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Väliväylä Canoeing Route, Lappeenranta -Kouvola
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Väliväylä canoeing route, Lappeenranta-KouvolaPhoto: Outdoors Finland
Väliväylä is known as an old log floating route connecting Lake Saimaa and Kymijoki River. Route is characterized by narrow lakes and rivers following each other and displaying a variety of beautiful views on the way. It is the southernmost watercourse of Finnish Lakeland with a colorful history of log floating and Finnish industrialization. Here you can experience one of the cleanest watercourses in Southern Finland with several rest spots and services along the route.
Good to know
At Kannuskoski there is a Tolpankangas Nature trail close to the route. The trail introduces the effects of the Ice Age in this area.
Author’s recommendation
Sights
Lake Saimaa
Rock paintings along the route
Log floating history
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
It is safest to move in a group if you do not know the terrain or the water area. Before the excursion, it is advisable to acquire the necessary maps and guides and check the weather forecast. Wear sturdy footwear and clothes that suit the weather. It is recommended that you take first aid equipment, rainwear, a spare set of clothes, as well as enough drinks with you, particularly in the summer. Remember to wear a floating vest when boating.
In wet weather and in winter, duckboards, rocks and piers can be slippery.
In an emergency, dial the number 112. Report your location, what has happened and listen to the instructions.
Canoeing and Kayaking in Finland
Difficulty level
The first section of the route to Kannuskoski chiefly consists of lake canoeing, with two short sections where canoes must be carried. The route from Kannuskoski to Kuusaanlampi boasts varying river and lake sections. Between Kannuskoski and Kuusaanlampi, there are many easy rapids sections and four short sections where canoes must be carried. The rapids sections are quite rocky, and canoeing along them at low water levels requires durable gear.
Duration
about 4-8 days
Tips and hints
Outdoor Safety in FinlandStart
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Route description
PARTS OF THE ROUTE
1. Myllysaari - Tervankeittoniemi 8 km
2. Tervankeittoniemi - Saisaari 6 km
3. Saisaari - Kähö 12 km
4. Kähö - UiriNniemi 9 km
5. Uirinniemi - Kotkatsaarensuo 12 km
6. Kotkatsaarensuo - Parkunlahti 8 km
7. Lemi - Iso Rapasalo 14 km
8. Parkunlahti - Parkkisaari 8 km
9. Parkkisaari - Huopaisenvirta 8 km
10. Huopaisenvirta - Ämmänniemi 6,5 km
11. Ämmänniemi - Tuohtiainen 11,5 km
12. Tuohtiainen - Kannuskoski 10,5 km
13. Kannuskoski - Pyötsiä 9 km
14. Pyötsiä - Tirvanjärvi 9 km
15. Tirvanjärvi - Miettula 12 km
16. Miettula - Lappalanjärvi 14 km
17. Lappalanjärvi - Kuusaanlampi 12 km
The section between Lake Saimaa and Kannuskoski consists of beautiful lakes and short slow moving rivers. From Kannuskoski to Kouvola the route is dominated by river with few smaller lakes. After Kannuskoski the current is getting faster with some rapids on the way.
FROM LAKE SAIMAA TO KANNUSKOSKI
First kilometers of the route goes along Lake Saimaa with several route options to choose from. This sections is characterized by several rocky island and summer cottages by the lake. Open waters of Saimaa end at cape Orjainniemi, where the route turns left and continues towards a narrow Kähönsalmi strait. After passing under road 13 from Lappeenranta to Mikkeli route continues towards a narrow and dark watered Lake Jängynjärvi. Next bigger open water area is at Lake Kivijärvi where route continues westward along nice beach at cape Sarviniemi to Hartunsalmi bridge. From here it is only a short distance to reach the services in Jurvala and Luumäki. Route continues westward to Lake Ala-Kivijärvi and Lake Kelkjärvi, where you can spot old log floating constructions. Lake Tuohtiainen is the last lake before reaching Kannuskoski village.
FROM KANNUSKOSKI TO KOUVOLA
Kannuskoski village offers good opportunity to refill food supplies since the village is only a short walking distance from the route. From Kannuskoski there is Lake Ruokojärvi before more remote areas and faster moving water of Kyykoski and Sulunkoski rapids. Route continues in forest landscape past Vääntäjän tila, offering accommodation and equipment rentals. Ahead is Lake Immasenjärvi before Pajukoski rapid and Lake Tirvajärvi. Kuirinvirta River takes you from Lake Tirvajärvi to Lake Kepsunjärvi, where is a beautiful rest area at cape Jaakonniemi, offering a good place for a break before crossing Lake Rapojärvi. At Rapojärvi the route continues south towards beautiful Jyräänkoski Rapids flowing in nice forest landscape to Lake Käyrälampi known from its beautiful sandy beaches and Camping area. This is the alternative ending spot for the route. Option is to continue through Jokelanjoki River, Lake Lappalanjärvi and Harjunjoki River before reaching Kymijoki River and Kuusaanlampi lean-to shelter. Kymijoki is a big river and the current can be strong at times, even though there are no actual rapids on this section of Kymijoki River.
Note
Public transport
There is no public transport to the starting point of the route to Lappeenranta's Myllysaari. The nearest local transport stop is at the Central Hospital, which is about 1 km from Myllysaari.
You can also start the canoeing route from elsewhere along the route.
Getting there
You can arrive to Lappeenranta by bus or by train.
You can check the train schedules on the VR website and the schedules of long-distance busses on the Matkahuolto website.
Parking
There are paid parking spaces for longer parking in the Lappeenranta Travel Center area, as well as free parking spaces for temporary parking.
When you come to Myllysaari, you will find plenty of parking space. Also nearby is a sandy field available for parking.
Coordinates
Equipment
Wear sturdy footwear and clothes that suit the weather. It is recommended that you take first aid equipment, rainwear, a spare set of clothes, as well as enough drinks with you, particularly in the summer. Remember to wear a floating vest when boating.Related Offers
Peaceful nature and lots of activities for the whole family, only 9 km from the Lappeenranta City Center!
Statistics
- 17 Waypoints
- 17 Waypoints
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