recommended route
Pyhtää branch canoeing route of Kymijoki River
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Photo: Harri Tarvainen, Visit Kotka-Hamina
The Pyhtää branch canoeing route is the longest of the three different route options of the branches of Kymijoki River. The route starts from Inkeroinen and continues along the main branch of Kymijoki River, the Hirvikoski branch and finally the Pyhtää branch to the sea and the Keihässalmi fishing port. There are many things to see and to experience along the way, from open fields and complete wilderness around the river, to quiet stretches of water and roiling rapids. The journey is atmospheric and memorable. But why just prattle on about it. Check out the Pyhtää branch canoeing guide and head towards Kymijoki River.
Author’s recommendation
- Next to the Kuovinkallio rest area located at the start of the Ahvionkoski rapids is a hillock offering a magnificent view of the rapids. The Ahvionkoski rapids cover an area of 35 hectares with 12 large islands. In this area, you can choose from a variety of canoeing route options while also exploring the islands, which have been left practically in their natural state. The two foaming rapids right at the bottom of the area are Martinkoski and Kotokoski.
- Kymijoki River has a fairly abundant heron population. Grey herons can be spotted on almost every trip, while the Eurasian bittern is rarely seen but often heard. Its call resembles the sound of blowing into an empty bottle. In addition to herons, large hawks often soar above the river.
- Towards the end of the route is the Stockfors ironworks area. This unique place is worth visiting during the trip. In the summer, this rugged industrial area hosts the impressive Stockfors Art Festival. More information on Instagram
- Just before arriving at the sea, you will come across the only manually operated lock in Finland. This lock was originally meant to support the transports of the Stockfors ironworks, but is now used by pleasure boaters. Lock operating instructions
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Susikoski CaféKuovinkallion laavu ja näköalapaikka
Strömfors Ironworks area
Stockforsin ruukki
Safety information
On the route, there are 2 rapid passages that require canoeing experience. The canoer must familiarise themself with the rapids in advance, as conditions may become increasingly challanging as the water levels change. The choice of the route and the decision to paddle through it is always made on own risk of the canoer. It should be noted, the the paddle routes drawn in the route guide are always RECOMMENDATIONS, and should never be considered as absolute truths. A sole canoer must assess each situation on occation and make the decision whether to paddle or not based on their own observations.
General instructions
- Do not go on a canoeing trip alone or without telling anyone
- Make sure you know how to read the map and map symbols
- Practice survival techniques, at least couples survival skills
- Always keep your mobile phone in a watertight bag in your canoeing vest pocket
- Save the emergency number as a speed dial entry
- Make sure that you have an up-to-date weather forecast
- Make sure that you have appropriate and sufficient equipment
- Do not canoe under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants
Weather and canoeing
Prepare yourself for possible weather changes. Storm, fog, bad visibility, darkness or sudden heat can suddenly surprise you and make canoeing harder. If the weather gets worse, consider whether you could change your route to make it safer, whether it is worth continuing or whether you should turn back. Choose your route based on your skills and equipment. Pack all things than can get wet in watertight containers, covering particularly your sleeping bag. Use high-quality equipment and make sure that it is intact when you are starting your trip. Also ensure that you know how to use all the equipment. Take enough food and drink with you, at least for one extra day. Note that food spoils more quickly in hot weather.
In an emergency the general emergency number is 112. If you get lost, always find out your whereabouts before continuing your journey. If you are not entirely sure about your location, return to the previous location where you were sure about where you were. If you capsize, you should try to return to the canoe or go to the nearest shore. Change into dry clothes to avoid getting cold. If the situation is severe, call the general emergency number.
Tips and hints
- A detailed canoeing guide can be found at this link
- Kymijoki River is also a well-known fishing destination. The main species caught in the river area are the rainbow trout and the pikeperch. Other commonly caught species include the pike, the perch and the asp. With some luck, you may even catch a trout or a salmon. Fishing in the river area between Inkeroinen and Lake Tammijärvi requires a licence for the Keski-Kymi special fishing area. A licence can be obtained here. A paid fisheries management fee is sufficient for fishing in the area between Lake Tammijärvi and the Keihässalmi fishing port.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
From the Kouvola travel centre, the starting point of the route (Inkeroinen town centre) can be reached by bus line 3From Kotka and Kouvola, Inkeroinen can also be reached by local train. Timetables are available here
Getting there
When approaching from Helsinki or Hamina on the motorway, take ramp 80 and continue north following this routeParking
There is a large free parking area at the starting point.Coordinates
Equipment
Canoeist’s equipment
- A kayak with bulkheads or other pontoons or a canoe with sufficient pontoons
- Paddle
- Canoeing vest, which must always be kept on
- Signalling whistle attached to the canoeing vest
- Spraydeck for a kayak
- Weather-appropriate canoeing equipment
- A change of clothes in a watertight bag
- Mobile phone in a watertight container in the pocket of the canoeing vest
- Emptying pump
- Compass and map
- First aid supplies
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping back, fire starting supplies, etc.)
Other equipment to consider
- Helmet for rapids
- Dry or wet suit as required
- White light for canoeing in the dark
- Spare paddle
Related Offers
Experience what is perhaps the best canoeing route on Kymijoki River with Seikkailuviikari – the regional flower, yellow iris, blooms in early summer
Statistics
- 11 Waypoints
- 11 Waypoints
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