When did huts.fi research the data for Vanajavesi Water Nature Trail?

Huts.fi

Vanajavesi Water Nature Trail

—•Kayaking Routes

34.5 km

Route

P 1

Description

City of Hämeenlinna – Peaceful paddling+

Description

Vanajavesi Water Nature Trail is about 34.5 km of lake paddling on a loop on Vanajavesi around Hämeenlinna, between the Miemala and Mierola areas. Vanajavesi is one of Finland’s oldest inland water routes; the trail is designed as an electronic water nature trail (Digitrail) so you can open geolocated stories and historical points from Iron Age to modern times while you move on the water. For current access points, services, and the full list of suggested put-ins, start from the City of Hämeenlinna’s paddling and outdoor pages. Visit Kanta-Häme’s Digitrail page for this trail adds the digital guide and sits alongside the region’s wider paddling materials. You can paddle the whole loop in a day or pick shorter sections—for example starting from Miemala beach, the swimming hall shore in the centre, Varikonniemi by the Vanajaveden Vesikot club base, Katajistonranta where Aulanko Outdoors runs rentals and group trips, or the Mierola bridge café side—matching how the city and region describe the route. Early on the loop, Käikälän uimapaikka offers a simple swim stop a few kilometres from the start; a little farther, Miemalan saaren tulipaikka on Miemala island is a natural break with a campfire spot. Through the Aulanko side, Tekosaarten nuotiokota and Kalastuspuiston nuotiopaikka pair a kota and a fishing-park fireplace with views toward the shore paths and the railway bridge area. In the city channel you pass under the main bridges toward Häme Castle and the parks; Niittykadun kalastuslaituri and Hämeensaaren kalastuslaituri mark fishing piers if you combine paddling with angling. Toward the north side of the loop, Mierolan satamassa koiraranta sits by Mierola harbour, and Hattelmalan uimapaikka gives another beach pause before you close the ring. The same waters tie into the longer Vanajaveden melontareitti – Hollola–Hattula paddling corridor that runs across Kanta-Häme toward Vanajanselkä—useful if you want to extend beyond this city loop. Antti Koskinen’s story on the Vanajaveden Vesikot site describes getting into kayaking from Varikonniemi and paddling Vanajavesi with a packable kayak—useful colour on how approachable the local water is for newcomers. Aulanko Outdoors keeps a year-round equipment base at Katajistonranta with kayaking on Vanajavesi among its activities; contact them for reservation-based rental and group arrangements.

Length & route

The route is about 34.5 km as one closed loop on Vanajavesi. Official copy for this water nature trail often rounds to roughly 35 km and describes a full-day circuit; shorter out-and-back sections from the listed beaches and harbours are easy to plan.

Getting there

Put in or take out at Miemala beach, the Hämeenlinna swimming hall beach, Varikonniemi (Vanajaveden Vesikot), Katajistonranta (Aulanko Outdoors), or the Mierola bridge area—exact combinations depend on wind and how much of the loop you want. For parking near Aulanko, use the Joutsenlampi south parking or Aulangontie parking areas and carry boats the short distance to shore. Aulanko Outdoors can deliver rental gear to agreed points along the shore when arranged in advance.

Good to know

If you fish from a kayak, you need the national fisheries management fee for most lure methods and a Vanajavesi route permit where the local association’s waters apply; check Eräluvat for the management fee and the current route permit product for this basin. Motorboats share the lake—stay visible and follow water-traffic rules. No dedicated trail marking on water; navigation uses charts, the Digitrail content, and landmarks.

Where to rent kayaks

Aulanko Outdoors operates from Katajistonranta in Aulanko with kayaking on Vanajavesi, equipment rental, and group programmes; the base serves travellers on a reservation basis—email info@aulankooutdoors.fi or call +358 44 767 4772 for openings and delivery options to your chosen shore.

Guided tours & Experiences

Aulanko Outdoors arranges guided nature and wellbeing outings in Aulanko and on Vanajavesi for groups year round, including kayaking; ask for a Vanajavesi-focused paddling plan when you book. Vanajaveden Vesikot runs Meloja 1 beginner courses and youth paddling schools from Varikonniemi in summer—book through Suomisport.

Managed by

Hämeenlinna

Official Maintenance

03 621 3370

Trail info

The loop is described between Miemala and Mierola; direction on the day depends on wind and waves on Vanajavesi’s open fetches.

Route direction

Recreation Area

Lake

Open / Good Condition

City of Hämeenlinna – Peaceful paddling+

Activities allowed

Kayak / Canoe

Activity

Terrain & conditions

34.5 km

Distance

Allow a full day for the complete loop in calm conditions; shorter sections from any official beach or harbour fit a half-day.

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Lake Paddling

Water type

City of Hämeenlinna – Peaceful paddling+

Location

61.02160°N, 24.45492°E

Parking coordinates

FinlandCountry

Kanta-HämeRegion

HämeenlinnaCity

Kayaking RoutesCategory

Explore nearby

Hämeenlinnan Kirkonkulman koulun liikuntasali

389 m

Kirkonkulman koulun lähiliikuntapaikka

320 m

Free

Kirkonkulman koulun luistelukenttä Hämeenlinna

344 m

Free

Kirkonkulman koulun pallokenttä Hämeenlinna

320 m

Kantolan KunnonSali

325 m

Kantolan ampumarata

388 m

Kantola Urban DiscGolfPark

256 m

Free

Kantola Padel & Sulka / sulkapallokentät

449 m

Rate & Review

Be the first to write a review for "Vanajavesi Water Nature Trail"

Share a photo from a recent trip

Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Hämeenlinna, 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 Kanta-Häme Hämeenlinna Kayaking RoutesVanajavesi Water Nature Trail