Kainuu Kayaking Routes

Saarien kierros meloen is a lake loop of about 12.7 km through the Pirttijärvi–Sotkamojärvi island maze beside Sotkamo town centre in Kainuu. The Vuokatti travel area groups Sotkamo–Vuokatti paddling on sheltered bays, narrow straits, and small islands—routes that suit kayak, canoe, or SUP when wind and motor traffic stay manageable(1). The City of Sotkamo publishes summer outdoor PDFs and points paddlers to the wider regional route catalogue for the same water network(2). Arctic Lakeland frames these lakes inside the long Kainuu Tar water-hiking story between Kuhmo, Sotkamo, and Kajaani if you are planning longer stages(3). Kalalla Kainuussa describes the central Sotkamo boat harbour on Pirttijärvi as a practical base with services and refuelling nearby—useful orientation for a loop that returns to the marina(4). You typically launch from Sotkamo Marina: Sotkamon venesataman esteetön melontalaituri is a floating accessible dock beside guest berths, with Sotkamon venesatama parkkipaikka a short walk away on firm ground. Within the first couple of kilometres you pass Yrittäjäpuiston parkkipaikka, Yrittäjäpuiston uima- ja veneranta, and Hirvenniemen veneenlaskupaikka on the western shore—handy if someone drops you with a car or you want a swim before the lanes narrow. Hirvenniemen tankkauslaituri marks mid-lake fuel for motorboats; keep clear of active traffic when crossing. About two thirds of the way around, Eskonsaaren esteetön melontalaituri and Eskonsaaren esteetön laavu ja taukopaikka offer an accessible landing and a lean-to stop on Pirttijärvi’s island side; Yle’s visit with wheelchair testers underlines why the crossing length to Eskonsaari was kept moderate for people who need to land early or change position(5). Along the eastern bays, Salmelan veneranta and Salmelan parkkipaikka pair shore access with the town backshore before the route swings toward Hiukan kota, Hiukan uimaranta, and Huovisen Konstan parkkipaikka—natural breaks at the Hiukka sports and beach shore. Sotkamon tori sits a little inland from the water as you close the loop; you finish back at the marina apron beside Sotkamo Marina. Longer one-way outings from the same harbour include Meloen satamasta Sapsoperälle toward the north shore, Kiantajärven laineille meloen across open Kiantajärvi, and Sapsojärven ympäri meloen around the Sapsojärvi chain—stack this island loop when you want a full circuit without a car shuttle. Vuokatti Ski Service rents summer kayaks and SUP boards from Holiday Club Katinkulta; the regional canoeing pages send paddlers there for gear(1).

The Lentuan järvimelontareitti is a full-day lake loop on Lentua, Kuhmo’s largest unregulated lake, mostly inside Lentuan luonnonsuojelualue within Ystävyyden puisto. Visit Kuhmo lists it as an easy day trip with an indicative duration of about five hours and describes wide open water, sheltered island channels, and natural landing beaches suited to canoes and kayaks(1). The mapped line is about 19.3 km as one continuous circuit; some printed materials round to roughly 19.5 km. On the water you move between two kinds of scenery: longer crossings where wind can build waves, and maze-like passages between forested islands. The Finnish Wikipedia overview notes that most of the lake lies in a nature reserve established in 1990 and that the Tervareitti boating route reaches the Lentua basin from Lentiirajärvi—context that helps situate this loop inside a much larger paddling network(5). Three clusters stand out along the line from Lentuan parkkipaikka. After a few kilometres toward the island maze, Kotasaaren laavu offers a sheltered lean-to stop; facilities sit together with dry toilets in the same area. Around the nine-kilometre mark, Lehtosaari is the main service island: a campfire site, Lehtosaaren autiotupa (a former fishing hut), and Lehtosaari sauna sit steps from the shore—Visit Kuhmo highlights this halfway stop as the signature break on the circuit(1). Later, Honkisaari Lentua tulentekopaikka adds another campfire option before you close the ring back toward parking. The lake is woven into Kainuu’s cultural history—Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s Kalevala imagery and Veikko Huovisen Havukka-ahon ajattelija are tied to the landscape(1)(3). Independent trip writing on Retkipaikka describes multi-day Lentua-Juttua journeys, forest reindeer on sandy beaches, and the Huuhkajankannas drag route used when moving between basins—background that also illuminates how the shorter Lentua loop connects to longer stages(4). The same waterbody sits on the Kainuun tervareitti long-distance paddling line, and Kalliojoen vesiretkeilyreitti reaches Lentua from the north. For lure or extra-rod fishing on state waters, check permit packages on Eräluvat(7). Equipment hire and shuttle-style logistics in the Kuhmo area are summarised on the Visit Kuhmo paddling hub(2).

For brochures, PDF maps, and the wider Kainuu Tar Route context, the City of Kajaani’s paddling routes hub is the right place to start(1). This is an urban river loop on Kajaaninjoki in Kainuu: about 6 km as one circuit from the Kuurna kayak dock, mixing narrow channel scenery with the city waterfront. Visit Kajaani’s Kajaaninjoki page describes the river’s role in town—clear water, the historic tar canal, summer tar-boat demonstrations, fishing, and birdwatching in migration seasons—so it doubles as orientation for what you are paddling through(2). The first stretch leaves Kuurna melontalaituri beside Kajaanin Latu’s boathouse and follows the river toward the centre. You soon pass the Nälkäkanava cut: blasted through rock in 1867–1868 as relief work during the famine years, paid in grain, and deepened later in the 1890s—local historians also tie it to tar rafts needing to bypass Petäiskoski(4). Pyörteen tila / Rehjansaari sits on the bank in this reach; the farmstead has long served travellers and is part of the same Kuurna–Kätön story told in regional heritage writing(4). Around Kätönlahti, Kätönlahden venesatama and the school shore give a neighbourhood harbour feel before the water opens toward the swimming and events frontage at Vesiliikuntakeskus Kaukavesi and the outdoor gym on the Kaukavesi bank—useful landmarks if you want a break near Jokikatu. Nearer the market block, the line passes Suvantorannan venesatama and reaches Kajaanin Tori veneenlaskupaikka: a practical landing if you want coffee or market stalls on Urho Kekkosen katu in season(2). The loop then runs back along the northern shore past Kesäniemen uimaranta and Kesäniemen melontalaituri—both good optional stops—before closing through Petäisenniska with Petäisenniskan venesatama, a public campfire spot, and the boat ramp in the same corner of the map. The same home water links naturally to Kuurna–Kuluntalahti paddling, the longer Rehjansaaren Melontareitti island tour, and Stage 3 of Kainuun tervareitti when you want a bigger day. Kajaanin Latu runs the Kuurna hall, beginner courses, and Tuesday-evening group paddles in summer, and lists local renters including Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi—check their pages for gear, fees, and sign-up windows(3)(5). Give motorboats a wide berth in summer, watch weak current and any weir-related flow near the developed banks, and confirm ice-off and event closures on the city and Visit pages before you go(1)(2).

This is a full loop of about 16.4 km on Sapsojärvi—the large lake beside Sotkamo town—suited to kayak, canoe, or SUP in calm to moderate conditions. The Vuokatti paddling hub lists the route as moderate, suggests about four and a half hours on the water for the full circuit, and publishes wind, motor-traffic, and safety guidance that applies to these open-lake legs(1). A detailed tour description compiled for the region’s Outdoors Kainuu materials adds practical beta: put in at the town harbour’s canoe dock near Satama Cafe, pass under the Hirvensaari bridge toward the main lake, and choose clockwise or counterclockwise with the wind in mind(2). Sapso is described there as the largest lake around Sotkamo centre, effectively split into Big Sapso and Little Sapso with Kumpusaari between them, with Vuokatinvaara’s silhouette to the west and long esker-backed shores—especially on the north side(2). From the mapped line you launch at the marina cluster: the accessible floating kayak dock, Sotkamo Marina, and harbour parking are all at kilometre zero. Hirvenniemen tankkauslaituri is an early fuel-and-service stop; Yrittäjäpuiston uima- ja veneranta offers a swim beach on the west town shore if you want a short first break. Roughly halfway round, Kuolasalmen rantautumispaikka sits at the narrowing toward Kiantajärvi—useful for stretching legs where the channel scenery tightens(2). Near the north shore, Rankan monttu and Sotkamon tori sit inland from the water; further along Hiukan uimaranta, Hiukan kota, and the broader Hiukan outdoor belt are natural rest targets—the City of Sotkamo describes Hiukan hiekat as kilometres of family-friendly sand on Sapsojärvi with services, kiosks, and the well-known baseball stadium above the beach(3). Huovisen Konstan parkkipaikka serves paddlers who meet a support car on land. There are no universally open public campfire sites reserved for casual paddlers along the whole loop according to the Outdoors Kainuu route notes—plan food accordingly(2). You can extend the day with an extra loop into Kiantajärvi or Little Sapso when conditions allow(2). Shorter regional paddles that share the same harbour—Eskonsaaren melontareitti, esteetön, Sotkamosta Katinkultaan meloen 16 km, Sotkamon sokkeloissa meloen 6 km—and the on-shore biking route Kirjailijan kannoilla - kulttuuripyöräily make it easy to combine activities if your group splits between boats and bikes.

This route is a short, easy lake loop of about 2.7 km around Jäätiönlahti on Nuasjärvi in Vuokatti–Katinkulla, Sotkamo, Kainuu. It is aimed at reaching Jäätiönlammen laavu—a municipal lean-to and fire ring on a small forest pond linked to the bay—by kayak, canoe, or SUP. Vuokatti lists it among local paddling options together with safety notes for wind-exposed lake sections and shared use with motorboats in summer(1). From the water you pass Katinkullan uimaranta on the Nuasjärvi shore early in the loop, and the lean-to sits roughly 1.2 km along the mapped line from the start— a natural snack or campfire stop when fire rules and conditions allow. Land-side, the same recreational cluster ties into Jäätiön kuntoilureitti; Retkipaikka describes how visitors often combine that walking loop with a short detour to Jäätiönlammen laavu(3). If you want a longer paddle on the same bay system, Jäätiönlahden melontareitti follows a wider loop of about 5.9 km; Kultarantaan sup-laudalla tai meloen explores toward Kultaranta on a different line from the resort shore. Vuokatti Ski Service rents SUP boards and touring kayaks at Holiday Club Katinkulta for Nuasjärvi outings—check the rental page for seasonal opening hours and phone booking(2). City of Sotkamo publishes summer and winter outdoor PDF maps for the Vuokatti area, useful for situating launches and trails relative to roads(4).

This Nuasjärvi loop of about 4.3 km starts from the Katinkulla resort shore in Vuokatti and circles out toward Kultaranta, the sandy beach and marina area on Pisterinniemi. Vuokatti lists it among its paddling options as a medium-difficulty round trip of roughly two and a half hours, suitable for kayak, canoe, or SUP(1). The line is a lake outing with no whitewater; expect open-water sections where wind can build small waves, and share the water with occasional motorboats in fine summer weather as the same hub advises for all local paddling(1). Halfway around the mapped loop you pass Kultarannan uimapaikka and the beach volleyball court on Pisterinniemenkuja—natural landing and stretch points before you curve back toward Katinkulla. At destination, Kultaranta Resort promotes SUP from the marina: sheltered Virvenlahti is friendly for beginners, and hourly SUP hire is handled through Porho Bar & Grill at the marina(2). For independent hire elsewhere in the resort, Go Vuokatti rents SUP boards from its Water Adventure Centre on Veikontie with life jackets and a short skills intro, and you can take a board to a cabin or another shore if you arrange it at pickup(3). Vuokatti Ski Service also runs a summer rental desk at Holiday Club Katinkulta with SUP boards and touring kayaks; seasonal opening and advance booking are on the rental page—note that summer desks can change year to year, so confirm hours before you travel(4). The resort's beach pages describe the natural sand beach, showers, and nearby Kesäranta as an alternative swim spot in the same bay(5). On land, Vuokatti Pysäköintipaikka sits in the resort cluster for drivers combining paddling with other services. The longer Jäätiönlahden melontareitti shares the same lake network if you want a different loop another day. City of Sotkamo publishes downloadable outdoor maps that help relate the Nuasjärvi shoreline to roads and trails around Sotkamo and Vuokatti(6).

This route is about 10.3 km of lake paddling as a loop around Ärjänsaari, a large island on Lake Oulujärvi near Kajaani in Kainuu. Metsähallitus manages the island as a recreation destination; the Ärjänsaari destination page on Luontoon.fi is the place to check services, landing options, maps, and seasonal notices before you go(1). Visit Kajaani also summarises the island, ferry and cruise links, and local contacts for visitors(2). The shoreline is famous for long sandy beaches and high glacial sand bluffs above pine forest—more like a small sea island than a typical inland lake. In calm weather the open water feels sheltered and easy to read. Auli Packalén’s Retkipaikka write-up from Ärjänsaari explains how a west or north-west wind across Ärjänselkä can raise a real swell, and how the marked hiking loop compares to paddling the perimeter—worth reading alongside this map when you plan wind windows and pacing(3). Less experienced paddlers should still pick quiet forecasts and stay within their comfort zone. Independent paddlers often work from the Säipä side of the island, where the main visitor services cluster. Along the loop you pass the island’s main hubs in order of the mapped line: the Säipä area with Säipän retkisatama, Ärjän Säipän laituri, Ärjänsaaren kesäkahvila, campfire sites, Ärjän Säipän telttailualue, Ärjän keittokatos, and Ärjän Säipän liiteri; the west side with Ärjän Kalamaja and Ärjän Karkeanpään nuotiopaikka at the sandy western tip; the north-east shore with Ärjän Kirkkosärkän nuotiopaikka and Vierasniemen käymälä; and the south-eastern sauna and hut cluster around Ärjän Vahdin liiteri, Ärjän Saunan laituri, Ärjän sauna 1, Ärjän sauna 2, Ärjän sauna 3, Marjala, Mäntylä mökki, Pihkala, Naavala, Ärjän Ravintolan nuotiopaikka, Ärjän Kahvion laituri, and back toward Ärjän Hautakaarteen nuotiopaikka and Ärjän Säipän laiturin nuotiopaikka. That mix of landings, reservable and casual shelters, and services supports anything from a half-day circuit to a longer island stay if you combine paddling with walking trails ashore. On land, the marked hiking network includes shorter loops such as Lentohiekan Lenkki and Mansikkatörmän polku and the longer Ärjän Kierros, which overlap the same service areas—handy if you want to stretch your legs or wait out wind. A longer kayaking variant from the mainland, Ärjän kierto (Neuvosenniemen tieltä), shares many of the same shore places if you are planning a wider Oulujärvi tour. Kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards are available from local outfitters such as Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi, which also sells scheduled boat transfers to the island from Ruunaniemi in season—useful if you want to paddle locally without crossing the open selkä both ways(2)(4).

For equipment hire, put-in ideas next to the holiday centre, and the classic high-water run from Komulanköngäs toward Hyrynsalmi, start from Ukkohalla’s paddling page(1). The Syväjoki–Lietejoki line is a roughly 24.4 km point-to-point river journey in Kainuu between Ukkohalla and Hyrynsalmi: it follows Syväjoki from the Komulanköngäs waterfall area, joins Lietejoki, and can be continued toward the Emäjoki and Hyrynsalmi settlement depending on how you finish the day(2). Outdoors Kainuu’s route description on Outdooractive(2) characterises it as a moderate day trip with many short rapids—mostly easy lines with some Class I–II- style manoeuvring—while Retkipaikka’s long-form note on Komulanköngäs(5) reminds you how dramatically the two-pronged fall and old mill setting frame the upper Syväjoki. At the very start, Komulankönkään pysäköintipaikka sits a short walk from Komulanköngäs, Komulankönkään laavu, and Komulankönkään nuotiopaikka, with Syväjoen ekokalastusalue marking the fly- and eco-fishing stretch you are entering. Downstream, the Vorlokki cluster around kilometre five pairs Vorlokin vuokratupa with Vorlokki tulentekopaikka off the main channel—useful if you want a roofed stop or a land break before the Paskokoski section. Around eight to nine kilometres, Paskokoski laavu, Paskokoski tulentekopaikka, Paskokosken taukopaikka, Vorlokin nuotiopaikka, and Vorlokin rotkolaakso sit close together beside lively water; Pitkäkoski laavu - Lietejoki and Pitkäkoski kuivakäymälä form a strong halfway lunch stop on the bank. Further down Lietejoki, Louhenkosken laavu Hyrynsalmi and Louhenkoski kuivakäymälä bracket the Louhenkoski rapid complex described in detail on the Outdooractive page(2). The lower reach passes Lietejoki as a named bank section before Multitörmän parkkipaikka, Inganmutkan kota, and finally the Yhtenäiskoulun lähiliikuntapaikka Hyrynsalmi area—use the latter as an urban end point if you take out near school sports fields. Water level drives whether you can start right below Komulanköngäs or should put in lower along the river: the same source(2) warns that at low water many rapids become marginal or impassable, while high water opens the classic “koskenlasku” style start advertised on Ukkohalla(1). Scout awkward lines on foot where trees cross the channel or where Louhenkoski and other drops need a portage—the route description(2) names several carry options beside the worst features. Hyrynsalmi municipality’s route guide(3) points visitors to regional outdoor maps rather than listing this river line separately, so treat operational detail as coming from paddling sources and local businesses. If you combine paddling with fishing, Kalalla Kainuussa’s River Lietejoki article(4) explains that Lietejoki lure permits are separate from Syväjoki eco-fishing rules, with season windows and licence sellers stated there—check current prices and shops before you fish from the boat.

This is a compact lake loop of about 3.7 km on the Vuokatti–Sotkamo shoreline, aimed at paddling or stand-up paddling out to Vihtamolampi and back through quiet water. The Vuokatti travel area publishes it in the regional canoeing catalogue as a medium outing of roughly one hour and fifteen minutes, suitable for kayak, canoe, or SUP when the surface is calm(1). The City of Sotkamo’s outdoor map pages help you place the Tenetin–Vuokatti shore in the wider lake network and road access(2). A Kainuu regional water-tourism project has also packaged shorter SUP and kayak loops next to the long Kainuu Tar stages, which is why routes like this sit alongside the big multi-day legs in the same story(3). On the water, the line starts from the Tenetin beach and pier area: Tenetin uimaranta- ja laituri is the natural put-in beside the swimming shore, with Tenetin Grillipaikka steps away if you want a fire or a snack after you land. The loop threads forest-lined banks toward Vihtamolampi, a small lake cupped in woodland rather than open wind fetch—pleasant for first open-water sessions when you stay close to shore. Vuokatti’s general canoeing guidance still applies: watch for breeze on any wider cross, give way to motor craft, and keep a buoyancy aid and spare clothes in a dry pack(1). Arctic Lakeland frames Sotkamo inside the longer tar-route water-hiking narrative—useful context if you are stitching this outing onto Nuasjärvi days or Kainuu Tar segments(4). Vuokatti Ski Service at Holiday Club Katinkulta keeps summer SUP boards and a small kayak fleet; check current season and hours before you count on a same-day rental(5).

Eskonsaaren melontareitti is a short, barrier-free paddle on Pirttijärvi next to Sotkamo town centre in Kainuu. The route is about 4 km as a loop from the harbour, designed around accessible landings and a rest island. The Vuokatti area paddling pages list it as a moderate-difficulty, fully accessible water route and suggest about one hour on the water for the full circuit, with the same wind, motor traffic, and safety guidance that applies across Sotkamo–Vuokatti waters(1). Yle's field visit with wheelchair and low-vision testers highlighted Eskonsaari as a deliberately short crossing—about two kilometres out to the island—so paddlers who need to change position or land early can stay close to shore(2). Arctic Lakeland gathers accessibility descriptions for Kainuu outdoor products in one place, which helps match routes to your own needs(3). You typically launch from Sotkamon venesatama: the floating accessible kayak dock sits beside the marina apron, with pay-free harbour parking a short roll on wide, firm surfaces. Within the first few hundred metres you pass Hiukan uimaranta and the sports and beach area—useful if your group combines swimming or spectating with the paddle. Hirvenniemen tankkauslaituri offers fuel for motor craft mid-lake if you are travelling as a mixed fleet. The main destination is Eskonsaari: an accessible landing, barrier-free lean-to and fire ring, partly barrier-free dry toilet, and paths on the island were developed as part of regional accessibility projects(2). The same development context is why information is coordinated through regional tourism and education partners rather than scattered notices(2)(3). After a break you complete the loop back toward the harbour; Salmelan veneranta and the town shore sit along Pirttijärvi’s eastern bays if you want a different visual line on the return leg. Longer paddles such as Kiantajärven laineille meloen start from the same harbour cluster if you want to extend the day on Kiantajärvi after this warm-up loop. Kayak and SUP hire for the wider area is available seasonally through Vuokatti Ski Service at Holiday Club Katinkulta—phone booking is typical in peak weeks(1).

Paddling the waves of Kiantajärvi is a point-to-point lake crossing of about 12 km on one of Sotkamo’s large open basins south of the main Sapsojärvi chain, with views toward Vuokatti’s forested fells from the wider water(1). The Vuokatti travel area classifies it as a medium outing of roughly four hours—suited to kayak, canoe, or SUP when wind and waves stay manageable(1). The City of Sotkamo publishes summer outdoor PDFs for Vuokatti–Sotkamo and links the wider regional route catalogue—useful if you are stitching this leg into longer Kainuu paddling(2). Arctic Lakeland situates the same lake district inside the long Kainuu Tar water-hiking story between Kuhmo, Sotkamo, and Kajaani(3). Kalalla Kainuussa outlines how Sapsojärvi and Kiantajärvi form paired open-water bodies with sandy Hiukka shores nearby and resting spots on the islands—helpful context for reading the shoreline as you paddle(5). You normally launch from central Sotkamo’s marina quarter on Pirttijärvi: Sotkamo Marina sits beside guest berths, Sotkamon venesataman esteetön melontalaituri is a floating accessible dock for kayaks and canoes, and Sotkamon venesatama parkkipaikka or Huovisen Konstan parkkipaikka cover parking within a short walk of the water. Past Hirvenniemen tankkauslaituri you cross toward Kuolasalmi, where the Kuolasalmen rantautumispaikka offers a landing in the strait that separates Kiantajärvi from Sapsojärvi—expect a bit more motor traffic and bridge clearance near the Kuolaniemi crossing. Mid-lake paddling is open and wind-exposed; in stronger breezes it is wise to favour lee shores and shorter hops. The western shore’s Juurikkalahti village side is a natural halfway landmark before you arc toward the southern end of the lake. The route finishes at Juurikkalahden laituri and Juurikkalahden veneluiska with Juurikkalahden parkkiapaikka beside Nurmestie; Kiantajärven rannalla Laavu and Hyyvös kotaa sit a little inland from the shore for a fire or a longer break, while Hiukan kota and Hiukan uimaranta back near the town beach remain options if you return by road. Summer kayak and SUP hire is available from Vuokatti Ski Service at Holiday Club Katinkulta—the same operator the regional canoeing pages point to for on-water gear(4). Ask your accommodation as well; lakeside lodgings sometimes keep small craft for guests(1). On shore, Hiukan valaistu kuntorata and the Hiukanharju Nature and Culture Trail pass the marina beach if you want to pair paddling with a short run or walk.

This route is about 12.8 km of one-way lake paddling from Sotkamo town centre on Pirttijärvi, across the Nuasjärvi basin, to the Sapsoperä shore at the eastern end of the Sapso lakes. Vuokatti’s harbour-to-Sapsoperä paddling route is described as a medium-difficulty day trip of roughly four hours and about 13 km for paddlers who are comfortable on open water(1). Start from the municipal marina and the accessible canoe jetty on the town waterfront—Vuokatti’s canoeing pages present the harbour as a natural base for canoe and kayak trips(2). After a short stretch on Pirttijärvi you enter wider Nuasjärvi water; Rimpilänsalmi links Nuasjärvi to the Rehja basin toward Kajaani, so wind and motor traffic on longer fetches deserve respect(3). Along the northern shore near the centre, the Hiukka recreation shore clusters a sandy beach, sports fields, a kota, and other services within a few minutes’ paddle from the water—easy to combine with a swim or a break before you commit to the longer crossing toward Sapsoperä. Nearer mid-route, Rankan monttu sits inland from the shore. At Sapsoperä, dedicated parking, a swimming spot, and a grill area sit close together for a natural finish or a shuttle pickup. The same harbour area connects to other Vuokatti–Sotkamo paddling options and to longer Kainuu water trekking such as the Kainuu Tar Route stages that pass through Sotkamo(3). If you are combining land and water, the cycling route Kirjailijan kannoilla - kulttuuripyöräily also touches the marina zone—worth noting when planning a mixed day.

For Nuasjärvi paddling hubs, route PDFs, and the Melo Kajaanissa brochure, start with the City of Kajaani’s paddling routes overview(1). The Pukkisaari loop is a short lake tour on Nuasjärvi in Kainuu: it is about 4.2 km as one full circuit from the Kuurna kayak dock, easygoing water for building confidence before longer hops. Visit Kajaani’s Rehjansaari paddling route page describes the same Kuurna shore—shared launch, free gravel parking, and how the longer classic toward Rehjansaari passes through the narrow Pukkisaari channel—so it is the best tourism entry for safety framing on Rehjanselkä wind, motorboat traffic, and respecting private shorelines(2). From Kuurna melontalaituri you quickly reach the Petäisenniska shore: a small marina, boat ramp, and a public campfire spot sit within the first few hundred metres—handy for rigging boats or a snack before you commit to open water. The itinerary also passes Pyörteen tila / Rehjansaari; that farmstead anchors local services and sheep-grazing stewardship on Rehjansaari when you extend toward the big island. The ring itself is about sightseeing on the water: paddle around Linnasaari (castle islet) first, then follow Pukkisaari’s outer shore. A regional tour listing notes shallow rocky patches—especially southeast of Linnasaari and in the narrow cut between Pukkisaari’s islets—where a sheltered inner pool opens up and rewards a slower line for photos(4). Keep a polite distance from summer cottages along the south shore. Kajaanin Latu operates the Kuurna boathouse, runs courses and Tuesday-evening group paddles in season, and lists local kayak and SUP renters—worth checking if you need gear or a coached first outing(3). When you are ready to extend the day, the same beachhead connects naturally to Kuurna–Kuluntalahti paddling, the full Rehjansaaren Melontareitti toward beaches and lean-tos, or stages of Kainuun tervareitti toward Kesäniemi—without committing to those distances on this short lap.

Jämäski kayaking route is a demanding day line on the Pajakkajoki river and through to the eastern bay of Lake Ontojärvi, about 11.8 km as mapped from downtown Kuhmo to the Jämäski boat ramp. Visit Kuhmo describes it as a run for paddlers who are comfortable on moving water: the river leaves Maakunnanranta with lively flow and alternating rapids and calmer pools, then passes Pajakkakoski, Akonkoski, Pyssyniva, and Saarikoski before opening onto Ontojärvi toward Jämäslahti(1). Rapids on Pajakka and Akonkoski are classed I–II with relatively straight lines, but difficulty shifts with water level and the route is not aimed at first-time whitewater paddlers(1). Allow roughly three hours on the water for the full distance(1). For a paper copy of the line, use the printable paddling map from Visit Kuhmo(2). The Visit Kuhmo kayaking routes page lists this route beside other lake and river circuits and links printable route PDFs in one place(3). In town, the line clusters service around the Ruukinranta shore: Maakunnanranta Kuhmo and Maakunnanranta Kuhmo parkkipaikka give a simple car-boat-handling setup at the river mouth, with Ruukinrannan uimaranta and winter swimming spot, Juminkeko – Kalevala informaatiokeskus, and Kuhmo talo within a short walk if you want culture before or after the paddle. Downstream of the centre, Pajakkasuvannon melontalaituri sits right on the mapped line—about two-thirds of a kilometre from a typical Maakunnanranta start—while Tuupalan talomuseo and Tuupalan koulut mark the historic Tuupala bank. Pajakkakoski parkkipaikka and Pajakkakosken vetomöljä bracket the first major rapid; official rest infrastructure includes the laavu at the Pajakkakoski pool and rest spots partway along Akonkoski and Saarikoski on the south bank, though Visit Kuhmo notes those mid-rapid stops are awkward to reach while still in the boat(1). Farther along, Suvanto marks a quieter pool before Akonkoski, and the run finishes at Jämäksen parkkipaikka beside Jämäksen veneranta ja veneenlaskuluiska for take-out and trailer access. The shorter Saunajärvi water touring route shares the same downtown launches and the Pajakkasuvannon melontalaituri, so you can compare day-trip options on Visit Kuhmo before committing to this longer, more technical river section. Retkipaikka’s long-form portrait of Kuhmo paddling—written from years of local boating—captures how varied Kainuu’s lake-and-river network feels even when you stay inside the municipality(4). If you plan to fish as well as paddle on state waters around Kuhmo, check permit packages on Eräluvat(5).

This is a roughly 16.4 km point-to-point paddle through the Sotkamo–Vuokatti lake maze, from Sotkamo town harbour on Pirttijärvi to the Katinkulta holiday area on Jäätiönlahti at the east end of Nuasjärvi. The Vuokatti paddling hub lists the route as moderate, suggests about three hours twenty minutes on the water for the full line, and publishes wind, motor-traffic, and safety guidance for these waters(1). The same water corridor appears as the opening of Kainuu’s long-distance Tervareitti paddling network: the Sotkamo–Kajaani stage follows Tenetinvirta onto large Nuasjärvi toward Vuokatti’s ridge scenery(3). You put in at the town marina cluster: Sotkamo Marina, the harbour car park, and the accessible floating kayak dock on Pirttijärvi are all at the start of the line. Within the first kilometre you pass Hiukan’s sports and beach belt; Eskonsaari has an accessible lean-to and rest spot with a dedicated accessible paddling dock if you want a very early break. Hirvenniemen fuel dock is a practical service stop before the channel work begins. The line then threads toward Tenetinvirta—the lively strait that links Pirttijärvi–Kaitainsalmi with Nuasjärvi. Along that channel you pass Tenetin school and recreation beaches, the Tenetinvirta small-craft harbour under the railway bridge, Härkökiven boat ramp, and Tikkalansalmi’s accessible paddling dock—useful if you need to stretch or adjust kit before the open-lake legs. Naapurinvaara holiday village on Mujethoulu’s north shore is a common alternative finish at about 10.5 km, with a glass kota, resort pier, and services; continuing paddlers cross toward Kaarreniemi, where a well-equipped lean-to sits on a Nuasjärvi promontory with bird-rich shallows. The approach to Katinkulta runs past Kultaranta swim and beach volleyball spots, then finishes among Katinkulta’s spa, bowling, and frisbee-golf facilities at the resort shore. Vuokatti Pysäköintipaikka offers parking near the Katinkulta end if you shuttle a car for a one-way trip. Equipment hire at the destination is handled in summer from Vuokatti Ski Service’s seasonal rental at Holiday Club Katinkulta (kayaks and SUP boards; advance booking by phone)(2). Canoes are also mentioned for Nuasjärvi shore accommodation partners—ask your lodging(1). The cycling route Kirjailijan kannoilla - kulttuuripyöräily shares the harbour area on land if your group splits between bikes and boats.

The Jäätiönlahti kayaking route is a lake loop of about 5.9 km on Nuasjärvi in the Vuokatti–Katinkulla area of Sotkamo, Kainuu. It circles the Jäätiönlahti bay and threads past the resort shore at Katinkulla, with views toward Vuokatinvaara and open water. Vuokatti publishes general paddling guidance for the destination, including safety reminders for wind-exposed lake sections and shared use with motorboats in summer(1). For equipment, Vuokatti Ski Service rents SUP boards and touring kayaks from its summer base at Holiday Club Katinkulta; booking and seasonal opening hours are listed on the rental page(2). Along the line, the main on-water break is Jäätiönlammen laavu on a small forest pond linked to the bay—roughly two thirds of the way around the loop—a natural place to land for a snack and a fire when conditions allow. Katinkullan uimaranta sits on the Nuasjärvi shore near the route’s western side, handy if you want a swim after paddling. Land-side, the Katinkulla area combines maintained paths and services; Retkipaikka describes the nearby Jäätiö circular fitness route and how visitors often add a short detour on foot to Jäätiönlammen laavu from the same recreational cluster(3). If you want a shorter paddle to the same laavu, the parallel huts.fi line “Jäätiön laavulle sup-lautaillen tai meloen” covers about 2.7 km; longer Nuasjärvi options such as “Kultarantaan sup-laudalla tai meloen” or the Sotkamo–Katinkulla day route branch from the same water system. City of Sotkamo bundles summer and winter outdoor maps for the Vuokatti area, which help situate the bay relative to roads and trails(4).

Paddling through Sotkamo’s water maze is about 6 km of lake paddling from Sotkamo’s Pirttijärvi shoreline through tight bays and channels toward the Vuokatti side of the municipality. The Vuokatti travel area lists it as a medium outing of roughly two hours, suitable for kayak, canoe, or SUP on the same water network(1). The City of Sotkamo publishes summer outdoor PDFs and points paddlers to the regional route catalogue for the full Sotkamo–Vuokatti trail set(2). Arctic Lakeland situates Sotkamo in the longer Kainuu Tar water-hiking story—helpful background if you are stacking this short leg with multi-day stages on Nuasjärvi or toward Kajaani(3). You typically put in at Sotkamo Marina on Pirttijärvi, where an accessible floating launch sits beside guest berths; free parking sits a short walk from the dock. Within the first kilometre the route passes Hiukka’s sports and beach shore—Hiukan uimaranta and Hiukan kota are natural stretch stops if you want a swim or a break under the trees. Past Hirvenniemi, a small fuel dock marks the western lake traffic before the route threads toward Eskonsaari: there you can land at the accessible dock and use Eskonsaaren esteetön laavu ja taukopaikka for a fire or a picnic roughly midway. Closer to the village shore, Sotkamon tori and the Salmelan school shore feel busy from the water; Salmelan parkkipaikka and Salmelan veneranta offer alternative access if someone meets you by car. The route finishes near Makkosenmäen veneluiska and Makkosenmäen veneranta—practical landing and haul-out spots on the Vuokatti–Sotkamo shore with a swim beach steps away. Vuokatti Ski Service rents summer SUP boards and a small fleet of kayaks from the holiday area—worth checking if you arrive without a boat(4). Sotkamo-lehti has profiled local paddling instruction for beginners thinking about their first open-water strokes in Kainuu(5).

Stage 2 of the Kainuu Tar Route is the middle leg of the provincial paddling chain from Kuhmo town waters to Sotkamo, continuing the story that begins on Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 1: Änätti - Kuhmon keskusta. On our map the line is about 74.4 km as one continuous watercourse; Visit Kuhmo and Arctic Lakeland round the stage to roughly 75 km in their route copy(1)(2). The stage is described as demanding: you paddle easy rapids on the free-flowing Pajakkajoki, cross the broad basins of Ontojärvi and Kiimasjärvi, portage two hydropower plants on marked carry tracks, thread narrower lake chains toward Sotkamo, and finish at the town marina area—so solid open-water skills and loaded-boat handling matter when wind builds swell on the big lakes(1)(2). Official landing clusters line up with the narrative: after the river section, Ärjän saari offers a sandy-shore kota and fire ring for a first main camp night; farther along, Lehtosaaren laavu Kiimasjärvi marks a second overnight-style stop on Kiimasjärvi’s west end; Ontojoen Kurikkalahden Laavu and dry-toilet points support a rest day around the Ontojoki narrows; Kaitainsalmen veneenlaskupaikka bridges the strait that was once famous for salmon angling; and Eskonsaaren esteetön laavu ja taukopaikka plus the accessible paddling dock pair give a last services cluster before Sotkamo Marina and Sotkamon venesatama(1)(2). Maakunnanranta Kuhmo, Pajakkasuvannon melontalaituri, and Ruukinrannan parkkipaikka bracket the city start beside libraries and winter-war museum shore access, while Hirvenniemen tankkauslaituri and Sotkamo Marina close the line at the Sotkamo end. For planning depth and difficulty labels, lean on Visit Kuhmo’s stage page and Arctic Lakeland’s Kainuu overview—the same VEKE-era promotion that produced new canoe docks and printable brochures across the region(1)(2). Kalevala Camping lists hourly and daily kayak, canoe, and SUP hire from the town-side camping beach if you need a hull in Kuhmo before you launch(3). EräPiira publishes canoe and kayak rental terms through Wild Taiga and runs guided paddling programmes on regional lake and river routes—worth comparing if you want outfitter support rather than a bare boat(4).

Stage 1 of the Kainuu Tar Route is a long wilderness paddling journey from the Änätti headwaters to Kuhmo town centre in Kainuu. The route is about 70.8 km end to end and is rated demanding in regional listings: expect open lake crossings, sheltered narrows, easy rapids, and several portage tracks with rails or carts where tar boats were once hauled(1). Visit Kuhmo describes it as a multi-day trip with daily legs often in the 12–25 km range if you spread the stage over about four paddling days, mixing holiday-village accommodation, reservable or open wilderness huts, and lean-tos at official landings—or camping under everyman’s rights where rules allow(1). From the Sääskenniemi–Änättikoski start area you soon reach Lentiira village waters: services such as Lentiiran lomakylä, Taiga Spirit, and Käntinsalmi boat access sit within the first kilometres. Farther west, Rytäniemen laavu and Ränkänsaari offer a lean-to, campfire spots, a wilderness hut, and dry toilets on an island setting suited to a lunch stop or overnight. The Juttua–Lentua link crosses Huuhkajankannaksen vetotaival (Juttua-Lentua), a famous portage where boats were historically moved on rails; Retkipaikka’s long-form Kuhmo paddling article describes the “Kuhmo Riviera” sand beach at Vetotaipale and the same rail-and-cart portage culture along the old tar route(3). On Lentua, Lehtosaaren autiotupa, a lakeside sauna, and Selkäsaari lean-tos sit inside the Lentua reserve mosaic; overnighting in the protected area follows reserve rules summarised on Luontoon.fi(2). Near Lentuankoski you pass hire kota, landing docks, and the lower portage between Lentua and Lammasjärvi before the town end at Ruukinranta, Pajakkasuvanto, and Maakunnanranta, with several town harbours offering canoe-friendly landings. Shorter local loops such as Lentiiran melontareitti and Lentiirajärven halki meloen share shore facilities with this stage. The wider Kainuun tervareitti continues toward Sotkamo as Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 2: Kuhmo - Sotkamo when you want the next province-wide leg. Koe Kainuu offers FitNord inflatable tandem packrafts for hire in Kuhmo with pump, paddles, and buoyancy aids—about 40 € per day, 90 € for three days, or 140 € per week at the time the rental page was last updated(4). Other canoe and outfitter options around Lentiira and the centre are named in Retkipaikka’s regional round-up for visitors who prefer a different craft or a shuttle(3).

Stage 3 of the Kainuu Tar Route is a point-to-point paddling leg from Sotkamo’s harbour area to Kajaani’s Kesäniemi waterfront on Nuasjärvi and linked channels. The line on the map is about 36.1 km and is the final segment of the province-wide tar-era water trail that Arctic Lakeland presents as more than 180 km in total from Kuhmo’s headwaters through Sotkamo to Kajaani(1). For planning and project background on how the route was developed with Kuhmo, Sotkamo, and Kajaani, the City of Kajaani’s kayaking pages are a practical hub and link to the same regional materials(2). The western half of the stage is a maze of small lakes and narrows around Sotkamo and Vuokatti: you leave from Sotkamo Marina and pass accessible launches and beaches near Hiukan ranta before Tenetinvirta and the short river links toward open Nuasjärvi. Vuokatti’s outdoor pages list this stage as demanding, with an indicative moving time near eight hours for the full distance and a two-day split as the default pacing—experienced groups sometimes treat it as a single long day(4). That matches the idea of a long lake crossing with wind exposure rather than a sheltered pond loop. Once on Nuasjärvi, the view opens toward Vuokatti’s dune and fell skyline on the eastern shore and toward central Kajaani farther west(1). About two thirds of the way through the mapped distance you reach Rehjansaari, where maintained landings, lean-tos, campfire spots, and camping under everyman’s rights make the island a natural overnight or lunch stop; Visit Kajaani describes services, firewood boxes, and recent upgrades to docks and shelters(3). Rehjanselkä and other open fetches on Nuasjärvi can kick up wind waves—Visit Kajaani and Vuokatti both stress life jackets, paddling within your skills, and often staying closer to shore on big water(3)(4). The approach to Kajaani follows Petäisenniska and Kuurna toward Kesäniemen melontalaituri and the city beach zone, where shorter local loops such as Tori/Kesäniemi melontareitti connect for extra paddling if you have time. Operators near Kuurna advertise kayak hire and island shuttles on Visit Kajaani’s Rehjansaari page for visitors who want support rather than a fully self-supported trip(3). Shorter overlapping routes such as Meloen satamasta Sapsoperälle and Sotkamon sokkeloissa meloen share the same busy harbour beaches at the Sotkamo end if you want a warm-up before committing to the full stage.

This route is the classic Kuhmo wilderness circuit linking Lake Lentua, Lake Juttua, and Lake Iivantiira with rail-and-cart portages and short river sections—about 50.4 km on our map line, matching regional listings that round to roughly 50 km(1). Visit Kuhmo promotes it as a medium-challenging trip with an indicative moving time near 10.5 hours in ideal conditions; most groups treat it as a multi-day journey(1). The northern Lentua archipelago combines rocky islets, esker sand, and sheltered channels inside the Lentua nature-reserve mosaic; Metsähallitus summarises camping, landing, and reserve rules on Luontoon.fi(2). From Kotasaari and Vetotaipale in the north you reach the famous Huuhkajankannaksen vetotaival between Juttua and Lentua—rails and carts built for historic tar-boat haulage that Retkipaikka’s long-form Kuhmo paddling piece ties to 1800s freight traffic(3). Farther along the chain, Ukonsaari offers a lean-to stop before the Nivan virrat–Vuonteenkoski run where short current sections connect Iivantiira toward Lentua; the Vuonteenkoski and Nivan virrat page describes Isovirta and Pienivirta as fast narrows rather than full whitewater, with Vuonteenkoski downstream as the main rapid, and notes separate permit zones for anglers(5). Regional copy recommends scouting currents and using marked portages where provided—Kaarneenkoski is often cited as the carry to favour when in doubt(1). Around kilometre 39 on our line, Lehtosaaren autiotupa, a lakeside sauna, and nearby fireplaces form the best-known overnight cluster on Lentua; Koe Kainuu’s Lentua article highlights the same island as a flagship stop for canoe travellers(4). The trip finishes toward Lentuan parkkipaikka at the southern Lentua road access. The same water network plugs into Lentuan järvimelontareitti for shorter lake days, Kalliojoen vesiretkeilyreitti up the Kalliojoki chain, and the long Kainuun tervareitti stages toward Änätti or Sotkamo when you want a province-wide expedition. For the latest operational notes on the waterway and reserve strips, combine the Visit Kuhmo route page with Luontoon.fi reserve guidance(1)(2).

The Jongunjoki River paddling route is a long wilderness river trip in eastern Finland: on our map it runs about 63 km as one line from Jonkerinjärvi in Kuhmo to Nurmijärvi on the Lieksa side, where it meets the Lieksanjoki waterway. Visit Kuhmo describes Jongunjoki as a former log-driving river left in a near-natural state, popular with paddlers, with lively rapids in the upper reach and gentler meanders and short lake links farther down(1). Metsähallitus lists the same route on Luontoon.fi as the national paddling entry for planning and maps(2). The upper Jonkeri–Aittokoski section is the fastest-paced part of the river: promotional copy counts dozens of rapids and fast current stretches concentrated there, while the first kilometres from Jonkerinjärvi still include short lake hops near Jonkerinsalo(1). On land, Jonkerinsalo connects to hiking trails such as Jonkerinsalon polku and Petranpolku around Hiidenportti gorge and Kangasjärvi—worth combining if your group splits between paddling and walking. After Aittokoski the river settles into a sandy, meandering channel; the approach to Nurmijärvi village adds smaller rapids that families sometimes portage on foot when they prefer calm water(3). Along the waterline, services are sparse: maintained rest spots, lean-tos, and two wilderness huts line the route rather than villages(1). From the put-in cluster near Jonkerinjärvi and Jonkerin parkkipaikka, you soon pass Kangasjärvi lean-to and parking at Kangasvaara, then Siltakoski and the Hiidenportinkoski facilities. Farther downstream, Teljo and Otrosjoki group a campfire site, dry toilet, sauna, and Otrosjoen autiotupa for an overnight. Mid-river highlights include Viharinkosken laavu and Jongunjoen laavu; Valamanjoen autiotupa sits on a tributary paddle for those who want a side trip. Pälvekosken laavu, Kellovirran laavu, and the Nurmijärvi landing and lean-to mark the run-out toward Lieksanjoki. Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) and Karhunpolku (maastopyöräilyreitti) share several of these same shore sites if you want to mix hiking or biking with paddling(1)(3). For current conditions, scouting notes, and the extended option to continue from Nurmijärvi along Lieksanjoki toward larger lakes, start from Visit Kuhmo and Luontoon.fi(1)(2). Retkipaikka’s summer trip write-up adds practical notes on low-water travel, optional Valamanjoki side trips, and family-friendly pacing on the lower river(3). Koe Kainuu rents inflatable tandem packrafts in Kuhmo with pump, paddles, and buoyancy aids—useful if you are staging shuttles from town(4). Check Eräluvat for Metsähallitus fishing permits on state waters in the Kuhmo area when you fish from the canoe(5).

Lentiirajärven halki meloen is a day-scale lake paddle through northern Kuhmo’s best-known wilderness village, Lentiira, on fish-rich Lentiirajärvi. Visit Kuhmo publishes a printable route map and lists the line among the city’s suggested canoeing and kayaking options(1). The mapped line is about 11.9 km as a point-to-point crossing of the lake—Outdoors Kainuu’s regional route sheet rounds the moving time to about four hours and rates the outing as moderate overall, with short open-water stretches where wind can build chop(2). Lentiirajärvi is a two-basin lake: the northern lobe runs roughly north–south for about 10 km and the southern lobe about 8 km on a different axis, with Lentiira village and Käntinsalmi between them(2). The described line starts from parking on Lentiirantie where the road meets the shore: from Laajanlahti you paddle across Sääskenselkä, Vehmasselkä, and Aittoselkä, pass under the Käntinsalmi road bridge, and finish toward Lentiiran lomakylä’s beach—an alternative finish is the Käntinsalmi boat harbour on the south side of the strait for a shorter day of roughly 10 km(2). The same landing at Käntinsalmen veneranta ja veneenlaskupaikka is the only official pull-out called out along the shore; elsewhere landings follow everyman’s rights and you should avoid private yards and gardens(2). Before the bridge, the east shore is a good line to follow; after the bridge you can work along the north shore toward Petäjäniemi and the holiday village. The lake is relatively narrow with islands and points, so it suits confident beginners and family groups in fair summer weather, though you should still plan for wind and occasional motorboat traffic(2). Along our mapped stops you pass Taiga Spirit’s yard mid-lake, the Käntinsalmi launches and parking on both sides of the strait, a sports field and fishing access near the village shore, and finally Lentiiran lomakylä at the southern end—natural places to stage food, sauna, or a night's stay. Retkipaikka’s long Kuhmo paddling round-up recommends combining Lentiira with the wider tar-route story: the author’s five-day Lentiira–Lentua journey starts from the same village waters and names Lentiiran lomakylä among the places to rent a canoe and arrange shuttles for multi-day logistics(3). The north end at Laajanlahden pohjukka is also noted as an optional start for the Kainuu Tar Route if you want to avoid lining or lining-related uncertainty at Änättikoski—those rapids are described as runnable only at high water in the same regional materials(2). The shorter Lentiiran melontareitti shares Käntinsalmi landings with this line when you want a lower-mileage loop closer to services.

Lentiiran melontareitti is a compact lake loop on Lentiirajärvi in northern Kuhmo, about 8 km end to end as mapped. Visit Kuhmo lists it among the city’s downloadable paddling maps and publishes a printable PDF that matches this line(1). The loop suits a half-day outing on sheltered bays and longer lake arms; keep an eye on wind on open water, as the lake is narrow but still has exposed fetches. The Visit Kuhmo paddling and SUP page gathers rental operators and notes the new recreation and canoe dock at Käntinsalmi in Lentiira, which lines up with the main road access and parking beside the water(2). In village terms the route is organised in two clusters. Mid-loop, roughly 4.4 km along the shore from a typical Käntinsalmi start, you pass Lentiiran lomakylä—handy if you want cabin accommodation or to stage a rental boat before setting out. Completing the loop brings you back to the Käntinsalmi shore, where Käntinsalmen veneranta ja veneenlaskupaikka, Käntinsalmen parkkipaikka, Piirakkapuoti, Taiga Spirit, Lentiiran palloilualue, and Lentiirajärvi kalastuspaikka sit within a short walk of each other: launch, parking, café, B&B-style hosting, a ball field, and a marked fishing spot on one busy corner of the lake. The same landing is on the path of Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 1: Änätti - Kuhmon keskusta, so you can treat this loop as a rest day or skills warm-up before joining the long tar-boat touring stage. A different line across the same water, Lentiirajärven halki meloen, is published separately for paddlers who want a point-to-point crossing rather than a shore-hugging ring. Retkipaikka’s long-form story on Kuhmo paddling describes multi-day Lentiira–Lentua journeys and the tar-route culture of the wider water network—useful background even for this short circuit(3). For lure or extra-rod fishing on state waters around Kuhmo, check permit packages on Eräluvat(4).

Visit Kuhmo lists difficulty, distance, and a printable map for this Harakkasaari loop(1). The route is a short, easy lake paddle on Lammasjärvi beside the Kalevala recreation area near Kuhmo—about 3.4 km as one round trip on calm water for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaks, or canoes(1). Harakkasaari is a small harju island a few kilometres from the centre of Kuhmo. In high water it is a true island; when the level drops, a shallow isthmus can emerge between the island and the mainland, so access on foot or by wading is sometimes possible in summer, while in winter people often reach the island over ice(1). That makes the place interesting for families as well as paddlers. A practical put-in for this loop is Kalevankankaan vierasvenelaituri by the shore trail network. On the island you will find Harakkasaaren laavu, a northern campfire site, and dry toilets near the landing area—good stops for a break or a picnic. Koe Kainuu describes a large sandy bay on the north side as a popular landing beach and notes a newer campfire spot built in 2021; check forest-fire warnings before lighting a fire(2). The island was added to the Lentua nature reserve in 2020 and is part of the Friendship Park (Ystävyyden puisto) network managed for forest reindeer habitat(2). For wildlife rules, seasonal restrictions, and the latest conditions, rely on Metsähallitus and general Lammasjärvi guidance rather than informal posts alone(1). On land, Kuhmon luontokeskus Petola is only about a kilometre away and can help with wider nature questions in the area(2). Longer paddling networks such as Saunajärven vesiretkeilyreitti pass through the same lake system if you want to extend a trip after this short loop. Kuhmo is in Kainuu. For equipment and longer trip ideas, see Visit Kuhmo’s paddling overview and the rental operators linked below(3)(4)(5).

The Leskensaari loop is a short urban lake circuit on Lammasjärvi in Kuhmo, aimed at paddlers who want a calm introduction to the town’s waterfront without committing to a wilderness stage. The line is about 5.1 km as a loop and stays on sheltered lake water suited to kayak, canoe, or SUP. Visit Kuhmo publishes a printable PDF map for this route and lists it among the municipality’s downloadable paddling sheets, which is the best place to confirm the latest map and any seasonal notes(1). A natural start and finish is Maakunnanranta on the town shore: the site has served boat traffic since the tar era, and Visit Kuhmo’s waterfront article still points out the Tervansoutaja memorial, guest berths, a concrete boat ramp, and family-friendly shore space near the centre—practical staging when you unload boats and walk to services(2). From the water you look across Lammasjärvi toward the church ridge, local industry silhouettes, and the mix of wooded islands and small bays that Retkipaikka’s long Kuhmo paddling story celebrates as part of the region’s “Riviera” of sand beaches and island stops on bigger lakes—here the scale is compact, but the same lake-focused mindset applies(3). Along the loop, the line passes the Pajakka–Tuupala shore where a dedicated canoe dock and museum cluster sit close to the route, then swings toward Ruukinranta where the town beach, winter-swimming point, and Kuhmo-talo culture centre face the water—useful landmarks if you time a coffee or swim break. The first stage of the Kainuu Tar Route paddles into this same town harbour network after long wilderness legs; if you are planning a multi-day tar-route trip, this loop is an easy skills warm-up on shared water(1). Koe Kainuu rents inflatable tandem packrafts in Kuhmo with pump, paddles, and buoyancy aids from a base a few minutes from the centre(4). The same tourism site’s paddling and SUP activity page names additional local outfitters for kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards when you prefer a different craft or a guided day(5).

The Rehjansaari/Kuluntalahti kayaking route is about 9.1 km on Nuasjärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu, as one line on the map. It is a point-to-point paddle that links the Kuurna paddling shore and Rehjansaari with Kuluntalahti at the north end of Rehjanselkä—useful if you want to finish by a marina, boat ramp, and roadside parking rather than returning to Kuurna. Visit Kajaani's Rehjansaaren melontareitti page describes the wider Nuasjärvi paddling picture from Kuurna via Pukkisaari and Purnuniemi toward Rehjansaari, including safety on wind-exposed open water(1). Visit Kajaani's Rehjansaari page covers island services: free tent camping under everyman's rights, shared fireplaces with firewood from marked sheds, kota-style lean-tos, cooking shelters, jetties, and rental cottages operated by Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi for part of the buildings(2). The City of Kajaani lists Nuasjärvi paddling routes and downloadable brochures, including a PDF map of the Rehjansaaren melontareitti(3)(4). After the crossing toward Rehjansaari, the line passes the cluster of Rehjansaaren laituri, Kummelin Tulipaikka, Rehjansaari - veneenlaskupaikka, Rehjansaari Camping, Rehjansaaren laavu, Rehjansaaren laavun laituri, Rehjansaaren uimaranta ja keittokatos, Kuuselan kotalaavu, Telkännokan puolikota, and Purnunniemen keittokatos—natural stops for a swim, meal, or shelter break. Most shores are rocky; the eastern swimming beach is sandier. Further north, Kuluntalahden venesatama and Kuluntalahden veneluiska sit at the head of the bay, with Kuluntalahden parkkiapaikka for vehicles and shore access near Vuokatintie. Rehjanselkä is wind-sensitive and chop can build quickly; summer motorboat traffic is possible—give way, wear a life jacket, and favour paddling within reach of the shore(1). Paddle with a partner or group if you are new to the area, check wind forecasts, and pack spare clothes and a phone in a dry bag(1). From Rehjansaari, Visit Kajaani also notes you can plan longer extensions—for example toward Venäänniemi or Karankalahti on separate trips from the same lake(1). For a shorter direct Kuurna–Kuluntalahti link without touring the island, see Kuurna/Kuluntalahti melontareitti; for the classic Kuurna loop around the island, see Rehjansaaren Melontareitti. Kajaanin Latu runs courses and seasonal group paddles; check their Melonta page for contacts and fees(6). Kayak rental in Kajaani is available through Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi, including Pyörre Farm on Kuurnantie and other points listed on their rental page(2)(5).

The Kuurna–Kuluntalahti kayaking route is a short point-to-point paddle on Nuasjärvi in Kajaani. It runs about 3.7 km along Kuluntalahti bay from the Kuurna melontalaituri put-in toward the Petäisenniska shore, where the city’s large Petäisenniskan venesatama marina, a boat ramp, and a campfire spot sit close together. For planning any Nuasjärvi paddle, the City of Kajaani publishes route hubs and downloadable material on its Kajaanin melontareitit pages(1). The same site links to the Melo Kajaanissa brochure and Retkikartta.fi listings developed in the regional water-trail project. Local club Kajaanin Latu runs Meloja 1 beginner courses and Tuesday evening group paddles from Kuurnan melontatalli beside the Kuurna launch; details and sign-up are on Kajaanin Latu’s melonta pages(2). This segment stays on sheltered water inside Kuluntalahti rather than crossing wide open Rehjanselkä. Even so, Nuasjärvi can still kick up wind waves in stronger weather. Visit Kajaani’s Rehjansaaren melontareitti page—written for the classic Kuurna–Rehjansaari loop—notes that Rehjanselkä is wind-sensitive, summer motor traffic is possible, and paddlers should wear life jackets, respect private shorelines, and check the forecast before heading out(3). Those habits apply here too. From Kuurna melontalaituri you follow the shoreline west. Near the start, Petäisenniskan venesatama offers a full-service marina (mooring, slipways, septic pump-out, sorted waste, drinking water and toilets as listed on the City of Kajaani’s marina pages(4). Petäisenniska Boat Ramp and Petäisenniska fire place sit beside the same built-up shore—handy for a break, a shore lunch, or rigging boats. The long-distance Tervantien retkipyöräily Lentiirasta Kajaaniin bike route passes the Kuurna area on land, which is useful if you combine human-powered travel in Kainuu. Need a boat? Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi rents single and tandem kayaks in Kajaani with published rates on its välinevuokraus page(5). Kajaanin Latu also lists other local outfitters on its melonta page(2).

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(1); 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(2), 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.

The Rehjansaari/Venäänniemi kayaking route is about 7.1 km as a loop on Nuasjärvi near Kajaani in Kainuu. It starts from the Venäänniemi paddling launch on Rehjanselkä, circles Rehjansaari, and returns to the same bay—shorter than the Kuurna-based Rehjansaaren melontareitti because you begin south of the island. For island services, camping etiquette, firewood, kota-style lean-tos, and rental cottages, Visit Kajaani's Rehjansaari page is the clearest overview(1). The City of Kajaani lists Nuasjärvi paddling options and hosts downloadable brochures and PDF maps for the wider area(2). Visit Kajaani's Rehjansaaren melontareitti page describes how paddlers link Venäänniemi, Kuluntalahti, and Karankalahti on separate trips from the same lake system(3). From Venäänniemen melonnan lähtöpaikka, follow the shoreline toward Rehjansaari; the crossing to the island is short, so you avoid long open-water crossings compared with starting farther north(4). Once on the island, the line runs past Kuuselan kotalaavu and Telkännokan puolikota, then Rehjansaaren uimaranta ja keittokatos, Rehjansaaren laavu and Rehjansaaren laavun laituri, Rehjansaaren laituri, Kummelin Tulipaikka, Rehjansaari - veneenlaskupaikka and Rehjansaari Camping, and Purnunniemen keittokatos—good clusters for a swim, meal, or break. Most shores are rocky; the eastern beach is sandier. You can circle the island in either direction and land at several jetties(1)(3). Rehjanselkä is exposed to wind and chop can build quickly; summer motorboat traffic is possible—give way and stay in a life jacket near shore(1)(3). Paddle with a partner or group if you are new to the area, check wind forecasts, and pack spare clothes and a phone in a dry bag(1). From this launch you can also plan Venäänniemi/Karankalahti melontareitti or connect to the long Kainuun tervareitti stage toward Sotkamo. If you prefer the classic Kuurna start and a longer loop on the map, see Rehjansaaren Melontareitti. Kajaanin Latu runs courses and weekly evening paddles in season; check their Melonta page for schedules and fees(6). Kayak rental in Kajaani is available from operators linked on Visit pages and through Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi, including Pyörteen tila services on Rehjansaari(1)(5).

The Kalliojoki canoeing route is a long wilderness paddle in Kuhmo, in Kainuu, linking the upper Kalliojoki and Iso-Palonen area with Lake Lentua and onward water connections. On our map the water line is about 54.7 km point-to-point. Metsähallitus lists this outing as Kalliojoen vesiretkeilyreitti on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Kuhmo describes the classic Kalliojoki run—often quoted at about 33 km and roughly eight hours—as a chain of smaller rapids and lake pools from the Iso-Palonen nature reserve toward Lentua, with about 21 m of drop between those ends and easy summer rapids in between(2). The same regional pages note how little settlement you pass: mainly Kauronkylä and the Kattilakoski area, with the rest feeling like uninterrupted backcountry(2). Jouni Laaksonen’s Retkipaikka roundup of Kuhmo paddling singles out Kalliojoki among the municipality’s river routes as a stand-out line for canoeists exploring Kainuu(3). Along the mapped route you can break at Lentuankoski and the Lentua shore services: Lentua veneluiska and Lentua P-paikka for access, Välisuvanto laavu and Lentua vuokrakota near the start of the line, and the Lentuankosken vetotaival (Lentua–Lammasjärvi) carry beside the main rapid—use the same shore cluster as Lentuankosken esteetön reitti and Lentuan koskipolku if you are combining with short walking loops. After a few kilometres on open water, Selkäsaari laavu - Kuhmo offers a sheltered island stop. Around 8.5 km, Lehtosaaren autiotupa, Lehtosaari sauna, and Lehtosaari tulentekopaikka form a strong overnight cluster on Lehtosaari; Retkipaikka’s Lentua story highlights Lehtosaari’s sauna and the long sandy Vetotaipale beach a little further along the big lake—Vetotaival tulentekopaikka sits on that same busy shore section on our line. Mid-route, Sumsan vesillelaskupaikka is a secondary launch option; Kalastonkoski laavu marks a break near larger rapid pools. Nearer the northern end of the mapped line, Saunaniemi laavu Veräinen, Papinsalmi tulentekopaikka, Tammapuro laavu, and Oikunniemen laavu add more campfire and lean-to choices before Matokangas P-paikka and Iso-Palosen veneenlaskupaikka at the upper end. From Lentua, paddlers often continue toward the Sotkamo route or the Kainuu tar route (Tervareitti); Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 1: Änätti - Kuhmon keskusta shares water with this network near Lentua(2). If you fish the rapids and flowing sections, Eräluvat’s Kalliojoki licence area covers roughly 40 km of stream habitat with dozens of pools and specific lure-fishing rules—check permit needs before you cast(4).

Rehjansaaren Melontareitti is about 8.9 km as a loop on Nuasjärvi near Kajaani in Kainuu, circling Rehjansaari from the Kuurna paddling base. It is a well-known local day trip that also works for an overnight if you use the island’s lean-tos and campfire sites. For route description, safety on open water, parking at Kuurna, and links to the downloadable PDF map, Visit Kajaani’s Rehjansaaren melontareitti page is the clearest official overview(1). The City of Kajaani lists the same route among Kajaani paddling options and hosts the printable A4 map(2). Visit Kajaani’s Rehjansaari page adds detail on island services—free tent camping under everyman’s rights, firewood at wood sheds, two large kota-style lean-tos with dry toilets nearby, and recent upgrades to docks and cooking shelters(3). From Kuurna melontalaituri the line crosses the lake toward Pukkisaari and continues along the shore toward Purnuniemi and Rehjansaari; you can paddle the island either way and land at several jetties. Most beaches are rocky; the eastern side has a sandy swimming beach. Mid-loop, around 3.5–4.5 km from the start, you pass Kuuselan kotalaavu and Telkännokan puolikota, then Rehjansaaren uimaranta ja keittokatos, Rehjansaari Camping, Rehjansaaren laavu and its jetty, Rehjansaaren laituri, Kummelin Tulipaikka, and Purnunniemen keittokatos—good clusters for a break, swim, or meal. Nearer the finish, Petäisenniskan venesatama and the Petäisenniska boat ramp and fireplace sit close to the north shore before you close the loop at Kuurna melontalaituri. Rehjanselkä is exposed to wind and chop can build quickly; summer motorboat traffic is possible—give way and stay near shore in a life jacket(1). Paddle with a partner or group if you are new to the area, check wind forecasts, pack spare clothes and a phone in a dry bag(1). From Rehjansaari you can extend north toward Kuluntalahti or south toward Venäänniemi or Karankalahti on separate trips described on the same pages(1). The route shares its start with Pukkisaaren melontareitti Kuurnan tallilta and Kuurna/Kuluntalahti melontareitti, and lies on the long Kainuun tervareitti stage toward Sotkamo for multi-day planners. Kajaanin Latu runs courses and weekly evening paddles from Kuurna in season; contact them for schedules, skill requirements, and fees(4). Commercial kayak rental in Kajaani is also listed by local operators on their site(4).

This loop on Lake Oulujärvi ties together the Sahanranta paddling hub, the Honkinen island service cluster, and Pikku-Palonen—classic day-trip stops inside Finland’s only inland-water recreation area. For launch sites, the canoe hall, and what to expect on the big lake, City of Vaala’s paddling pages are the practical starting point(1). The Oulujärvi recreation area pages spell out island facilities: Honkinen, Kaarresalo, and Kuosto have landing docks, shelters or campfire sites with firewood, and dry toilets; Pikku-Palonen has a bookable hut and sauna plus a kayak dock(2). On our map the line is about 12.3 km as a closed loop on open lake water east of Vaala centre. You leave the busy Sahanranna shore near Sahanrannan vieraslaituri and Sahanrannan uimapaikka, cross wide selkä water toward Honkinen, and return toward Uiton sataman vieraslaituri and Uiton avantouintipaikka—so the day mixes urban-edge launching with island landings on Metsähallitus-managed recreation shoreline(2). Around the Honkinen cluster you can tie up at Honkinen laituri, use Honkisen retkisatama, and take a longer break at Honkisen kota Vaala or the Honkinen kota and nearby campfire spot; dry toilets are available in the same cluster. Pikku-Palonen is a natural pause for groups who reserve the island sauna and hut. Retkipaikka’s long-form Manamansalo guide captures how vast and exposed Oulujärvi can feel—worth reading for the “Kainuu sea” atmosphere even though that article follows hiking trails on Manamansalo rather than this kayak line(4). On water, plan for wind and fetch: the lake is Finland’s fourth largest by area and open bays can build chop quickly. From Uiton harbour the Kauvonsaaren lenkki kayaking circle continues on our site if you want another short Vaala loop; the Vaala–Rokua hiking trail passes near the Ahmala parking area inland from the same shore. Oulujärven Melojat ry runs courses, trips, and the canoe hall cooperation at Vaala Sahanranta—contact them for coaching or club storage rather than expecting an unannounced rental at the dock(3).

The Yli-Vuokki paddling route is about 22.7 km point-to-point on our map through the Yli-Vuokki recreation fishing and outdoor area in Suomussalmi, in the eastern part of Kainuu near the national border. It strings together lake basins and shorter river and rapid sections typical of this chain, with campfire sites and lean-tos along the shore. Visit Suomussalmi publishes put-in guidance and rounds the trip to about 20 km of waterway following the recreation fishing area(1). The same destination pages describe popular rapid pools—Louhenkoski, Palokoski, Paasonkoski, and Saapaskoski—with campfire spots and lean-tos beside the pools, and note that the put-in for this line is at the south end of Alanteenjärvi below Kivijärvenkoski(2). From the water you pass the Paasonkoski and Palokoski fireplace clusters around the mid-route (about 11 km from the mapped start), then the Siikaniva fireplace area nearer 17.5 km—where the route meets the Eastern Border hiking route and walkers using that long trail may appear on shore. Further on, Louhenjoki laavu and Louhenkosken laavu - Yli-Vuokki offer sheltered breaks before Tammikosken laavu and the Kivijärvenkoskien tulentekopaikka at the downstream end of the line. A detailed independent trip write-up from the Murhinsalo area quotes Eerikki Rundgren’s Retkimelonta guidebook describing this Yli-Vuokki circuit as a compact lake-and-rapid combination with a boat launch at Alanteenjärvi and overall moderate difficulty, with options to continue toward Siikakoski or toward Suomussalmi depending on water levels and skill(4). Retkipaikka’s wider Yli-Vuokki article adds context: the area sits on the Eastern Border hiking route and the historic Viena corridor, with quiet forest-and-mire scenery and rental cabins on the lake chain for longer stays(3). Plan for carrying or lining the canoe or kayak at some of the short rapid links when water is low; conditions change with season and flow. If you fish from the bank or from the boat in the rapid pools, those same destination pages summarise permit area 5505 and seasonal rules for grayling and trout(2). Respect the border zone east of the main lakes: stay on the Finnish side and follow current Border Guard guidance for any plan that approaches restricted strips.

Kesäniemi/Kuurna melontareitti is a very short point-to-point paddle on Kajaaninjoki in Kajaani: about 1.2 km from the Kesäniemi beach and kayak dock area to the Kuurna kayak landing. It is an easy urban river section for anyone who wants to move between two of the city’s main paddling access points without a car shuttle on the waterway. For how this line sits in Kajaani’s wider paddling materials, printable Melo Kajaanissa brochures, and links to Retkikartta.fi, start with City of Kajaani’s paddling pages(1). Visit Kajaani’s Kajaaninjoki page describes the clear water, historic tar canal and castle ruins, and the Renfors shore corridor with services you see from the river—marina, outdoor gym, cold-water dipping centre, and Höyrylaiva Kouta’s home berth(3). Put in at Kesäniemen melontalaituri beside Kesäniemen uimaranta - Kajaani; City of Kajaani’s swimming beaches pages describe parking east of the sand and rules for the supervised beach zone(2), and Visit Kajaani’s Kesäniemi beach page summarises visitor access and facilities(4). Within the first few strokes you pass Kajaanin kylmäkaraisukeskus and the beach volleyball and swimming area on the Renfors bank. Around Kätönlahden venesatama the river bends toward open water views of Pyörteen tila / Rehjansaari on the opposite shore—a natural continuation toward longer Rehjansaari or Kuluntalahti circuits described on the same official pages(1)(4). Further along, Petäisenniskan venesatama and Petäisenniska Boat Ramp sit close to the shore; a public campfire spot and dry-toilet stop are associated with the Petäisenniska shore area before you finish at Kuurna melontalaituri below Kuurnan talli. The longer Tori/Kesäniemi melontareitti links the market square put-in to Kesäniemi, and Kuurnan melontatallilta kauppatorille follows the same river in longer stages between Kuurna and the city centre—useful if you are planning a round trip or linking legs. Respect the flagged swimming area at Kesäniemi: the city prohibits fishing, alcohol, smoking, and pets on the official beach, and lifeguards operate on a posted summer schedule(2). For equipment, courses, and club paddles from the Kuurna boathouse area, Kajaanin Latu publishes contacts and weekly outings(5).

Hevossaari/Pöyhölänniemi melontareitti is a point-to-point paddle of about 17.8 km on Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. On our map it runs from Hevossaaren melontalaituri on Hevossaari across Paltaselkä toward Pöyhölänniemi on the eastern shore, with a natural pause at Selkä-Honkisen suojasatama early in the trip and a beach and boat-launch cluster at Pöyhölänniemi at the finish. The City of Kajaani publishes regional paddling hubs, brochures, and links to water-trail materials for planning trips on Oulujärvi(1). Metsähallitus describes the Oulujärvi hiking area as a large-lake paddling environment with islands, landing places, and services—useful background for open-water legs on this line(2). Yle reports on Kajaani paddling and notes that Oulujärvi is beautiful but weather-sensitive: check forecasts, expect big water and wind-built chop on the selät, and treat skills and safety accordingly(3). Minne melomaan?’s long-form notes on Oulujärvi stress long fetches, shallow water amplifying waves, and the need for experience and not paddling alone on big-lake days(5). At the start, Hevossaaren melontalaituri pairs with the short Paltaniemi / Hevossaari melontareitti if you want to stage from Paltaniemen uimaranta and parking first. About 1.5 km into this route you pass Selkä-Honkisen suojasatama on Selkä-Honkinen—a sheltered harbour stop on the way across Paltaselkä. The middle section is open lake: plan crossings with wind direction, stay within your group’s comfort in swell, and keep shore options in mind. Toward the end, Pöyhölänniemen uimapaikka and Pöyhölänniemen Veneenlaskupaikka sit together at Pöyhölänniemi for swimming, hauling out, or meeting a shuttle. The separate Pöyhölänniemen melontareitti is a short local loop that shares the same landing area if you want an extra lap after the main crossing. The longer Jormualta Paltamoon kayaking route also meets this shore at Pöyhölänniemi for multi-day planners linking toward Paltamo. Respect private shores, use a life jacket, and carry communication and spare clothing in dry bags. Commercial traffic and recreational motorboats may be present on Oulujärvi—give way and stay visible.

The Peranka–Hossa route is a long point-to-point paddle of about 42.8 km through river and lake country in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, linking the Peranka watercourse toward Hossa National Park. Luontoon.fi describes it as a varied water trail—meadows, lush mixed forest, and dry pine heaths—with wide lake sections and more intimate river paddling; the same page rates it for experienced paddlers because of the upper Perankajoki rapids and the serious Lounatkoski rapid near the end(1). Visit Suomussalmi summarises the Perankajoki leg as just under 15 km with thirteen named rapids and smaller stream sections, and highlights Lounatkoski as the largest drop (5.5 m over 700 m, class III in places)(2). Along the way you pass many places where you can pause or stay overnight: after the early river section, the Hevonperse lean-tos and the Kukkuri wilderness hut cluster sit in the same shoreline area where the Peranka - Kukkuri hiking trail meets the water—useful if part of your group walks while others paddle. Around the mid-route, Lavajärvi wilderness hut, Nimettömänkoski campfire, and Syrjäsalmi lean-to offer sheltered breaks; farther on, Joukovirta lean-to and Joukojärven pirtti sit near the Joukojärvi shore. The Lipposensalmi and Lounaja area leads into the Lounatkoski carry: Luontoon.fi warns against running Lounatkoski from the footbridge (class II+ to III), and points to a warning sign on the left bank with a portage trail starting about 50 m downstream(1). Past that carry, Jatkonjärvi has extensive tent and campfire infrastructure and accessible landing stages; Jatkonsalmi offers rental cabins and a sauna cluster before you reach Pikku-Hossa and the Hossanjärvi accessible paddling jetty. The MadRiverCrew blog describes a two-day Perankajoki weekend with an overnight at Syrjäsalmi lean-to, lining Laukkukoski (II+) on their first attempt, and notes that windy weather can make the long lake legs feel heavy—worth planning rest stops and checking the forecast(3). For equipment and shuttle planning, the regional listing on Visit Suomussalmi(2) names renters at Joukojärventie and Jatkonsalmentie addresses; Hossa.fi notes that spring snowmelt generally raises water levels across the area’s paddling routes(4). Check current conditions, rapids choices, and national park rules before committing to the full line.

Karttimojoki melontareitti is a roughly 15 km river run on Karttimojoki in eastern Suomussalmi, threading old-growth forest and mire country between Hossa National Park and the Martinselkonen conservation area. The line follows a clear river corridor where Metsähallitus maintains lean-tos and campfire sites along the wider Itärajan retkeilyreitti network(1). For regional planning, Visit Suomussalmi groups Karttimojoki with Hossa’s other canoe and kayak corridors and points paddlers to Luontoon.fi for mapped water routes and services in the national park(2)(3). A detailed on-the-water account by Jouni Laaksonen on Retkipaikka describes a multi-day style trip launching from Peuro on Pirttivaarantie and running downstream toward Taivalkoski, with an overnight at Lintulammen autiotupa and several rapid passages where the group chose to line or portage rather than run(4). That trip matches the kind of staging you can build around the stops on this page: Taivalkoski access with parking and campfire facilities, the Karttimojoki venelossi boat-drag for moving craft past a ledge, and Lintulammin autiotupa with a nearby campfire ring and woodshed or toilet buildings for a sheltered night(4). Expect a mix of quiet lake-like pools, meanders, and named rapids whose difficulty depends strongly on water level; the same author notes that the reach between Pystykoski and Lintulampi can be too shallow for paddling in mid and late summer in dry years, while sustained rain can bring high, runnable flows(4). The Hossa.fi melonta page classifies local rapids broadly in class I–II+ and stresses scouting harder drops from the bank before committing(5). On Karttimojoki, Laaksonen highlights Taivalkoski as a ledge rapid that is not run in an open canoe, with a marked stop and a wooden boat-drag to the road beside the bridge, plus easier water such as Nivonkoski on lower sections(4). The Itärajan retkeilyreitti association lists a Metsähallitus lean-to at Karttimojoki on the Martinselkonen–Raate segment, reinforcing that this river is embedded in a long-distance hiking and water-access network(1).

The Kiiminkijoki kayaking route is a long point-to-point river and lake paddle through Kainuu, from the Puolanka headwater lakes toward the Heinijoki and Hepoköngäs area. The mapped line is about 46.2 km as one continuous paddle, mixing lake basins, steady current, and numerous rapids on an unregulated main stem that Kalalla Kainuussa describes as roughly 170 km from Kivarinjärvi to the sea, with some 70 rapids along the full river(3). Kiiminkijoki ry publishes detailed rapid-by-rapid notes, safety expectations, and portaging advice for the recreational paddling corridor(1), and Metsähallitus lists the same route on Luontoon.fi for planning alongside national outdoor maps(2). Municipality of Puolanka gathers local access context and points paddlers to Kiiminkijoki ry for the main river guide(4). Along this segment you soon pass the Kalliuskoski rest area with a lean-to and dry toilets, then mid-route shelters around Vihakoski, and later Heinijoki lean-tos before the take-out cluster at Hepoköngäs: parking, lean-to, accessible facilities, and Finland’s highest natural waterfall on the Heinijoki fork, with the Hepoköngäs geologinen luontopolku and UKK-reitti Puolanka hiking lines meeting the river bank—ideal for combining a paddle with a short walk. Rapids are classified at low water in Kiiminkijoki ry materials; several drops reach class II or higher, and the association warns that some passages (including Kalliuskoski and Kurimonkoski on longer trips) should be scouted from shore and often portaged when summer flows are low(1). Paddle in a group, wear a helmet and buoyancy aid on rapids, and carry map and compass as listed on the Kiiminkijoki ry equipment page(5). Kiiminkijoki ry and event partner Lappis also organise the annual Kiiminkijokimelonta day trip in June with on-water safety support and return shuttle options(6). Fishing from the boat follows the Kiiminkijoki joint permit system; Kalalla Kainuussa summarises permit tiers, seasons, and protection rules for salmonids on the main channel(3). Travel businesses around Puolanka also arrange equipment transport and rentals in season(3).

Jormualta Paltamoon is an 18.3 km point-to-point lake paddle on Oulujärvi’s eastern basin (Paltaselkä), linking the Jormuanlahti shore in Kajaani with Metelinniemi and the kayaking centre shore in Paltamo. Maps and route ideas for the wider Kajaani paddling network are published on the City of Kajaani’s paddling routes page(1), together with the Melo Kajaanissa brochure(2). From Jormua, the line follows the Pöyhölänniemi shoreline: there is a boat launch and a swimming beach at Pöyhölänniemi, with the Jormua school sports area nearby. After the bay, the route crosses open water toward Paltamo. The long straights on Paltaselkä can build wind waves; the Minne melomaan blog(5) discusses Oulujärvi’s scale, wind, and waves for long crossings—background that also applies to shorter open-water legs. Near Paltamo, Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri offers a guest dock, and Metelinniemi clusters a beach, disc golf, winter swimming, and volleyball beside the water before the line reaches Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri at the municipal kayaking centre. The Municipality of Paltamo’s outdoor recreation pages(3) describe the Melontakeskus at Uimarannantie 1: the municipality owns the centre, Oulujärven Melojat ry(4) hosts it and uses kayaks on guided trips and intro events, and members can rent storage. The same pages note commercial kayak rental through Arctic Giant in Paltamo. In Kajaani town, Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Ky also rents kayaks and canoes by appointment(6). Shorter loops that share this shoreline include Pöyhölänniemen melontareitti and the Hevossaari/Pöyhölänniemi circuit; Volon kierto explores Metelinniemi and the centre shore as a separate loop.

This route is a full paddling loop of about 19 km on Lake Oulujärvi, starting from the Neuvosenniemi road side of Ärjänselkä and circling Ärjänsaari, which Metsähallitus manages as a destination on Luontoon.fi at the heart of Finland’s largest inland open water(1). Kajaani sits at the centre of the lake; the island’s long sand beaches, steep sand bluffs, and pine woods are as popular from the water as on foot, and the same shoreline features read dramatically from a kayak(2)(3). For services, transport options to the island, and regional context, Visit Kajaani’s Ärjänsaari page is a practical companion to planning(2). Early along the circuit, the west shore cluster around Ärjän Kalamaja and Ärjän Karkeanpään nuotiopaikka offers shelter and a campfire stop not far from the start of the island arc. Farther along, Ärjän Kirkkosärkän nuotiopaikka marks a more exposed bend on the eastern side where dry toilets sit near Vierasniemen—useful if you are pacing a long day on the water. The densest services sit toward the southern resort area near Säipän retkisatama and Ärjän Säipän laituri: rental cabins such as Marjala, Pihkala, and Naavala, several saunas and jetties, Ärjänsaaren kesäkahvila for summer snacks, and Ärjän keittokatos for cooking—together they support everything from a quick lunch stop to an overnight-style day on the island. If you want a shorter paddle-only loop of the island without the mainland approach legs, the route connects conceptually with Meloen Ärjänsaaren ympäri on the same water. Walkers often pair paddling with Ärjä Island circuit, Mansikkatörmän polku, or Lentohieka Loop on shore; those trails share the same beaches and dunes you see from the cockpit(3). Retkipaikka stresses that westerly or north-westerly breezes on Ärjänselkä can raise a real swell—plan crossings and rest stops with forecast and skill level in mind(3).

The Kiekin vesiretkeilyreitti is a long point-to-point paddle on the Kiekinjoki waterway and its lakes in Kuhmo and eastern Kainuu. The route is about 77.1 km as one continuous line, beginning from central Kuhmo at Maakunnanranta and the town riverside launches, then following the water eastward through forest and lake country toward the Iso-Kukkonen area. Visit Kuhmo describes the same Kiekinjoki system as a wilderness paddling and fishing journey: narrow river sections alternate with open lake water, the upper reaches start from brooks in Elimyssalo and the main river at the Kivi-Kieki corner, and canoeists should expect portages and carries around forest-road rapids and obstacles(1). For permit rules, rapid names, and the eight-kilometre rapid chain between Lake Puuranjärvi and the Kesselinjoki confluence, rely on Visit Kuhmo and Kalalla Kainuussa(1)(2). From the town shore you pass services and culture near Juminkeko and the Pajakkakoski reach, Ruukinranta beach, and Kuhmon luontokeskus Petola before the water opens toward Kalevalan Laavu and the Kalevankankaan vierasvenelaituri guest dock. Around five kilometres along the line, Harakkasaaren laavu and the Harakkasaari campfire spot sit on the island—dry toilets are available in the same area. Further east, Honkisen kota on Lammasjärvi makes a natural lunch or overnight stop at roughly twelve kilometres, then Lahnasuvannon laavu and Saunakosken laavu support multi-day pacing in the mid section. Near the eastern end, Iso-Kukkonen offers a sandy shore and marked fire site that Visit Kuhmo highlights as reachable by road as well as from the water(1). The same shoreline network intersects the long Tervantien retkipyöräily Lentiirasta Kajaaniin cycling corridor where paths meet the water. The lower Kiekinjoki carries the densest fishing and paddling interest where Puurankoski, Ankapuura, Konttikoski, Vaaranpäänkoski, Saarikoski, Vääränkoski, and Toivonkoski run in sequence; the north bank is described as walkable and fishable along that stretch while the south bank includes private land(1). Retkipaikka documents a walking loop around the Kieverrys lakes and reminds paddlers that streams feeding the border zone are off limits to boats—keep to public water and respect frontier rules when you are close to the eastern frontier(3).

The Hossa–Juntusranta water trail is about 36.4 km point-to-point along the Hossanjoki in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, inside Hossa National Park. It is a one-way river and lake chain from the Niskakoski area toward Juntusranta—downstream with the main current on a river restored for paddling and recreational fishing. Metsähallitus publishes the route on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi describes how most of the rapids lie in the first roughly 7 km, names the main rapid sequences, and points beginners to scout from shore before running lines(2). The Hossa.fi outdoor portal classifies Hossa whitewater up to class I–II+ and reminds less experienced paddlers to study class II lines from the bank first(3). Retkipaikka author Jouni Laaksonen’s paddling round-up for the area notes that after Somerjoki you can continue on Hossanjoki toward Juntusranta—useful context if you are stitching longer hut-to-hut plans from other Hossa water routes(4). In the first few kilometres you pass Niskakosken tulentekopaikka and parking at Niskakoski p-paikka, then Leveänkosken taukokatos and the lean-tos at Pystynkoski and Kuikankoski—natural places to adjust straps, snack, and read the water before the busiest rapid section. Kuikankoski pysäköintipaikka sits near the bank if someone in your group needs road access mid-route. Around 7 km the shore includes Alanivan tulentekopaikka and Alakoski kota before the line opens into longer lake-like reaches. Near the middle of the trip, about 23 km from the start, Tormuanjärven laavu and the nearby fireplace spots sit back from Tormuanjärvi—good half-way shelter if you are spreading the distance over two or more days. Farther down, Raaninkoski tulentekopaikka offers another riverside stop before the lower pools widen again. Toward Juntusranta the route passes Kalmonsärkkä pohjoinen tulentekopaikka on a wooded cape, then Ruhtinan kylätalo and Juntusrannan uimapaikka at the village end of the line—handy landmarks for take-out, swimming, and meeting a shuttle. On land near the finish you are close to Juntusrannan valaistu latu and Juntusrannan kuntorata if you want a short walk or ski after stowing boats. Upstream, the same Hossanjoki corridor connects logically with Iijärvi–Hossa vesiretkeilyreitti for multi-day link-ups toward Iijärvi and the Somer–Hossa lake network. Equipment hire is available from several Suomussalmi operators—Kainuun Luontoretket, Hossa–Kylmäluoma at the Hossa visitor centre, and Camping Hossan Lumo in Ruhtinansalmi—listed with product pages on Visit Suomussalmi(5)(6)(7). Confirm models, seasonal opening hours, and shuttle options when booking.

The Vieksi water trekking route is about 56.3 km point-to-point on our map along the Jongunjoki waterway system in Kuhmo, in the Kainuu lake district. Metsähallitus lists this exact segment as its own Vieksin vesiretkeilyreitti entry on the Luontoon.fi outdoor service, which is the best place to check for up-to-date route information and any seasonal notices(1). The same long-distance river corridor is described more broadly on Visit Kuhmo’s Jongunjoki paddling page: the full Jongunjoki run from Jonkerinjärvi toward Lieksanjoki is a classic wilderness river with short lake links, many runnable rapids, lean-tos, and two wilderness huts along the maintained rest network, with about 80 m of total drop along the main paddling line(3). The Finnish-language Wikipedia overview of Jongunjoki adds scale: the river is roughly 76 km long with a catchment over 1,000 km² and has long been treated as an important paddling river, with easy-grade rapids in many places(4). Along the Vieksi segment you pass several clusters of facilities drawn from our route data—without turning the river into a list of pins. In the first hours, the Jousisalmi area brings a lean-to shelter and a maintained rest point with dry toilets a little way off the bank. Further down, the Juurikkajoki reach groups a wilderness hut, a campfire site, and toilets in one stop—strong candidates for a first or second night if you are spreading the distance. Around the mid-route, Koukkero combines a parking area reachable from land with a campfire site on the water side, useful if you are staging a car shuttle or joining paddlers who hike in from the road. Toward the lower part of the line, Vattuniemi offers another lean-to and rest facilities in a quieter bay section. Early on, the route passes Kuusamonkylän myllypolku near the water; at the downstream end it meets Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 2: Kuhmo - Sotkamo, so you can chain trips if you plan put-ins, permits, and vehicle logistics carefully. Visit Kuhmo’s paddling hub notes that Kuhmo’s lake and rapid network supports everything from day trips near the centre to long wilderness lines, and points paddlers toward local outfitters for boats and guided options(2). Expect to read water, scout easy rapids, and carry or line the canoe or kayak where the channel tightens—skills and water levels matter more than distance alone.

This line is a roughly 20 km open-lake run on Oulujärvi between central Paltamo and the Mieslahti bay, staged from Metelinniemi and returning along the same general shoreline. The Municipality of Paltamo operates the Melontakeskus paddling centre on Uimarannantie, where Visit Kajaani describes municipal kayaks, storage for private boats, and club-led outings on the lake(1). For the wider lake environment—services on islands, landing etiquette, and how paddling fits the Oulujärvi recreation area—Metsähallitus publishes activity guidance on Luontoon.fi for Oulujärvi(2). The Kainuu regional tourism pages point paddlers to mapped water routes and remind visitors that Kainuu offers many different paddling corridors worth comparing when planning a trip(3). On the water, the mapped distance is about 20.2 km as one continuous line. From the launch at Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri you quickly pass Metelinniemen uimaranta, Metelin frisbeegolfrata, and Metelin talviuintipaikka at the Metelinniemi pocket, then follow the shore toward Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri before opening out toward Mieslahti. Around eight kilometres from the start, Mieslahden uimapaikka and Mieslahden vieraslaituri mark the head of the bay, with more sheltered water and village-backed beaches. Further along the return leg toward Paltamo, Savirannan uimapaikka Paltamo and Savirannan vieraslaituri offer additional swim stops and guest docks. The whole trip is sheltered, flat-water paddling without river rapids or portages on this line. The Mieslahti shore is part of Paltamo's recognised outdoor and heritage landscape. Paltamon kunta's Posti-Kallen vaellusreitti page explains how footpaths around Mieslahti village weave through typical Kainuu forest and cultural scenery—useful cultural context even though that marked route is a land trail rather than this water line(4). If you want to extend a paddling week in the same area, connecting routes on our map such as Paltamosta Melalahteen, Mulkkusaaren lenkki, or Volon kierto share the Metelinniemi launches and add different loops on Oulujärvi. For general services in the municipality—events, other beaches, and seasonal information—Paltamon kunta's outdoor recreation hub is the practical place to check local updates(5).

The Vuolijoki River Paddling Route is a 3.6 km sheltered river paddle in the Vuolijoki village area, now part of Kajaani in Kainuu. Starting from Rahonpuron venesatama, the route heads upstream along the calm Vuolijoki river, passing riverside meadows where you can spot cattle grazing, before returning to the harbor. One of the gentlest paddles in the Kajaani area, it is well protected from wind and has only a mild current. The City of Kajaani's paddling routes page(1) describes it as a sheltered family route. The Vuolijoki river flows through a mix of forested banks and open farmland, winding quietly through the outskirts of Vuolijoki village. About 2.7 km from the launch, the river runs alongside the village sports area. The village centre — with Riihipiha Talonpoikaismuseoalue, a well-preserved open-air museum with farm buildings from around 1900, and the historic grey stone Vuolijoki church — is a short walk from the harbor. Rahonpuron venesatama is also the start for the Kuusiranta/Vuolijoki melontareitti (8.2 km), which continues across the open Ärjänselkä waters of Lake Oulujärvi toward Kuusiranta — a longer, more exposed route for experienced paddlers. For equipment rentals, Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Ky rents kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards in Kajaani (+358 50 340 3013). Single kayaks are €20/hour or €40/day; double kayaks €30/hour or €60/day. Kajaanin Latu organizes beginner paddling courses and weekly group paddles (melonta@kajaaninlatu.fi, tel. 040 8560 442).

Vuoresjoen melontareitti is a short point-to-point paddle of about 2.3 km on the Vuoreslahti shore of Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. On our line it runs from Vuoreslahden rantaumispaikka along the Vuoresjoki mouth and sheltered inlets toward the open water of Ärjännselkä—easy, low-traffic water for a quick outing or as a link in a longer day on Oulujärvi. The City of Kajaani gathers local paddling brochures, links to wider water-trail materials, and the Melo Kajaanissa overview on its Kajaanin melontareitit pages(1). Luontoon.fi's Vuoreslahti/Akkovaara melontareitti page lists the neighbouring Metsähallitus route from the same landing and is the closest official trail page for this harbour when you need service-style updates or a longer Vuoreslahti paddle(2). Visit Kajaani’s Kajaaninjoki page describes how river and lake waters meet in the region—clear water, historic tar canal context on the urban river, and fish-rich flows—useful background when you chain harbour days across Kajaani and Oulujärvi(3). Many paddlers combine time here with Vuoreslahti/Akkovaara melontareitti to reach Akkovaaran näköalatorni and Akkovaaran nuotiopaikka on the hill, or they use the same put-in for other Vuoreslahti legs. Kajaanin Latu runs courses, weekly paddles, and local contacts out of Kuurnan melontatalli—worth checking if you want instruction or a group evening(4). Kayak and canoe hire in Kajaani is available from operators who publish rates and pickup points online(5). If you fish from the kayak toward Oulujärvi open water, Eräluvat’s area page for Oulujärvi state waters (4508) explains when you need a regional permit in addition to the national fisheries management fee for eligible ages(6).

Kauvonsaaren lenkki is a day-trip paddling loop on Lake Oulujärvi and the Oulujoki reach near Vaala, about 6.6 km as a closed circuit on open water. Luontoon.fi(1) is the primary official source for this line: it notes a paddling-centre role with landing docks and equipment care, a kayak dock, campfire place, and dry toilet at Kauvonsaari, and it spells out hazards on Oulujoki—the current can strengthen suddenly when hydro plants release water, you must keep at least 300 m from the Jylhämä power plant, and on the return west of Kauvonsaari there are stone shallows built as fish spawning areas where you should watch your course. Oulujärvi recreation area pages from City of Vaala(2) place the wider lake-and-island network in context: Finland’s only statutory inland-water recreation area, with services on many islands. For the canoe hall, slip, and practical staging at Sahanranta, City of Vaala’s paddling pages(3) are the clearest municipal overview. Together with Oulujärven Melojat ry(4), who run the hall and local trips, that covers where to rig boats and ask advice before you set off. On the water, the loop ties together river and lake character: you work along Oulujoki past Ahmala and the busy Sahanranna shore—guest docks and a swimming beach sit here—then past Uiton harbour and the Vaalanlammi shore before the line reaches Jylhämän vieraslaituri on the western side. That mixes sheltered harbour corners with wider open fetches; plan for wind on Oulujärvi’s big selät. Ashore near Ahmala, the Jylhämä Lower Canal Nature Trail branches inland if you want to stretch your legs, and the longer Honkinen ja Pikku-Palonen kayaking loop shares the same Sahanranna paddling hub if you want a second day on the lake. The Vaala–Rokua Trail passes near Ahmala parking inland from the shore, and a short Sahanrannan ulkoilureitti walks the immediate beach edge. Fishing from a kayak may require the national fisheries management fee and any regional lure permits that apply; check Eräluvat before you fish from the boat(5).

Luontoon.fi publishes this point-to-point kayaking line on Lake Oulujärvi from the Paltamo shore toward the Melalahti village area on the Pältaselkä basin, with the full route profile on their paddling map entry(1). The trip is about 12.9 km as mapped: you leave from Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri beside Metelinniemen uimaranta and the Metelinniemi recreation shore, pass Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri after the first few kilometres, then cross open water toward Ukkosaaren retkisatama roughly mid-route—a natural lunch stop on an island before the run continues along the northwest shore to Melalahden vieraslaituri, Melalahden rannan kota, and Melalahden uimapaikka at the head of the bay. City of Paltamo notes that Vaarankylä and Melalahti count among Finland’s nationally valuable landscape areas: traditional ribbon settlement, active farming, and rich heritage features around the bay(2). That cultural backdrop pairs with a straightforward lake paddle: no whitewater or carries on this line, but wind over open Pältaselkä can raise waves, so plan weather and skills accordingly. Oulujärven Melojat maintains the municipally owned Paltamo Melontakeskus at Uimarannantie 1, next to the launch area: the association runs courses, Wednesday-evening club paddles from Paltamo, kayak storage slots, and keeps the centre’s fleet for instruction and events(3). Visit Kajaani summarises the same centre for visitors(4). If you are looking for equipment or a guided start, contact them for current options rather than assuming walk-up rental. At Melalahti, Lahtela operates a summer café and simple accommodation in an old co-op building near the village—useful for combining paddling with a meal or an overnight when open(5). The same beach and dock cluster connects to several other mapped kayak loops that start here—Paltamo-Mieslahti-Paltamo, Mulkkusaaren lenkki, Volon kierto, and the Jormualta Paltamoon line from the north—so you can extend a weekend by chaining days on the water. Closer to the Melalahti shore, Melalahti-Varisjokisuu-Melalahti is a short local circuit when you want a gentler outing after the crossing.

The Kirppuniemi/Kouluniemi Kayaking Route is a 2.7 km point-to-point lake paddling route on Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. Part of a network of paddling routes developed by the City of Kajaani together with Oulujärven Melojat ry and Kajaanin Latu ry, this is a compact and beginner-friendly crossing with open views across Vuottolahti bay. Full route descriptions and a map of all routes in the network are available in the Melo Kajaanissa(1) guide published by the City of Kajaani. The route sets off from Kirppuniemen satama — the boat ramp and marina at Vuottolahdentie 1266b in the Vuottolahti village, about 50 km west of Kajaani city centre. Kirppuniemen venesatama is right beside the launch point, with moorings for boats and a well-maintained recreational area. The Kirppuniemi shoreline was renovated in 2023 with a new kota, swimming beach, and bio-toilets, funded by Fortum, the Kainuu ELY Centre, and the City of Kajaani. For contacts and the latest information on the facilities, the City of Kajaani's Vuottolahden Kirppuniemi page(2) has the details. From the boat ramp the route heads across open water, skirting alongside the wooded islands of Vuottolahti as it crosses the sheltered bay. At just 2.7 km the paddle is very accessible to beginners and families in fair-weather conditions, though Oulujärvi's open bays can be exposed to wind — always check the forecast and wear a life jacket. The route ends at Kouluniemen rantautumispaikka, a small sandy beach at the tip of Kouluniemi peninsula where a kota sits on the shore for a well-earned rest. Two other paddling routes in the network connect directly to this one. The Kirppuniemi/Rakennuksenperä melontareitti (2.8 km) starts from the same Kirppuniemi boat ramp and heads in the opposite direction toward Rakennuksenperä. At the Kouluniemi end, the Vuottolahti/Kouluniemi melontareitti (4.1 km) continues further west toward the Vuottojoki river mouth along a more sheltered course — a natural choice if you want to extend a half-day paddle. If you need to rent a kayak, tandem, or open canoe, Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi(3) offers equipment at several points around Kajaani. Their year-round rental shop is at Rikulantie 10 in Kajaani. Solo kayaks start from 20 € per hour or 40 € per day; tandem kayaks from 30 € per hour or 60 € per day; open canoes at the same rates as tandems.

This is a short point-to-point paddling line of about 4.1 km on Lake Oulujärvi in Kainuu, linking the Vuottolahti and Kouluniemi shore areas north of Kajaani. Along the mapped line you pass two marked landing points: first Rakennuksenperän rantautumispaikka a little over halfway, then Kouluniemen rantautumispaikka at the far end—both useful if you want to break the trip or meet a shuttle. The same Kouluniemi landing sits at the end of the Kirppuniemi/Kouluniemi kayaking route, so you can plan onward paddling or compare harbours without guessing where the beaches line up. For brochures, the downloadable Melo Kajaanissa PDF, and the wider list of city paddling options, start from the City of Kajaani paddling routes hub(1). The Ten villages of Vuolijoki pages describe how local clubs mapped seven paddling lines for Kajaanin Latu and how Vuottolahti’s Kirppuniemi shore and harbour services fit into the wider Oulujärvi shoreline—helpful background when you choose a put-in near Vuottolahti or Kirppuniemi(2)(3). Visit Kajaani lists Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi for kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards on Oulujärvi; confirm hours and meeting points before you drive to the lake(4). If you fish from the boat, check Eräluvat’s fishing permit pages for the fisheries management fee and any area-specific rules on Oulujärvi(5). Our page lists the mapped line and landings for at-a-glance planning(6).

Kalkkisilta/Lukkarinnurmi is a point-to-point paddling line of about 5.6 km through Kajaani in Kainuu, from the Kalkkisilta river quarter toward the Lukkarinnurmi landing on the open Paltaselkä side of Lake Oulujärvi. It strings together the Kajaaninjoki city corridor with wider lake water—suited to a half-day trip when you want to start near the centre and finish at a serviced shore. For maps, brochures, and the wider network (including the Melo Kajaanissa PDF and links to Retkikartta.fi), start from the City of Kajaani’s paddling routes hub(1). The City of Kajaani’s marinas page lists Kalkkisillan vierasvenesatama with guest berths, a ship dock, boat ramp, WC, drinking water, and septic pump-out—useful if you stage kit or meet a crew at the bridge end(2). Visit Kajaani’s Kajaaninjoki page describes the clear-water river through the centre, the tar-canal heritage, Renfors outdoor route along the banks, guest harbours, fitness stairs, and the Höyrylaiva Kouta home port—good orientation for what you see from the water(3). From the Kalkkisilta end you are beside the Renfors recreation strip: kuntoportaat, Kaupunginlampi sports cluster, Tehtaanrannan venesatama, and Tullikallion laituri appear within the first kilometres along the line. Further out, the route reaches Tehtaanrannan venesatama and continues toward the northern shore before the mapped landing at Lukkarinnurmen rantautumispaikka (Kuninkaanniementie 248, Nakertaja postal area). The Nakertaja village association describes Lukkarinnurmi as a leisure shore with swimming, beach volleyball, a pavilion, campfire site, and a jetty for larger boats—about six kilometres by road from central Kajaani toward the airport, and roughly two and a half kilometres from the Vanahis village hall(4). The same landing is shared by other mapped paddling lines, including Paltaniemi/Lukkarinnurmi and Lukkarinnurmi/Sokajärvi, if you want to plan a longer day from Paltaniemi or Sokajärvi. Open water on Paltaselkä can chop up in wind—check the forecast, stay in a group if you are newer to the area, and wear a life jacket. Motorboat traffic is possible near harbours. For courses and club paddles elsewhere in Kajaani (often from Kuurna), see Kajaanin Latu(5). Commercial kayak hire in town is available from operators such as Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi(6).

Stage 1 of the Kainuu Tar Route is a long wilderness paddling journey from the Änätti headwaters to Kuhmo town centre in Kainuu. The route is about 70.8 km end to end and is rated demanding in regional listings: expect open lake crossings, sheltered narrows, easy rapids, and several portage tracks with rails or carts where tar boats were once hauled(1). Visit Kuhmo describes it as a multi-day trip with daily legs often in the 12–25 km range if you spread the stage over about four paddling days, mixing holiday-village accommodation, reservable or open wilderness huts, and lean-tos at official landings—or camping under everyman’s rights where rules allow(1). From the Sääskenniemi–Änättikoski start area you soon reach Lentiira village waters: services such as Lentiiran lomakylä, Taiga Spirit, and Käntinsalmi boat access sit within the first kilometres. Farther west, Rytäniemen laavu and Ränkänsaari offer a lean-to, campfire spots, a wilderness hut, and dry toilets on an island setting suited to a lunch stop or overnight. The Juttua–Lentua link crosses Huuhkajankannaksen vetotaival (Juttua-Lentua), a famous portage where boats were historically moved on rails; Retkipaikka’s long-form Kuhmo paddling article describes the “Kuhmo Riviera” sand beach at Vetotaipale and the same rail-and-cart portage culture along the old tar route(3). On Lentua, Lehtosaaren autiotupa, a lakeside sauna, and Selkäsaari lean-tos sit inside the Lentua reserve mosaic; overnighting in the protected area follows reserve rules summarised on Luontoon.fi(2). Near Lentuankoski you pass hire kota, landing docks, and the lower portage between Lentua and Lammasjärvi before the town end at Ruukinranta, Pajakkasuvanto, and Maakunnanranta, with several town harbours offering canoe-friendly landings. Shorter local loops such as Lentiiran melontareitti and Lentiirajärven halki meloen share shore facilities with this stage. The continuation toward Sotkamo is published separately as Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 2: Kuhmo – Sotkamo when you want the next province-wide leg. Koe Kainuu offers FitNord inflatable tandem packrafts for hire in Kuhmo with pump, paddles, and buoyancy aids—about 40 € per day, 90 € for three days, or 140 € per week at the time the rental page was last updated(4). Other canoe and outfitter options around Lentiira and the centre are named in Retkipaikka’s regional round-up for visitors who prefer a different craft or a shuttle(3).

The Venejärvi–Kymmensylinen–Ontojärvi water trail is a named canoe and kayak line through Kuhmo’s lake maze in Kainuu, linking the Venejärvi and Kalliojärvi–Kymmensylinen basin with large Ontojärvi. On our map the line is about 31.1 km point-to-point through forest lakes and connecting narrows—typical Kainuu scenery of rocky shores, pine-backed bays, and quiet backwaters. Metsähallitus prints this route on the Luonnossa Kuhmossa visitor map alongside other official canoe lines such as Kalliojoki and the wider Tervareitti network(1). The tar-era water story and today’s paddlers on the same corridors come through clearly in Retkipaikka’s long-form Kuhmo paddling story(3). The mapped line begins near Ärjä on Ontojärvi, one of the classic rest islands on Kainuun tervareitti / Etappi 2: Kuhmo – Sotkamo, where Visit Kuhmo highlights the kota, campfire area, firewood shelter, and long sandy beach (approach carefully—stones along parts of the shore)(2). After a few kilometres, Tervasalmen parkkipaikka and Tervasalmen veneenlaskupaikka give an alternative access pair if you are staging a car or shortening a day. Mid-route, the Alajärvi laavu cluster and the Myllykoski veneluiska mark a portage or lining point beside moving water—exact technique depends on water level and craft. Around 20 km, Kymmensylinen P-paikka, the Kymmensylinen veneluiska, and services at that end of the Kalliojärvi–Kymmensylinen complex support longer outings with parking and a carry. Nearer the far end of the mapped line, Kalliojärven laavu and Kalliojärvi käymälä sit in a quieter bay setting for a last break before take-out. Together these stops turn the trip into a full-day or relaxed two-day journey rather than a single dash. Ontojärvi itself is one of Kuhmo’s large fishing and recreation lakes, with several launches around the shore and lure-fishing rules that follow the municipality’s permit guidance(2). If you extend the outing onto the wider tar route toward Sotkamo or link with other Lipas lines, treat wind on open water and shared channels with motor traffic as the main safety variables—use Visit Kuhmo’s paddling pages for hire partners and printed route PDFs in the area(4).

Melalahti–Varisjokisuu–Melalahti is a short point-to-point kayaking line on Lake Oulujärvi in Paltamo, about 6.7 km from the Melalahti shore services to Varislahden retkisatama. You set out from the Melalahti beach and harbour strip: Melalahden uimapaikka has a swimming beach, changing rooms, a grill shelter, and boat access; Melalahden vieraslaituri serves visiting boats; Melalahden rannan kota offers a kota-style shelter with a fireplace for a meal break before or after paddling. The route follows open water and the sheltered bay network toward Varislahden retkisatama at the western end of the line—a guest harbour style stop on Variskyläntie where you can land and stretch. The middle section runs through the Varisjokisuu area where Varisjoki meets Oulujärvi in Varislahti. The river itself runs about three kilometres from Lake Kivesjärvi with three named rapids and a large total drop before it reaches the lake according to Finnish Wikipedia(4); this mapped paddling route stays on the lake and bay water at the mouth rather than the whitewater reach upstream, which anglers and hikers treat as a separate, rapid-strewn corridor on Kalalla Kainuussa(5). For Lipas-linked facility data and the FluentProgress outdoor map, use the City of Paltamo outdoor recreation page(1). Melalahti is a long-established ribbon village on Oulujärvi’s north shore in Kainuu. For regional context, Luontoon.fi publishes a longer kayaking connection, Paltamosta Melalahteen, on the same lake system if you want to link a town-centre approach with this village segment(3). Visit Kajaani’s Melontakeskus service page describes the municipally owned paddling centre in Paltamo, run by Oulujärven Melojat ry, with kayaks used on guided trips and introduction events—worth checking if you need local expertise or club-led paddling on Oulujärvi(2). Oulujärven Melojat stresses that Oulujärvi is rewarding but exposed; wind and waves on open water deserve serious respect when you plan crossings and shore landings(2). On land, the same shoreline connects to other routes in our database: Vaarankylän ja Melalahden pyöräilyreitti and Kirkonkylä-Melalahti-Hakasuo-Kivesjärvi-Kivesvaara pyöräilyreitti pass Melalahden services, and Myllymäen luontopolku touches Melalahden rannan kota for a short nature loop near the water.

The Vuoreslahti/Akkovaara kayaking route is a short, sheltered paddle on the eastern shore of Lake Oulujärvi near Vuoreslahti in Kainuu, roughly 15 km from Kajaani centre as the crow flies. The City of Kajaani’s Melo Kajaanissa materials describe it as a family-friendly circuit from the sandy beach beside Vuoresjoki bridge, with parking nearby: you paddle toward Vuoreslahti, keep to the sheltered water of Pikkulahti rather than heading out onto open Ärjänselkä, pass the landing at Vuoreslahden rantaumispaikka, and swing close beneath Akkovaara where a hiking trail network reaches the hilltop lookout and a campfire spot—ideal for stretching your legs before you return to the bridge launch(1). The same brochure groups it with other developed Oulujärvi and Nuasjärvi routes from the Kajaani paddling development project together with Oulujärven Melojat and Kajaanin Latu. Luontoon.fi lists the route under the name Vuoreslahti/Akkovaara melontareitti for cross-checking against national outdoor services(2). On land, Visit Kajaani’s page for the Jättiläisten jalanjäljissä family trail summarises Akkovaara as a former Sámi ritual hill with views across Oulujärvi toward Ärjänsaari—context for what you see from the water and if you tie in a short walk(3). About 4.4 km along the paddle from the start, you are near Akkovaaran näköalatorni and Akkovaaran nuotiopaikka on the slopes above the bay—the tower and fire ring sit on the Kouta–Vuores trail network, so you can combine paddling with the short family hiking loop or longer biking trails that share the same hill without needing a separate car move if you plan a full day(3)(4). The Vuoresjoen melontareitti shares the same Vuoresjoki bridge put-in and explores the river and Kontiopuro upstream for a different, very quiet channel paddle(1). For kayaks, canoes, and local course dates, Kajaanin Latu maintains Kuurna paddling base activities and publishes regional rental contacts including Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Ky for equipment and lake services in the Oulujärvi area(4)(5).

Volon kierto is a 10.1 km loop kayaking route on Paltaselkä — the easternmost and most island-studded arm of Lake Oulujärvi — in Paltamo, Kainuu. The route sets off from the western shore area near Autioniemi and sweeps eastward along the Paltamo shoreline before returning to the start. For current conditions and information about kayaking in Paltamo, Visit Kajaani's Melontakeskus page is the best starting point(1). The first half of the loop follows open water and sheltered coves east toward the village center. About 4.5 km into the route you reach Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri — a guest pier at Eino Leinon tie on the Käärmeniemi cape. This is a natural midpoint rest stop before continuing east to the Metelinniemi area, where most of the route's facilities are clustered around the 5 km mark. At Metelinniemi, Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri offers a dedicated kayak landing pier managed by Oulujärven Melojat ry(1). The canoe center at Uimarannantie 1 — owned by Paltamo municipality and hosted by Oulujärven Melojat ry — keeps seven kayaks and one tandem kayak, primarily used for guided outings and demonstration events(1). Just inland from the landing you will find Metelinniemen uimaranta (the village swimming beach), Metelin talviuintipaikka for winter swimming, Metelinniemen beachvolleykenttä, and Metelin frisbeegolfrata — a lively cluster of summer activity that makes this a natural turnaround zone for the loop. The Paltamo municipality page lists further outdoor and sport facilities in the area(2). From Metelinniemi the second half of the loop returns west along the opposite shoreline, completing the circuit back to Autioniemi. The route is rated suitable for recreational paddlers with basic open-water experience; Paltaselkä can become choppy in strong southwest or west winds, so check conditions before launching. No portages, rapids, or technical passages are involved. Volon kierto connects to a full network of kayaking routes from the same shore. Shorter options include Luhtaniemi ja Palosen kierto (6.7 km) and Leppikosken lenkki (10.1 km, same distance but a different circuit). Longer day routes go to Melalahti (Paltamosta Melalahteen, 12.9 km), around Mulkkusaari island (Mulkkusaaren lenkki, 21.4 km), to Mieslahti and back (Paltamo-Mieslahti-Paltamo, 20.2 km), or point-to-point from Jormu (Jormualta Paltamoon, 18.3 km). The Oulujärvi Hiking Area managed by Metsähallitus lies beyond Paltaselkä and includes islands with laavut and rental cabins for multi-day expeditions.

Koivuranta/Honkinen melontareitti is a short point-to-point paddle on the Kajaaninjoki in Kajaani, Kainuu, linking the Koivuranta and Honkinen landing areas along about 0.9 km of mapped line. It works as a connector between longer Kajaani kayaking legs that use the same landings: Rauhanniemi/Koivuranta melontareitti toward Rauhanniemi and Koivuranta, and Rauhanniementie/Honkinen melontareitti toward Honkinen. Metsähallitus lists this exact route on Luontoon.fi’s Koivuranta/Honkinen melontareitti page, which is the best place to confirm the feature and any service updates(1). The City of Kajaani publishes an overview of local paddling options, downloadable brochures, and links to wider water-trail materials on its Kajaanin melontareitit pages(2). Visit Kajaani’s Kajaaninjoki page describes the river’s character through the city—clear water, the historic tar canal, dammed rapids, fish, and shore access—useful background for paddling anywhere on this reach(3). On the water you follow the river channel between the Koivuranta side and the Honkinen landing zone; treat it as calm urban river paddling with other shore users and possible motor traffic in season. Wear a life jacket, keep a safe distance from structures and private docks, and plan take-out using Koivurannan rantautumispaikka, Rauhanniemen rantautumispaikka, or Honkisen rantautumispaikka depending on how you combine this segment with Rauhanniemi/Koivuranta melontareitti or Rauhanniementie/Honkinen melontareitti. Kajaanin Latu coordinates local courses and group paddles in the Kajaani area—worth checking if you want instruction or a guided evening trip(4). Kayak and canoe hire in Kajaani is available from operators who publish prices and pickup points online(5). If you fish from the kayak toward Oulujärvi, Eräluvat’s area page for Oulujärvi state waters (4508) explains when you need a regional permit in addition to the national fisheries management fee for eligible ages(6).

The Paltaniemi–Lukkarinnurmi route is a straightforward point-to-point paddle on Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. It is about 7.5 km as one open-lake crossing from the Paltaniemi shore area toward the landing at Lukkarinnurmi. Metsähallitus lists the corridor on Luontoon.fi with map and GPX download for planning(1). For the wider paddling programme in the city, City of Kajaani groups this line with other local water trails and links printable materials and the regional water-trail map hub(2). Visit Kajaani describes Paltaniemi beach as a popular city beach with marina, free parking beside the access road, changing cabins, toilets, playground, and beach volleyball—useful context if you stage a car or take a break before launching(3). Starting from the busy Paltaniemi recreation shore, you pass Paltaniemen venesatama and can use Paltaniemen parkkipaikka for a vehicle. Paltaniemen uimaranta, Paltaniemen tenniskenttä, and Paltaniemen pallokenttä sit in the same near-shore cluster. After leaving the harbour area the paddle follows open water southwest toward Lukkarinnurmi; the take-out is Lukkarinnurmen rantautumispaikka, where the water meets walking access toward Nakertaja–Lukkarinnurmi paths. From that corner you can connect to other trails on our site: Paltaniemi / Hevossaari melontareitti and Paltaniemi/Toukka melontareitti branch from the Paltaniemi end; Kalkkisilta/Lukkarinnurmi melontareitti and Lukkarinnurmi/Sokajärvi melontareitti share the Lukkarinnurmi landing area; Pöllyvaara - Lukkarinnummi maastopyöräilyreitti and Nakertajan luontopolku meet the shore for hikers who combine bike or foot legs with a boat shuttle. Expect wind exposure on Oulujärvi: check weather and wave conditions before committing to the crossing, and carry standard open-water safety kit (life jackets, spare clothes, signalling). There are no portages or whitewater on this segment.

Luhtaniemi ja Palosen kierto is a compact lake loop of about 6.7 km on Oulujärvi in Paltamo, Kainuu. It starts from Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri beside the municipal Melontakeskus at Metelinniemi, where the City of Paltamo summarises services and publishes a melontakeskus brochure(1), and Visit Kajaani describes the on-site kayak fleet and how Oulujärven Melojat ry runs the dock and storage building(2). Oulujärven Melojat promotes paddling courses, events, and storage across Paltamo, Vaala, and Kajaani(3). The loop is a day-trip circle on open water around Luhtaniemi and past Palosen—good when you want a shorter circuit than the longer lake routes that start from the same harbour, such as the Paltamosta Melalahteen line documented on Luontoon.fi(4). Along the first part of the circuit you pass Metelinniemen uimaranta, Metelin frisbeegolfrata, Metelinniemen beachvolleykenttä, and Metelin talviuintipaikka—the main summer and winter swimming and sports corner of Metelinniemi. Later on the loop you approach Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri, a guest dock off Eino Leinon tie that works well as a pause before closing the circle back toward the kayaking centre. For a longer day on the same lake network you can branch to Volon kierto, Paltamo-Mieslahti-Paltamo, Paltamosta Melalahteen, or Leppikosken lenkki when conditions and time allow. Commercial kayak hire in the area includes Arctic Giant near Kivesvaara, which advertises kayak and canoe paddling in Kainuu lake scenery(5). Visit Vaala outlines how Oulujärvi’s recreation islands combine docks, lean-tos, and campfire sites across the wider lake system(7). If you plan trap fishing or other gear fishing from the boat in state waters on Oulujärvi, check permit products and rules on Eräluvat(6).

This is a short point-to-point line on the Vuolijoki river in the Vuolijoki village area of Kajaani, on the north shore of Lake Oulujärvi in Kainuu. On our map it runs about 1.1 km along the Vuolijoki channel toward the Rauhanniemen rantautumispaikka landing on the Käkilahti side of the lake. It is a connector piece in the wider Vuolijoki–Önkkör paddling network: from the same shoreline you can join the longer Kuusiranta/Vuolijoki melontareitti toward the Rahonpuron venesatama marina, and from Rauhanniemi you can continue on the Rauhanniemi/Koivuranta melontareitti toward Koivurannan rantautumispaikka on the mainland shore. For planning the wider Vuolijoki landings, the City of Kajaani paddling routes hub hosts the Melo Kajaanissa brochure, and the Ten villages of Vuolijoki section explains how the seven mapped Vuolijoki-area routes were expanded as landings were upgraded(2)(3). The Önkkör recreational area page gives practical detail for Rauhanniemi: the shore is at Rauhanniementie 156, with a kota and a dry toilet, and the area is part of the same landing network that also serves the historic Önkkör canal and bird tower further along Käkisaari(1). Martti Niemi’s aerial film of Önkkör canal gives a sense of the channel and reedbed setting that many paddlers pass through on longer tours in this area(7). For equipment, Visit Kajaani lists Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi as a rental point for kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards on Lake Oulujärvi, with phone contact and a city centre address in Kajaani as well as seasonal points on the lake—confirm pickup locations and hours before planning a trip(4). Kajaanin Latu publishes local paddling courses, weekly paddles, and the same Melo Kajaanissa PDF, and gives contact details for paddling questions(5). If you fish from the kayak, check Eräluvat for the fisheries management fee and any regional rules that apply on Oulujärvi waters(6).

The Kusianjokisuu–Ärväänlahti paddling route is about 12 km on our map as a day loop from Kaitainsalmi in Sotkamo, threading the Kaitainsalmi strait and Kusianjoki waters toward Ärväänlahti and back. The Vuokatti travel area lists this outing as a medium-difficulty lake-and-channel trip of roughly three hours, suitable for kayak, canoe, or SUP alongside the rest of the Vuokatti–Sotkamo water network(1). You start beside Kaitainsalmen parkkiapaikka and put in at Kaitainsalmen veneenlaskupaikka: the launch has a small-craft dock and concrete slip, with routes from here also leading toward Kiimasjärvi, Kaitianjärvi, and Pirttijärvi when you plan longer days. The narrows at Kaitainsalmi have been a movement corridor for headwater flows from the Kuhmo direction; regional long-route copy for the Kainuu Tar Route describes paddlers reaching this strait after long Kiimasjärvi crossings on the Kuhmo–Sotkamo stage—useful context if you are sizing up how this loop sits inside wider Kainuu water travel(2). Open lake and strait sections can raise short wind waves; stay near shore on exposed bits, give way to motor traffic, and wear a life jacket as the Vuokatti travel area safety notes recommend for all local paddling(1). Equipment for Nuasjärvi and nearby waters is available from Vuokatti Ski Service’s summer rental at Holiday Club Katinkulta when the seasonal desk is open—call ahead because opening weeks vary(3). If you fish from the craft, check whether you need a regional angling permit or only the national fisheries management fee for your methods and waters; Metsähallitus describes permit boundaries for state waters in the Sotkamo fisheries region on Eräluvat(4). Sotkamo lies in Kainuu; the same municipality hosts trail and road-biking networks that pass the Kaitainsalmi shore if you want to combine paddling with cycling another day.

This route is a short approach on Lake Oulujärvi along the marked fairway into Teeriniemi guest harbour on Manamansalo, Vaala. It is about 1.3 km as mapped—enough for a calm paddle from open water toward the marina basin, guest docks, and launch facilities at the Teeriniemi end. Metsähallitus covers paddling in the Oulujärvi Recreation Area on Luontoon.fi, including etiquette and planning context for the wider lake(1). The Municipality of Vaala describes Manamansalo as the hub of the recreation area, with marked summer trails, services at the campground, and landing places on several islands(2). Visit Vaala points paddlers to Oulujärven Melontakeskus at Sahanranta for tuition, club trips, and rack storage, and notes kayak landing stages elsewhere on the lake(3). Vaala’s harbour register lists Teeriniemi as a guest harbour on Manamansalo with the campground, café, and recreation area—matching what you find at the water’s edge here(4). Along the line you pass Teeriniemen vieraslaituri and Teeriniemi satama laituri; Teeriniemi veneenlaskuluiska offers a slip for getting craft in and out. Parking for a day visit is available at Manamansalon P-alue and Manamansalonn parkkipaikka near the shore cluster. The shore also meets Oulujärven retkeilyalueen retkeilyreitti, Manamansalon polkupyöräreitti, and Teeriniemen ladut, so you can combine paddling with walking, cycling, or winter skiing by arrangement and season. Treat the crossing as inland-lake paddling: check wind on Oulujärvi’s wide selkä waters, wear a life jacket, and carry spare clothes. Respect the guest harbour and private shore zones when landing. See map and distance on huts.fi(5).

Rauhanniementie/Honkinen melontareitti is a point-to-point paddle of about 7.9 km on Oulujärvi near Kajaani in Kainuu, from the Rauhanniementie shore area to Honkisen rantautumispaikka on Honkinen. The line crosses open water on Ärjän selkä toward Käkisaari rather than the short Kajaaninjoki connector. Önkkörin retkeilyalue lists Rauhanniemen ranta at Rauhanniementie 156 with a kota and WC, while Honkinen—owned by the Manamansalo–Vuolijoki joint fishing district—has a jetty plus a beach sauna, WC, and laavu(1). The wider paddling network and downloadable Melo Kajaanissa materials are summarized on the City of Kajaani’s Kajaanin melontareitit pages(2). Metsähallitus summarises paddling and camping for the lake on Luontoon.fi’s Oulujärvi hiking area page(3). You can stitch this leg with Rauhanniemi/Koivuranta melontareitti, which uses Rauhanniemen rantautumispaikka and Koivurannan rantautumispaikka along the shore, and with Koivuranta/Honkinen melontareitti, the short river link between Koivuranta and Honkinen—useful if you want a shorter urban river segment before or after the open-lake crossing. At Honkinen, plan your take-out at Honkisen rantautumispaikka and use the island facilities respectfully(1). Oulujärvi has long fetches and relatively few islands, so wind can build waves quickly; Minne melomaan? describes the same dynamics and recommends solid experience, careful wind forecasts, and not paddling alone in rough conditions(4). Kajaanin Latu runs courses and group paddles in the area—check their Melonta page for seasonal announcements(6). Kayak and canoe hire in Kajaani is available from operators who publish pickup points and prices online(5). If you fish from the kayak, Eräluvat’s area page for Oulujärvi state waters (4508) explains when you need a regional permit in addition to the national fisheries management fee for eligible ages(7).

Luontoon.fi lists Mulkkusaaren lenkki as a marked kayaking route on Lake Oulujärvi in Paltamo, with the full paddling profile on their route page(1). On the map this line is about 21.4 km: you leave from the Metelinniemi shore beside Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri, pass the Käärmeniemen and Värjänrannan guest docks along Eino Leinon tie, then cross Paltaselkä toward Mulkkusaarten retkisatama on the Mulkkusaaret island group—a natural lunch and stretch stop on open water. From there the line continues across the basin toward Lehtosen retkisatama (Paltaselkä) before turning back toward Metelinniemi, closing a long day loop on big-lake water. The islands are wooded with rocky shoreline; a public lean-to is documented on the island group for walkers and boaters who land respectfully(6). City of Paltamo points visitors to Lipas and its outdoor service map for up-to-date municipal recreation sites and links Oulujärvi fishing and beach information from the same hub(2). Kainuu region tourism pages describe Oulujärvi’s large open basins as a major paddling destination alongside other water activities in the area(7). Lake Oulujärvi behaves like a small sea in wind: long fetches, sparse islands, and shallow areas can build steep waves, so the independent Minne melomaan paddling blog stresses solid skills, avoiding solo trips, and being ready to change plans with the forecast(5)—advice that applies on Paltaselkä as much as on the western basins the article illustrates. Oulujärven Melojat runs the municipally owned Paltamo Melontakeskus next to the beach road: courses, club paddles, storage, and fleet use for instruction(3). Visit Kajaani summarises the centre for travellers(4). The same launch cluster connects to other mapped kayak lines—Paltamosta Melalahteen, Volon kierto, Luhtaniemi ja Palosen kierto, Leppikosken lenkki, Jormualta Paltamoon, and Paltamo–Mieslahti–Paltamo—so you can stitch shorter days into a longer Oulujärvi stay. In winter the ski track Autioniemi–Mulkkusaaret–Lehtonen–Autioniemi follows part of the same geography for skiers starting from Autioniemi parking.

The Pöyhölänniemi route is a short, sheltered paddle on Lake Nuasjärvi and the lower Pohjajoki in Kajaani, Kainuu. It is a good match for first trips and family outings when the water is calm. The City of Kajaani publishes the numbered route description and map context in the Melo Kajaanissa brochure(1); the same material is linked from the city’s outdoor recreation pages(2). On the water, the line starts from the Likolahti kayak dock on Pöyhölänniemi, turns into the Pohjajoki, passes under the stone arch of the railway bridge, and continues upstream along reed-fringed banks in quiet water(1). Along the mapped line you pass Pöyhölänniemen uimapaikka and Pöyhölänniemen Veneenlaskupaikka for swimming and launching; closer to the Jormua shore the route runs near Jormuan luistelukenttä, Jormuan pallokenttä, and Jormuan koulun liikuntasali—handy landmarks if someone meets you by land. For a longer day on the same shoreline network, Hevossaari/Pöyhölänniemi melontareitti continues across open water toward Hevossaari, and Jormualta Paltamoon follows the main lake toward Paltamo. Kajaanin Latu and Oulujärven Melojat run courses, weekly paddles, and list local outfitters who rent canoes and kayaks around Kajaani(3). Before you go, read the national paddle safety guidance from Suomen Melonta- ja Soutuliitto(4).

Kutujoen melontareitti is a long point-to-point river and lake paddle in northern Kainuu, linking the Tervajoki headwater system with the Kutujoki run toward Oulujoki. The route is about 55.7 km as one continuous paddle, following the watercourse that City of Vaala and Visit Vaala describe as the roughly 50 km Tervajoki–Kutujoki chain—lakes joined by river legs through boreal forest, with the Kutujoki section accounting for about 17 km of the total distance in those descriptions(1)(2). Metsähallitus publishes the same Kutujoki paddling corridor on Luontoon.fi under the name Kutujoen melontareitti in the Vaala area(3). For seasonal hazards, water levels, and the full list of rest points, treat the City of Vaala and Visit Vaala route pages as the practical planning base(1)(2). Upstream from the Kutujoki canyon reach, the water passes lake bays and narrower forest river; the upper Tervajoki side is small-stream fishing water under separate local permits, while the main Kutujoki channel is wider, rapid-strewn water with footbridges, frequent campfire sites, laavut at Monisaarikoski and Myllykoski, and stocked sport fishing regulated by Kutujoen kalastusyhtymä—Kalalla Kainuussa summarises access roads from highway 22, bridge crossings, permit tiers, and the Petäjäkoski no-fishing reserve strip(4). Along the water you pass places such as Taimeroisen kalastuspaikka, Monisaarisen laavu, Louhikonkoski and Myllykoski–Oterma, Otermanjärven päivätupa, then downstream Pystönkosken nuotiopaikka and Pirunkosken autiotupa on Tervajoki, before the lower reach toward Pohjolanjoki. Short land trails—Louhikonkosken polku and the campfire spur at Louhikonkoski, Pystönkoski–Pirunkoski metsäpolku, and the footpath to Pirunkosken autiotupa—let you stretch your legs or scout rapids from the bank where the corridor overlaps hiking lines. Whitewater character matters: City of Vaala and Visit Vaala state the whole Tervajoki–Kutujoki run includes 25 named rapids and about 40 m of drop, mostly class I, with class II on Kutujoki at Myllykoski near the start of that leg, Monisaarikoski, and the long Petäjäkoski rapid in mid-river(1)(2). Early summer is widely recommended for paddling when flows are more predictable(1)(2). Oulujärven Melontakeskus at Vaala Sahanranta offers introduction to lake kayaking, a launch ramp, and rental storage space for private boats in the on-site canoe hall, and the same municipal melonta page highlights paddling on Tervajoki and Kutujoki around Oterma(5).

Leppikosken lenkki is about 10.1 km of paddling along the Kiehimäjoki–Oulujärvi water corridor in Paltamo, linking the river reach near Leppikoski with the open lake shores around Kirkonkylä and Metelinniemi. The Municipality of Paltamo runs the Melontakeskus paddling centre on Uimarannantie; Visit Kajaani describes municipal kayaks, storage for private boats, and club-led outings on Oulujärvi, with Oulujärven Melojat ry maintaining the building and association dock(1). For lake-wide etiquette, services on islands, and safety expectations in the Oulujärvi recreation area, Metsähallitus publishes paddling guidance on Luontoon.fi(2). Kainuu offers many different paddling corridors; the Kainuu regional tourism pages help compare day-trip options(3). On the water, the mapped line is a single open track rather than a closed loop. From the northern sector the route works toward Värjänrannan vieraslaituri and the Kirkonkylä shore cluster where Korpiareena, schools, and nearby parking sit a short distance inland. Further along, Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri marks the municipal launch beside Metelinniemen uimaranta, Metelin frisbeegolfrata, Metelin talviuintipaikka, and the other Metelinniemi pocket facilities. The line finishes near Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri, giving a clear guest-dock endpoint on Eino Leinon tie. Paddlers often combine this line with other Oulujärvi routes that share the same shore infrastructure—for example Mulkkusaaren lenkki, Paltamosta Melalahteen, or Volon kierto from connecting routes on our map. Do not confuse this water line with Leppikosken pyöräilylenkki, the separate marked cycling circuit on land around the same district. The cycling route uses bridges and roads near the power-plant reach; this kayaking route stays on the water and follows the prepared geometry for paddlers. For local events, seasonal services, and other outdoor options in the municipality, Paltamon kunta’s outdoor recreation hub is the practical place to check updates(4).

The Lukkarinnurmi/Sokajärvi line is a point-to-point paddle on Oulujärvi’s inner waters in Kajaani, Kainuu. The mapped corridor is about 7.7 km from the Lukkarinnurmi landing toward Sokajärvi, a lake basin linked to Paltajärvi and the mouth of the Kajaaninjoki river system(4). Metsähallitus publishes the route on Luontoon.fi with map and GPX download for planning(1). City of Kajaani groups this line with other local water trails and links printable materials and the regional outdoor map hub(2). You typically launch or land at Lukkarinnurmen rantautumispaikka off Kuninkaanniementie; the same corner is the hub for other paddling legs on our site: Paltaniemi/Lukkarinnurmi melontareitti and Kalkkisilta/Lukkarinnurmi melontareitti share this shore, while Pöllyvaara - Lukkarinnummi maastopyöräilyreitti and Nakertajan luontopolku meet the area for riders and hikers who combine land and water. The Nakertaja village association describes the Lukkarinnurmi recreation shore along the Kajaaninjoki corridor—beach, laavu, pavilion, and a dock for larger boats—as a community-maintained spot roughly 2.5 km from the Vanahikse village hall and about 6 km from the city centre toward Paltaniemi(3). Expect sheltered-bay paddling mixed with open-lake exposure depending on wind direction; Sokajärvi’s water is described as slightly turbid in general references(4). Check weather and wave conditions before committing, carry standard open-water safety kit, and respect private shores and marina etiquette.

This is a point-to-point paddling line of about 8.2 km from the Kuusiranta shore on Lake Oulujärvi along Vuolijoki toward Vuolijoki village in Kajaani, in Kainuu. On our map the line ends at Rahonpuron venesatama, the city marina at Puotuspaikantie in the village; facilities on the City of Kajaani marina listing include 14 berths, a boat launch, and a mixed-waste point(3). The route sits in the same Vuolijoki shoreline network as the shorter Vuolijoki/Rauhanniemen melontareitti toward Rauhanniemen rantautumispaikka and the Vuolijoen melontareitti segment that also serves Rahonpuron venesatama—handy if you want to stitch shorter pieces or compare landings. For brochures, the downloadable Melo Kajaanissa PDF, and the wider list of city paddling options, the City of Kajaani paddling routes hub is the right place to start(1). The Ten villages of Vuolijoki section explains how local clubs mapped seven Vuolijoki-area lines and upgraded landing places, and it describes Kuusirannan satama and other harbours along the shore—useful background when you plan where to start and what else is on the water(2). Kajaanin Latu publishes weekly paddles, beginner courses, and the same brochure contact path for questions about local paddling culture(4). For rentals, Visit Kajaani lists Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi for kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards on Oulujärvi with phone contact and pickup points in Kajaani and on the lake—confirm hours and meeting points before you drive to the put-in(5). If you fish from the boat, check Eräluvat’s fishing permit pages for the fisheries management fee and any area rules that apply on Oulujärvi(6).

Tori/Kesäniemi melontareitti is a short urban paddle on Kajaaninjoki in Kajaani: about 1.9 km point-to-point from the Kajaanin Tori boat launch to the Kesäniemi swimming beach and kayak dock. It suits beginners and anyone who wants a calm city-centre outing with views of the riverfront, Renfors outdoor corridor, and the Kaukavesi swimming and sports area before finishing at Kesäniemi. For how this line fits into Kajaani’s wider paddling programme, printable Melo Kajaanissa materials, and links to Retkikartta.fi, start with City of Kajaani’s paddling hub(1). Visit Kajaani’s Kajaaninjoki page describes the river’s clear water, historic tar canal and castle ruins, and the Renfors shore route with services such as the marina, outdoor gym, cold-water hub, and Höyrylaiva Kouta—context you pass or see from the water(3). Put in at Kajaanin Tori veneenlaskupaikka beside the market square (Urho Kekkosen katu) and follow the river toward Kesäniemi. Along the way you pass Suvantorannan venesatama and the Vesiliikuntakeskus Kaukavesi frontage; the Kajaanin kylmäkaraisukeskus sits near the shore on Renforsin lenkki. After roughly two kilometres you reach Kesäniemen uimaranta with its towers, beach games courts, and services, and Kesäniemen melontalaituri for landing—City of Kajaani’s swimming beaches pages list parking east of the sand and what is banned on the official beach(2), and Visit Kajaani’s Kesäniemi beach page summarises access and facilities for visitors(4). Parking for a support car is at Kesäniemen parkkipaikka a short walk from the shore. Pyörteen tila / Rehjansaari lies across the water at the downstream end of this reach; longer trips from Kesäniemi toward Rehjansaari, Kuluntalahti, or Nuasjärvi are described separately on the same official pages(1)(4). The long-distance Tervantien retkipyöräily Lentiirasta Kajaaniin cycling route shares the downtown bank with this river section for riders linking the water with a bike leg. Respect the supervised swimming area at Kesäniemi: the city prohibits fishing, alcohol, smoking, and pets on the official beach, and lifeguards operate on a posted summer schedule(2). For equipment and skills, Kajaanin Latu runs courses and weekly paddles from Kuurna and lists local hire contacts in Kajaani(5).

The Kirppuniemi–Rakennuksenperä kayaking route is a short point-to-point line of about 2.8 km on Lake Oulujärvi in Vuottolahti, Kajaani. It links the Rakennuksenperä shore area with the Kirppuniemi marina and landing zone at the north-west end of the line—calm inshore water typical of the bay, suitable for a relaxed outing rather than open-lake crossings. The City of Kajaani describes the Kirppuniemi shore in detail: the village recreation area and marina were upgraded in 2023 with a shared swimming beach, a new kota with lean-tos, bio toilets, and wide views across Oulujärvi(1). Marina duty is handled by the Vimpeli sports centre on-call line, and Vuottolahti youth association looks after the beach structures—both contacts appear on the same page(1). The city’s paddling routes hub places Vuottolahti alongside Nuasjärvi and Oulujärvi networks, links the Melo Kajaanissa brochure, and points to Retkikartta.fi for map browsing(2). At the water end of this route you land between Kirppuniemen venesatama and Kirppuniemen satama, where you can tie up, stretch on shore, and use the services above. For longer trips, Vuottolahti/Kouluniemi melontareitti and Kirppuniemi/Kouluniemi melontareitti share these landings and extend toward Kouluniemi and other Vuottolahti access points. Luontoon.fi summarises Oulujärvi-wide paddling access in the Oulujärvi hiking area materials—docks, landing spots, and camping islands elsewhere on the big lake—useful if you combine this hop with wider crossings(4). Kajaanin Latu runs courses, weekly paddles from Kuurna boathouse, and lists local kayak and canoe rental contacts including Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Ky and other operators—handy if you need a boat in town(3). Yle reporting on Oulujärvi reminds paddlers that the lake can turn rough quickly in wind; check weather and stay close to shore when conditions freshen(5).

Saunajärven vesiretkeilyreitti is a long point-to-point paddle of about 42.5 km in Kainuu, starting from central Kuhmo and running south-east through the Lammasjärvi–Lentua lake landscape toward the Saunajärvi area. Visit Kuhmo groups Kuhmo’s paddling ideas, rental contacts, and shorter day-trip suggestions on its paddling page(1); the same organisation’s kayaking routes hub lists printable route PDFs and longer classics such as the Lentua–Juttua–Iivantiira wilderness paddle(2). The City of Kuhmo describes Lentua village as sitting on Lentuanjärvi, part of one of Kainuu’s most valued lake systems, with hiking networks, laavus, Lentuankoski fishing, and access to Lauttavaara trails on Luontoon.fi(3). Toward the route’s southern end, the Saunajärvi village page notes a roadside boat launch, Winter War memorial landscapes, and links to fishing information via kuhmonkosket.fi(4). From the water, the first major cluster after the town shore is the Petola–Kalevala outdoor belt: about 5 km from the start you pass Kuhmon luontokeskus Petola, then Kalevalan Laavu and sports facilities near Kalevan liikuntakeskus—useful if you combine paddling with a visit to the nature centre before heading into more open lake country. Around 7 km along the route, Harakkasaaren laavu and the island’s campfire spots make a natural first long break on the water; dry toilets sit with the laavu area. Farther out, Honkisen kota on the Lammasjärvi–Honkinen shore (about 13 km) offers a wilderness-style shelter stop. The second half of the trip is quieter lake paddling: Lahnasuvannon laavu (about 28 km) and Saunakosken laavu (about 29 km) sit a few kilometres apart as you approach the Saunakoski narrows and Saunajärvi end of the line—plan food, water, and wind exposure for long open crossings between these stops. On the town waterfront before you commit to the long leg, Maakunnanranta Kuhmo and Pajakkasuvannon melontalaituri are practical put-in options; Ruukinrannan uimaranta and nearby parking are close to the centre if you need a swim or a meet-up point. The long Tervantien retkipyöräily Lentiirasta Kajaaniin cycle route shares the same Kuhmo shore infrastructure—handy if someone shuttles by bike while you paddle. For equipment, Koe Kainuu Adventures publishes FitNord inflatable tandem kayak day and multi-day prices and picks up or delivers gear by arrangement from Lammasperä(5). The paddling page also names EräPiira, Kalevalan juhlatakomo, Lentiiran Lomakylä, and other local renters if you need canoes, single kayaks, or guided trips(1).

The Paltaniemi–Hevossaari route is a short point-to-point paddle on Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. It is about 3.7 km across open water from the Paltaniemi recreation shore to Hevossaaren melontalaituri on Hevossaari. Metsähallitus lists the corridor on Luontoon.fi with map and GPX download for planning(1). City of Kajaani groups this line with other local water trails and links printable materials plus the regional water-trail map on Retkikartta.fi(2). Visit Kajaani describes Paltaniemi beach as a popular city beach with marina, free parking beside the access road, changing cabins, toilets, playground, and beach volleyball—useful if you stage a car or take a break before launching(3). From the busy Paltaniemi shore you can use Paltaniemen parkkipaikka for a vehicle, launch from Paltaniemen venesatama or step in near Paltaniemen uimaranta, and note Paltaniemen tenniskenttä and Paltaniemen pallokenttä in the same near-shore cluster. The crossing follows open lake toward Hevossaari; you land at Hevossaaren melontalaituri on the island. Yle Kainuu has reported on growing recreational paddling in Kajaani and on how quickly wind and waves can build on large Oulujärvi selkä waters—check the forecast before committing to the crossing(4). This segment connects naturally to longer lines on our site: Paltaniemi/Lukkarinnurmi melontareitti shares the same Paltaniemi staging area toward Lukkarinnurmi, while Hevossaari/Pöyhölänniemi melontareitti continues from the Hevossaari end toward Pöyhölänniemi. Carry standard open-water safety kit (life jackets, spare clothes, signalling) and plan for a vehicle shuttle if you paddle one way only.

The Paltaniemi/Toukka route is a point-to-point paddle of about 7.9 km on Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. It crosses open water from the Paltaniemi shore toward Toukansaari (also called Toukka), a forested island between Ärjänselkä and Paltaselkä. The City of Kajaani groups this line with other local kayaking corridors in the Melo Kajaanissa guide and on its paddling hub, with links to regional water-trail maps(1)(2). For landings and overnight etiquette on the island, the city's islands page describes Toukansaari's two lean-tos, firewood at the shelters, and that fires are allowed only at designated campfire sites(3). Along the mapped line, Poijun retkisatama on Koutaniemi (Poijutie 78) sits roughly a little over a kilometre from the notional start—handy if you want a club-maintained stop with services. Further on, Toukansaaren rantautumispaikka marks the main landing on the island; Toukansaaren laavu, lieranpää and Toukansaaren laavu, Pöllänpää sit at the western and eastern ends of the island, about five and eight kilometres along the route respectively—natural lunch or overnight stops if you respect fire rules and leave no trace. At the Paltaniemi end, many trips stage from Paltaniemen parkkipaikka and Paltaniemen venesatama before heading west; Visit Kajaani notes the beach area's marina, free parking beside the access road, changing cabins, and toilets—useful if you combine a swim or a shore break with the paddle(4). On our site this corridor meets Paltaniemi/Lukkarinnurmi melontareitti at the shared Paltaniemi shore network, and it shares waypoints with winter snowmobile routes near Toukka—those are for motorised use in season, not for summer paddling. Expect wind and fetch on Oulujärvi: check weather and wave forecasts before committing, wear life jackets, and plan a vehicle shuttle if you paddle one way. There are no portages or whitewater on this segment.

The Rauhanniemi/Koivuranta kayaking route is a short point-to-point paddle of about 3.6 km on Lake Oulujärvi in Kajaani, Kainuu. It links Koivurannan rantautumispaikka off Hautarannantie and Rauhanniemen rantautumispaikka off Rauhanniementie (postal area 88270, former Vuolijoki countryside). The crossing sits in open lake water east of central Kajaani, so plan for wind, waves, and visibility rather than expecting a narrow river channel. The City of Kajaani publishes an overview of local paddling, downloadable brochures, and links to wider water-trail materials on its Kajaanin melontareitit pages(1). The Melo Kajaanissa brochure gathers mapped day-trip ideas on Oulujärvi, the Kajaaninjoki, and Nuasjärvi from the same municipal project—use it alongside our map for context when you stitch several legs together(2). The City of Kajaani’s Vuolijoki area pages note ongoing shore and recreation work around Rauhanniemi, including a large kota and improved beach access—helpful if you combine paddling with a shore stop in that bay(3). This segment connects logically with other Kajaani kayaking lines that share the same landings: Vuolijoki/Rauhanniemen melontareitti uses Rauhanniemen rantautumispaikka, while Koivuranta/Honkinen melontareitti and Rauhanniementie/Honkinen melontareitti extend from the Koivuranta shore toward Honkinen. Kajaanin Latu coordinates courses, weekly evening paddles from Kuurna, and local announcements—worth checking if you want instruction or a group outing(4). Kayak and canoe hire in the Kajaani area is available from operators who publish prices and pickup points online; Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi lists single and tandem kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards with example hourly and day rates from bases including Rikulantie 10 in Kajaani and seasonal Ärjänsaari(5). Visit Kajaani summarises rental access for independent visitors exploring Oulujärvi by paddle(6). If you fish from the kayak, Eräluvat’s area page for Oulujärvi state waters (4508) explains when you need a regional permit in addition to the national fisheries management fee for eligible ages(7).

This is an easy, barrier-free day paddle of about 3.8 km as mapped, from the accessible launch at Nurmiselkä on Hossanjärvi to the services at Jatkonjärvi in Hossa National Park, Kainuu. For route descriptions, seasonal rules, and the wider network of Hossa water trails, the Hossa National Park paddling page on Luontoon.fi is the place to start(1). Hossa-Kylmäluoma’s guest article highlights how Nurmiselkä and Jatkonsalmi landings were fitted with support rails and transfer platforms for getting into canoes and kayaks, with an accessible dry toilet beside the Nurmiselkä dock—useful context when you match those structures to this line(2). Visit Suomussalmi lists local canoe, kayak, and SUP hire through the national-park visitor businesses for paddlers who arrive without a boat(3). From the put-in, the water threads a characteristic lake arm: the Keihäslampi and Huosilampi shore has campfire spots, lean-tos, and several small jetties, with parking spread between Keihäslampi and Huosilampi car parks. Very early along the mapped line you pass Hossaari, where a rental cabin and sauna sit close to the shore for groups combining paddling with an overnight stay. Around the two-kilometre mark the Pikku-Hossa cluster adds another rental cabin, a dock, fireplaces, and dry toilets near Huosivirta parking—handy if you want a longer break before the Jatkonsalmi narrows. The Jatkonsalmi section brings the Jatkonsalmen esteetön melontalaituri, Teräväpää and main log-cabin rentals, and a regular jetty where you can tie up before the open water of Jatkonjärvi. At the far end, Jatkonjärvi’s camping shore combines multiple fire rings, tent-pitch parking, the Lounatkoski carry trail head for canoeists portaging the rapids, and an accessible jetty and toilets facing the lake—plan noise and distance if you finish near other campers. On land, the Keihäslampi–Huosiusjärvi Trail and Hossan polku thread the same Huosilampi–visitor-centre shoreline as this water line, so you can swap a short hike for a paddle or shuttle gear between family members. The route is point-to-point on the map; you can paddle back the same way or arrange a vehicle at Jatkonjärvi.