Hankasalmi Kayaking Routes

The Seven Rapids route is a classic Central Finland whitewater day link on the Konnevesi waterway: on our map it runs about 22.2 km as one continuous paddling line between the Hannulankoski–Akkasillan corridor and Kellankoski, threading lake narrows and seven named rapids. For kilometre splits and the full stop list along that line, the huts.fi route view works well as a planning sheet(7). Visit Jyväskylä Region’s Lipas entry and Metsähallitus on Luontoon.fi both describe the same corridor as roughly 22 km with seven rest points along the water, free public use, and practical notes on how to run Siikakoski and Kellankoski safely(1)(2). Rapids are classed as easy in guide terms, but the current is strong and rocky in places, so you should already handle a kayak in moving water before you commit to the full line(1). Commercial guided trips often stage from Häyrylänranta harbour (Satamatie 60) toward Akkasillan, with shuttle cars moved to the take-out—KalajaRetkeily quotes a full-day programme of just under 20 km in about six hours on the water, meeting at the harbour and finishing at Akkosillan with equipment transport included(3). Independent paddlers follow the same cultural landscape Retkipaikka documents in depth: Siikakoski is commonly run through the historic timber slide rather than the main boulder channel; Taikinainen and Karinkoski offer gentler practice water before Kellankoski, where many groups portage along the power-station corridor and relaunch below; after Liesvesi opens, Yläisenkoski, Keskisenkoski, and Hannulankoski close the gap toward Hankasalmi(4). Visit Jyväskylä Region rounds the distance to 22.14 km and counts seven maintained rest points where you may also camp—matching the lean-tos and landings we show along the line(1). Along the mapped sequence, you pass Rantautumispaikka Hannulankoski and Akkasillan laavu in the northern rapid cluster, then cross open water toward Hakolanrannan kota on a big sandy shore suitable for groups. Rantautumispaikka Pesiäissalmi sits at the road crossing narrows before Häyrylän uimaranta Konnevesi, where the harbour lists café food, caravan space, showers, and rental partners for craft you do not carry yourself(6). Farther along, Siikakosken laavu - Konnevesi, Taikinaisen laavu, and Karinkosken laavu group with Rantautumispaikka Karinkoski and Partiomajan katettu tulipaikka where Koskikaran luontopolku meets the bank—easy to combine paddling with a short walk. Kellankosken kotalaavu and Kellankosken rantautumispaikka mark the take-out options below the main fall, with pitkos leading past the power infrastructure when you choose to carry(4)(7). The waterway sits in the wider Etelä-Konnevesi paddling region Melontakeskus.fi promotes for clear water and long open-lake fetches that demand respect in wind(5). Watch for anglers: Visit Jyväskylä Region warns that rapid noise can hide an approaching boat and that lines may cross the channel—give shore fishermen space on the way down(1). For linking days on the lake, the same beaches connect naturally to Haukisaaren kierros, Silmutsaaren melontareitti, and Etelä-Konnevesijärven veneilyreitti where those routes share Häyrylän uimaranta Konnevesi. On land near Hannulankoski, Kärkkäälän luontopolku, Hankasalmi starts from the same ramp pocket if you want to stretch your legs between moving-water sections.