Six days on the lake
Getting to Naarajoki on your own
Tour de Puula
Two weeks canoeing adventure
Whole the family to the Naarajoki trail

The Naarajoki paddling route starting from Lake Naarajärvi in Pieksämäki and finishing in the northernmost reach of Lake Puula(vesi) in Kangasniemi is the most interesting nature trail designed for canoes in Lakeland Finland. Within the space of the 100-120 kms trip we can see a narrow river bed with a large expanse of mires and lakes dotted with islands. The route consists of some 50 kms of gently meandering river, the remainder is paddled on the lakes, in the shelter of the islands.

Lake Puula is the eighth largest lake in Finland, the coastline from its bays and the shoreline of its bays adding up to hundreds of kilometres. It is easy to find nice routes and beautiful camping sites. A prime asset of Lake Puulavesi is it´s characteristic wilderness. The cabins on it`s shores hide away among the forest trees and there is not much motor boat traffic. The huge Ice-Age monuments on the shores of the islands stop both oar and brain in their tracks. As indeed they should be on a canoeing trip. The water in the lake is still drinkable!

Two weeks canoeing package, tour planned for those with already some experience, gives the participants the opportunity of getting to see the Naarajoki paddling route, the matchless islands in the wide expanse of the lake and also some fast rapids south from lake Puula. The route has been so designed that one cannot fail to see the most beautiful landscapes. Even so, it is sheltered, and can, the weather so demanding, be changed. The daily stages are palanned so that it´s possible to use both canoe or kayak. 

The Puula Canoeing Centre will see to the reservations of all the services associated with the trip and hire both kayaks/canoes and paddling equipment. The equipment and the packed lunches will be jointly planned by organiser and client on the first evening. Our package contains the services mentioned in the program, but not the guide. 

This is the way it works:

Day 1
Arrive at Kiviniemi Camp site in Kangasniemi. Accommodation in cabins sleeping two. In the evening inspect equipment, purchase food, go over route on map and have supper in the Lapp hut.

Day 2
Breakfast and transport to Naarajärvi (45 kms) to the starting point. During the first day we will paddle mostly along a narrow river, towards the evening, there will be a few smallish lakes. Distance to be covered 22 kms. Accommodation in outbuildings of a farm Etelä-Aapeli. 

Day 3
Breakfast. Small lakes and rivers during the quite easy day. At the end of the day some small rapids. About 18 kms day. Possibility for fishing.  Accommodation on the shores of the Nykälänkoski rapids in the electrically-powered outbuildings of the Nykälänkoski fishery. (www.koskentila.com)

Day 4
Breakfast. The days canoeing starts off with a short section of rapids, ending up in Lake Kyyvesi. We will paddle along the Lake Kyyvesi, dotted with islands to the village of Haukivuori. You can make the lunch on some of the islands. Distance covered some 25 kms. Accommodation in the apartementos flats of the Marjolahti holiday village. Dinner in a restaurant.  

Day 5
Breakfast. Day's trip across Lake Kyyvesi to Luusniemi, some 25 kms. Sleeping in the tent at Kallioniemi camp site. There is a village with a shop and two bars only 400 metres away, so it will not be difficult to stock up.

Day 6 
Throug the very beautiful scenery to the Rauhansalmi Straits, Lake Rauhanjärvi and Läsäkoski rapids connecting Lake Kyyvesi to lake Puula. Accommodation in the old house at Läsäkoski Manor. Sauna. Distance some 18 kms. 

Day 7
Breakfast.  After Läsänkoski we turn in the direction of lake Puula and Soisalonselkä. Here it is worth having a look at the stone sculptures in Alttarisaari, made by the combined effect of ice and water. Accommodation in a small cabin on Soisalo island. Smoke sauna. The day's trip is some 20-25 kms, 

Day 8
The most beautiful archipelago landscapes of Lake Puula are located in the immediate vicinity of your accommodation. A day's trip worth taking will show you the Laajalahti sand beaches and the rocks on the Katossaari islands. A scenic excursion to Korppivuori, the highest point in the archipelago, is also something interesting to do. Lunch can easily be had at one of the picnic grounds in the area. Distance to be covered 15-20 kms. Accommodation still in a cabin on Soisalo island.

Day 9
The conquer of Lake Puula continues in the eastern part of the lake. We cross one lager are but canoe mostly in the shadow of the islands. A nice place for camping will be found on the island Lehtinen. The day´s trip is 15-20 kms. Tent accommodation.

Day 10
Towards south and Hirvensalmi parish village. There you can go to by some more food and drink. Tent place will be found near by Kissakoski old factory with a nice restaurant (www.hirvensalmi.fi). Distance some more than 20 kms.

Day 11
To go out from Lake Puula you have to carry the boat over a huge Kissakoski lock (only 200 metres) Now the scenery will change again. More rivers, some rapids (class I-II)  and also narow lakes. Good tent place will be found after about 16 kms paddling on the shore of Puuskankoski rapid.

Day 12
Again a little bit rivers but mostly narrow lake. We really hope that the wind is not against. In Vihantasalmi there will be an official camping site and also possibility to hire a small cottage. Nearby gasolin station gives the possibility to by more food. About 18 kms trip.

Day 13
The last about 15 kms day takes you through Pyhäniemi canal to Pyhävesi lake and Mäntyharju parish village from where you give a call to us in the idea to get the lift back to Kangasniemi and Puula Canoeing Centre. Accommodation in our camping cabins sleeping two, and sauna.

Day 14
Breakfast

Terms: Minumum: 2 pax. The program is available during the period 1.6.-15.9. Days of departure at your discretion. Included: all the equipment needed for canoeing, camping and making the food on camp sites, accommodation, dinners and breakfasts as mentioned in the program. 

The price:    695 €/person if you take a single kayak        585 €/person if you take a canoe or double kayak

Please Note! It is easy to change the daily itineraries, depending on the weather and the participants' moods. It is easy to make alterations to the trips, taking into account the weather and the participants' wishes. The route options are merely suggestions, aimed at showing the participants some pretty places. The duration may be prolonged or curtailed, according to your wishes. Each participant will paddle at his/her own risk.