Challenge yourself with an unforgettable canoeing trip that starts from the peaceful shoreline of Valamo Monastery and travels along the historic canal route of Heinävesi all the way to the wild beauty of Kolovesi National Park.
An unforgettable arpoximately 65 - 75 km long canoeing adventure awaits you on the Heinävesi Canal Route, Finland’s national landscapes. The Heinävesi Route is a historic canal and lock system built in the early 20th century for the Saimaa Lake District.
Kolovesi National Park is a canoeist’s paradise. Ancient rock paintings and rocky slopes make the landscape special. Those lucky enough to encounter the curious Saimaa ringed seal. Here you can get in touch with nature and experience how Finland’s early inhabitants lived here in harmony with nature thousands of years ago.
Quiet waterways, ancient rock formations, island camping, and the peaceful rhythm of the paddle make this route unforgettable. A perfect blend of nature, culture, and pure Finnish tranquility. Ready to explore the silence?
Wilderness adventure on Finland's most beautiful canal route of Heinävesi starts at the Valamo Monastery on the shore of Lake Juojärvi. On the way you will see cultural landscapes, rock paintings and the wild nature of the national park.
Valamo Monastery is an active center of the Orthodox religious life and culture in Finland.Valamo Monastery belongs to the Finnish Orthodox Church, which is an autonomous church under the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
We paddle in kayaks, which are available in singles and doubles. You don't necessarily need previous kayaking experience, but that's certainly not a bad thing. We paddle calmly and take into account the needs of a beginner paddler. However, you need to be in good shape, as the paddling times can be long.
Along the way, accommodation will be in your own tents in the middle of nature. The group plans their own meals. Food will be prepared with camping stoves and, if possible, at campfire sites in the area. During a forest fire warning, we cannot make an open fire, so meals must be planned so that they can be prepared with camping stoves.
We will meet virtually on Google Meets two weeks before the start of the trip, where you will receive detailed information about the route and we will go through safety plans. At the same time, it is also possible to express your willingness to rent camping equipment such as tents, camping stoves, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hammocks, tentsile wooden tents, etc. During the meeting, we will divide into food groups and those participating in the trip can plan their own meals.
