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Volon kierto kayaking loop

—•Kayaking Routes

10.1 km

Route

Description

Visit Kajaani – Melontakeskus (Oulujärven Melojat)+

Description

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Length & route

The route is about 10.1 km as a closed loop on Paltaselkä (Oulujärvi). There are no portages; the whole distance is paddled on open lake water with sheltered stretches near the shorelines.

Getting there

From national road 22, follow signs toward Autioniemi or the Paltamo village center (Kirkonkylä). Autioniemi Parking provides free parking close to the western launch area of the route. An alternative starting point is Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri at Uimarannantie 2 in Metelinniemi — free parking is also available at Paltamo Parking and Näälmannin kulttuuri Parking nearby. The canoe center pier at Uimarannantie makes a convenient start for those renting gear or joining a guided outing with Oulujärven Melojat ry.

Good to know

Kayaking on Oulujärvi falls under the national fisheries fee rules for lure fishing; check Eräluvat for permit requirements before fishing from a kayak. In high winds (especially southwest) Paltaselkä can build waves quickly; beginners should plan the route on calm days and stay closer to the sheltered eastern shore of the loop. Standard open-water safety equipment (life jackets, dry bag, spare warm clothing) is recommended. Dogs are welcome on the shore areas at Metelinniemi; check local rules before bringing pets on the water.

Where to rent kayaks

Oulujärven Melojat ry operates the Melontakeskus (Canoe Center) at Uimarannantie 1, 88300 Paltamo — the Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri on this route leads directly to the pier. The center has seven single kayaks and one tandem kayak available primarily for guided trips and demonstration events; contact Oulujärven Melojat ry at oulujarvenmelojat(a)gmail.com to ask about seasonal availability and hire options.

Managed by

Paltamo

Official Maintenance

Trail info

Clockwise or counter-clockwise; the route is a loop and no direction is specified.

Route direction

Lake

Open / Good Condition

Activities allowed

Kayak / Canoe

Activity

Terrain & conditions

10.1 km

Distance

About 2.5–4 hours at a relaxed touring pace in calm conditions; allow extra time for breaks at Käärmeniemi or Metelinniemi.

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Lake Paddling

Water type

Location

64.39078°N, 27.77428°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

KainuuRegion

PaltamoCity

KirkonkyläVillage

Kayaking RoutesCategory

Explore nearby

Käärmeniemen vieraslaituri

598 m

Leppikosken pyöräilylenkki

388 m

Free

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Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Paltamo, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.

Finland Kainuu Paltamo Kayaking RoutesVolon kierto kayaking loop

Volon kierto kayaking loop10.1 km

Route

Paltamon melontakeskuksen laituri

5.0 km|Free

Boat & Kayak Launches

Metelinniemen beachvolleykenttä

5.0 km|Free

Volleyball Courts

Metelin talviuintipaikka

5.0 km|Free

Winter Swimming

Metelinniemen uimaranta

5.0 km|Free

Beaches

Metelin frisbeegolfrata

5.0 km|Free

Disc Golf CoursesTasainen maasto.

Description

Visit Kajaani – Melontakeskus (Oulujärven Melojat)+

Description

Length & route

The route is about 10.1 km as a closed loop on Paltaselkä (Oulujärvi). There are no portages; the whole distance is paddled on open lake water with sheltered stretches near the shorelines.