational boards provide insights into the history of the route.
- An intriguing history as a log driving route between two major water systems
- The transitions to another body of water in Rutola and Kärenlampi
- The Lappeenranta harbor and the nearby islands of the city
- Well-equipped landing spots along the route
Length
142.2 km
Degree of difficulty
Medium
Duration
-
Trail type
Open water
Read more about the trail
The first kilometers of the route departing from Lappeenranta pass through Pien-Saimaa, where paddlers can choose their path around the islands depending on the wind, heading toward Rutola. Alternatively, they can explore the war and fortification construction history on Naurissaari or the rock paintings at Ruusi’s Turasalo. Orjainiemi features a small nature reserve and a new rest area with a lean-to shelter, toilet, and paddling dock. The initial large lake expanses are now behind, and the scenery shifts to the narrow Kähönsalmi strait. Along the way, there’s the Monnonlahti rest area with a grill shelter, toilet, and paddling dock. The next landing spots are in Rutola: Lapatonniemi serves as both a starting and endpoint, equipped with a toilet and paddling dock.
The route continues through Telataipale. After passing under the old Mikkeli road, you arrive at Myllylampi, which features a lean-to shelter, toilet, and dock. This is another option to start or end your journey. A must-see here is the visible reminder of the area's log driving history: the transfer structure, located about 100 meters from the shelter. After a 150-meter carry section, paddlers descend to Kärenlampi. From the southern dock at Kärenlampi, there’s an almost one-kilometer trek following the old and partially restored log chute. This leads to Jängynjärvi, a peat-surrounded, dark-watered, and snake-like narrow lake.
After Jängynjärvi, paddlers encounter the high cliffs of Varis-Lavola, the rock paintings of Vetjajärvi, and the Salpa Line bunkers in Vuossaaressa.
On Kivijärvi, the narrow strait opens into a wider lake, and the route continues westward past the inviting sandy beach at the tip of Sarviniemi. At the Risulahdentie crossing, the old bridge structures make an impression. In Jurvala, services are just a short distance off the Väliväylä route.
After Luumäki, the journey proceeds northwestward, passing under Savitaipaleentie. At Tynkäniemi on Ala-Kivijärvi, paddlers are greeted by numerous islets and shoals rising from the water in shades of gray and white. On Kelkjärvi, which is adorned with log driving structures, the twists and turns of the waterway add a pleasant change of pace. Tuohtiainen is the last major lake section before reaching Kannuskoski. The increasing strength of the current signals the approaching rapids sections beyond Kannuskoski.