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Venäänniemi/Karankalahti Kayaking Route

—•Kayaking Routes

6.7 km

Venäänniemi/Karankalahti melontareitti - Kayaking

Route

Venäänniemen melonnan lähtöpaikka

0.0 km|Free

Boat RampsVenäänniemi beach serves as a landing point for kayaking.

Karankalahden rantautumispaikka

6.7 km|Free

Boat RampsThe shore is covered in reeds and is therefore a bit of a challenging starting point, especially at shallower water.

Description

City of Kajaani – Kayaking routes+

Description

Venäänniemi/Karankalahti Kayaking Route is a 6.7 km point-to-point paddle on Lake Nuasjärvi in Kajaani, running from the Venäänniemen melonnan lähtöpaikka at the tip of the Venäänniemi peninsula across the open water of Rehjanselkä before turning into the long, narrow Karankalahti bay, finishing at Karankalahden rantautumispaikka at Sotkamontie 524. The City of Kajaani publishes information about this route and the wider Kajaani paddling network on their outdoor recreation pages; check there for current conditions. The route is a one-way paddle with an estimated time of about 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace. Much of the shoreline along Karankalahti is inhabited — summer cottages and permanent residences line both sides of the bay — so landing options are limited before the final destination. Paddle close to shore rather than cutting across open water, give motorboats the right of way in summer, and always wear a life jacket. Rehjanselkä in particular is sensitive to wind; southwest winds can quickly build significant waves across both the open bay and into Karankalahti. Near the far end of the bay, a worthwhile short detour is possible: the Karanka River flows into the inner part of Karankalahti and can be paddled roughly 500 m upstream before it narrows into a stream — a brief change of scenery from open-lake paddling to a quiet river reach. At the Venäänniemi launch, this route connects directly with the Rehjansaari/Venäänniemi melontareitti, a 7.1 km loop that circles Rehjansaari island to the north. Rehjansaari has free tent camping under everyman's rights, campfire spots with firewood available from nearby wood sheds, and several docks around the island for landing — making it a natural extension for anyone wanting an overnight outing. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi, who operate a rental point at Pyörteen tila (Kuurnantie 85, near Rehjansaari). Single kayaks start at €40/day and double kayaks at €60/day; all packages include a paddle and life jacket. Contact them at +358 50 340 3013 or info@luonnollisesti.fi.

Length & route

The route is 6.7 km paddled one way from Venäänniemi to Karankalahti. The first part crosses the open water of Rehjanselkä — the most exposed section — before the route turns into the long, sheltered Karankalahti bay. An optional detour up the Karanka River at the bay's inner end adds roughly 1 km return. Allow about 1.5 hours for the main route at a comfortable pace.

Getting there

The start, Venäänniemen melonnan lähtöpaikka, is on the tip of the Venäänniemi peninsula on the northern shore of Nuasjärvi. From central Kajaani take Sotkamontie (road 899) south-east; turn onto the unpaved access road toward the peninsula tip and follow it to the small sandy launch. Roadside parking is available at the launch. The end point, Karankalahden rantautumispaikka, is at Sotkamontie 524, 87900 Kajaani. Because the route is point-to-point, plan a vehicle shuttle between the two ends in advance, or return paddle along the same route.

Good to know

The route is rated intermediate. Beginners and families should check the weather forecast before setting out — Rehjanselkä can become choppy quickly in southwest winds. It is safest to paddle with a companion or in a group, and to carry a phone in a waterproof bag. Most of the shoreline is private; respect residents' privacy and do not land on inhabited beaches. The launch at Venäänniemi and the landing at Karankalahti are publicly accessible. This route is part of the Kajaani paddling network on Lake Nuasjärvi, and sits within the broader paddling landscape of Kainuu. The Kainuun Tervareitti links Kuhmo and Sotkamo to Kajaani across 180 km of waterways, of which the Nuasjärvi section is the final stage.

Where to rent kayaks

Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi operates a kayak and canoe rental point at Pyörteen tila, Kuurnantie 85, near Rehjansaari — convenient for launching from the Venäänniemi end of the route. Single kayaks €40/day, double kayaks €60/day; packages include paddle and life jacket. Phone: +358 50 340 3013. Email: info@luonnollisesti.fi. Website: luonnollisesti.fi.

Managed by

Kajaani

Official Maintenance

08 6155 2555

Trail info

—

Route Signs

Activities allowed

Kayak / Canoe

Activity

Terrain & conditions

6.7 km

Distance

1.5 hours

Est. Time

Lake Paddling

Water type

Location

64.19456°N, 27.85204°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

KainuuRegion

KajaaniCity

Kayaking RoutesCategory

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Answers to your questions

CC BY-NDPasi Korhonen , Outdoors Kainuu

Our data was researched from Kajaani, 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.

Finland Kainuu Kajaani Kayaking RoutesVenäänniemi/Karankalahti Kayaking Route