The Puttolanselkä–Suontee segment is part of the Meloen Joutsassa paddling network in lake-rich Järvi-Suomi in Central Finland. It is a long point-to-point lake route of about 56 km through calm, clear water on Suontee, Viheri, Agnesselkä, and Puttolanselkä. For an overview of this segment, landing options, and highlig...
Visit Jyväskylä Region – Meloen Joutsassa Puttolanselkä–Suontee+
Description
The Puttolanselkä–Suontee segment is part of the Meloen Joutsassa paddling network in lake-rich Järvi-Suomi in Central Finland. It is a long point-to-point lake route of about 56 km through calm, clear water on Suontee, Viheri, Agnesselkä, and Puttolanselkä. For an overview of this segment, landing options, and highlights, start with the Visit Jyväskylä Region Lipas listing. The Municipality of Joutsa and Visit Joutsa publish an updated paddling map (PDF) and practical notes on campfires and islands; Visit Joutsa's day-trip ideas page is especially useful for Möykkysaari and Maljakivet access.
From the north, many paddlers launch near Joutsenlampi; the line soon approaches Joutsa town services. Around the eight-kilometre mark you pass the town beach and sports cluster: Joutsan uimala, Joutsan keskuspuisto, and nearby outdoor facilities make a natural resupply or swim stop before continuing southeast. Myllylahden lintutorni sits a little farther along the shore—worth a short detour for birdwatching when water levels allow a safe landing.
Toward Viheri, the route runs past Viherinkoski ja museosilta Kalastuspaikka, where the historic museum bridge and fishing spot mark a well-known cultural waypoint. This is also where the shorter Melontareitti Angesselkä-Viheri kayaking route ties into the same water system if you want a linked day trip. Closer to town, the Myllykosken rauhoitusalue nature reserve lies along the line toward Viheri: carrying or lining the kayak for a short distance is required there—plan gloves, footwear, and a light portage setup.
On Suontee, the Maljakivet rock formations and the small island of Möykkysaari are classic stops. Möykkysaari has a community-maintained lean-to, campfire place, and dry toilet; Visit Joutsa describes reaching it by paddle from nearby boat launches. Independent trip writing on Retkipaikka adds on-the-ground colour around Maljakivet and Möykkysaari's views. Open bays on large lakes can be windy—check wind and wave forecasts, keep a life jacket on, and favour shore-hugging lines in stronger weather.
On land, Tervasreitti (pyöräily) and Joutsenlammen kuntorata overlap the start area for multi-sport holidays. Other paddling branches in the same network include the Saposelän melontareitti. For kayak and canoe rental in the municipality, Versona Outdoor Shop at Leivonmäki/Joutsa offers bookable craft and typical lake kit; confirm models and pickup for use on Suontee-area waters.
Length & route
The mapped line is about 56.4 km as one continuous paddling route, point-to-point (not a loop). It crosses several large lake basins and narrows between Puttolanselkä, Suontee, Viheri, and Agnesselkä. In calm conditions fit paddlers might cover it in two long days; more relaxed pacing with island stops often suits three or four days. One short portage or lining section is required at the Myllykosken rauhoitusalue when travelling from the town side toward Viheri. There are no whitewater rapids on this segment.
Getting there
You can join the line from several public landing points; the PDF paddling map from Visit Joutsa and the Municipality of Joutsa shows ramps and beaches along the full Meloen Joutsassa network. The Visit Jyväskylä Region entry lists Joutsenlammentie 188 as a representative address in the Joutsa area for this segment. Near the northern end, launching is practical close to Joutsenlampi outdoor routes; at Möykkysaari, Visit Joutsa names boat launches by Ollinsalmi bridge and Hirvenlahti on the Pertunmaa side as examples for reaching the island by water. For one-way trips, plan a vehicle shuttle or return by road along the shore roads.
Good to know
Paddling is free to use on this public water route; follow everyman’s rights, shoreline zoning near cottages, and any local fishing permit rules if you fish. Respect the Myllykosken rauhoitusalue reserve rules when portaging. For national canoeing safety guidance, see the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation (melontajasoutuliitto.fi). Large-lake conditions can change quickly—carry signalling gear, spare clothes, and a charged phone in a waterproof case.
Itinerary
Day 1 (about 0–15 km): Launch near Joutsenlampi, enter town waters, optional swim or services at Joutsan uimala, pass Myllylahden lintutorni, and aim for Viherinkoski ja museosilta Kalastuspaikka or nearby shore as an afternoon stop. Day 2 (about 15–35 km): Cross open Suontee water toward the Maljakivet–Möykkysaari cluster; rest at Möykkysaari laavu and nuotiopaikka (about 39 km along the line). Day 3 (about 35–56 km): Continue toward the southern end of the mapped line, allowing extra time for wind on broad basins. Adjust daily distances to your group and weather.
Where to rent kayaks
Versona Outdoor Shop (Kansallispuistontie 20, 41710 Joutsa; timo@versona.fi; +358 44 345 6107) rents sea kayaks, tandem kayaks, and canoes for Leivonmäki National Park and wider use by reservation. Listed three-hour kayak/canoe rentals start from 39 € including paddle, spray deck, and buoyancy aid; confirm availability, model, and transport to your chosen launch for Suontee-area trips.
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Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Joutsa, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.
The Puttolanselkä–Suontee segment is part of the Meloen Joutsassa paddling network in lake-rich Järvi-Suomi in Central Finland. It is a long point-to-point lake route of about 56 km through calm, clear water on Suontee, Viheri, Agnesselkä, and Puttolanselkä. For an overview of this segment, landing options, and highlig...
Visit Jyväskylä Region – Meloen Joutsassa Puttolanselkä–Suontee+
Description
The Puttolanselkä–Suontee segment is part of the Meloen Joutsassa paddling network in lake-rich Järvi-Suomi in Central Finland. It is a long point-to-point lake route of about 56 km through calm, clear water on Suontee, Viheri, Agnesselkä, and Puttolanselkä. For an overview of this segment, landing options, and highlights, start with the Visit Jyväskylä Region Lipas listing. The Municipality of Joutsa and Visit Joutsa publish an updated paddling map (PDF) and practical notes on campfires and islands; Visit Joutsa's day-trip ideas page is especially useful for Möykkysaari and Maljakivet access.
From the north, many paddlers launch near Joutsenlampi; the line soon approaches Joutsa town services. Around the eight-kilometre mark you pass the town beach and sports cluster: Joutsan uimala, Joutsan keskuspuisto, and nearby outdoor facilities make a natural resupply or swim stop before continuing southeast. Myllylahden lintutorni sits a little farther along the shore—worth a short detour for birdwatching when water levels allow a safe landing.
Toward Viheri, the route runs past Viherinkoski ja museosilta Kalastuspaikka, where the historic museum bridge and fishing spot mark a well-known cultural waypoint. This is also where the shorter Melontareitti Angesselkä-Viheri kayaking route ties into the same water system if you want a linked day trip. Closer to town, the Myllykosken rauhoitusalue nature reserve lies along the line toward Viheri: carrying or lining the kayak for a short distance is required there—plan gloves, footwear, and a light portage setup.
On Suontee, the Maljakivet rock formations and the small island of Möykkysaari are classic stops. Möykkysaari has a community-maintained lean-to, campfire place, and dry toilet; Visit Joutsa describes reaching it by paddle from nearby boat launches. Independent trip writing on Retkipaikka adds on-the-ground colour around Maljakivet and Möykkysaari's views. Open bays on large lakes can be windy—check wind and wave forecasts, keep a life jacket on, and favour shore-hugging lines in stronger weather.
On land, Tervasreitti (pyöräily) and Joutsenlammen kuntorata overlap the start area for multi-sport holidays. Other paddling branches in the same network include the Saposelän melontareitti. For kayak and canoe rental in the municipality, Versona Outdoor Shop at Leivonmäki/Joutsa offers bookable craft and typical lake kit; confirm models and pickup for use on Suontee-area waters.
Length & route
The mapped line is about 56.4 km as one continuous paddling route, point-to-point (not a loop). It crosses several large lake basins and narrows between Puttolanselkä, Suontee, Viheri, and Agnesselkä. In calm conditions fit paddlers might cover it in two long days; more relaxed pacing with island stops often suits three or four days. One short portage or lining section is required at the Myllykosken rauhoitusalue when travelling from the town side toward Viheri. There are no whitewater rapids on this segment.
Getting there
You can join the line from several public landing points; the PDF paddling map from Visit Joutsa and the Municipality of Joutsa shows ramps and beaches along the full Meloen Joutsassa network. The Visit Jyväskylä Region entry lists Joutsenlammentie 188 as a representative address in the Joutsa area for this segment. Near the northern end, launching is practical close to Joutsenlampi outdoor routes; at Möykkysaari, Visit Joutsa names boat launches by Ollinsalmi bridge and Hirvenlahti on the Pertunmaa side as examples for reaching the island by water. For one-way trips, plan a vehicle shuttle or return by road along the shore roads.
Good to know
Paddling is free to use on this public water route; follow everyman’s rights, shoreline zoning near cottages, and any local fishing permit rules if you fish. Respect the Myllykosken rauhoitusalue reserve rules when portaging. For national canoeing safety guidance, see the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation (melontajasoutuliitto.fi). Large-lake conditions can change quickly—carry signalling gear, spare clothes, and a charged phone in a waterproof case.
Itinerary
Day 1 (about 0–15 km): Launch near Joutsenlampi, enter town waters, optional swim or services at Joutsan uimala, pass Myllylahden lintutorni, and aim for Viherinkoski ja museosilta Kalastuspaikka or nearby shore as an afternoon stop. Day 2 (about 15–35 km): Cross open Suontee water toward the Maljakivet–Möykkysaari cluster; rest at Möykkysaari laavu and nuotiopaikka (about 39 km along the line). Day 3 (about 35–56 km): Continue toward the southern end of the mapped line, allowing extra time for wind on broad basins. Adjust daily distances to your group and weather.
Where to rent kayaks
Versona Outdoor Shop (Kansallispuistontie 20, 41710 Joutsa; timo@versona.fi; +358 44 345 6107) rents sea kayaks, tandem kayaks, and canoes for Leivonmäki National Park and wider use by reservation. Listed three-hour kayak/canoe rentals start from 39 € including paddle, spray deck, and buoyancy aid; confirm availability, model, and transport to your chosen launch for Suontee-area trips.
Be the first to write a review for "Puttolanselkä–Suontee Kayaking Route"
Share a photo from a recent trip
Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Joutsa, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.