Kuhmo Kayaking Routes

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).

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).

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).

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 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).

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 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.

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).

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).