Tervareitti is a long-distance paddling journey through the Ähtävänjoki water system in South Ostrobothnia. As one continuous line it is about 223 km from the mapped start to the coast, linking the municipalities of Soini, Alajärvi, Vimpeli, Lappajärvi, and Evijärvi before the lower Ähtävänjoki reaches the Gulf of Both...
Municipality of Vimpeli – Tervareitti+
Description
Tervareitti is a long-distance paddling journey through the Ähtävänjoki water system in South Ostrobothnia. As one continuous line it is about 223 km from the mapped start to the coast, linking the municipalities of Soini, Alajärvi, Vimpeli, Lappajärvi, and Evijärvi before the lower Ähtävänjoki reaches the Gulf of Bothnia near Jakobstad. The name recalls tar transport along these waterways from the 1600s until the 1800s; the Municipality of Vimpeli and other local pages describe it as a versatile route with options for different skill levels and interests. This is the Järviseutu / Ähtävä “Tervareitti”, not the separate Kainuu tar-route stages published elsewhere.
For planning detail, the Municipality of Vimpeli lists the main lakes as Vähä-Räyrinki, Iso-Räyrinki, Alajärvi, Lappajärvi, and Evijärvi, and the connecting rivers including Kuninkaanjoki, Välijoki (between the Räyrinki lakes and again between Lappajärvi and Evijärvi), Kaivosoja, Levijoki, Kurejoki, and the lower Ähtävänjoki. Aisapari hosts a free 52-page Tervareitti paddling guide PDF produced after a 2014 mapping effort; the same page notes about 170 km if you paddle the shortest through-line, while exploring roughly 220 islands along the way stretches the distance considerably. Kyrönjoen Koskihäjyt led that Järviseutu Tervareitti project with support from Aisapari ry and coordination by Järviseutu-seura ry, and publishes an updated second-edition PDF alongside trip photos from the field seasons. Yle reported the start of the Ähtävänjoki mapping work as an effort to bring one of the last major Ostrobothnian river systems onto national paddling interest, with work progressing from Kuninkaanjoki and the Räyrinki lakes toward Alajärvi, Kurejoki, Lappajärvi, Välijoki, and Evijärvi.
Along the huts.fi line, the Alajärvi town shore cluster around roughly 20–27 km from the start brings you near Hoiskon uimaranta, Keskustan uimaranta, and the Karhulaavu lean-to on the town exercise loop—useful resupply and break context before longer lake sections. Near the north end of Lappajärvi, Vieresniemen uimaranta and Vieresniemen laavu sit around 120 km along the route, with Kivitippu hotel and services at Nykälänniemi a little farther on including Kivitpun parkkipaikka for road access. The Välijoen laavu ja nuotiopaikka and Kalatiekanavan melontareitti share this shore zone with the main Tervareitti line. On Evijärvi, stops such as Uittomiehentien laavu, Kettusaaren laavu, and Lipsunnin laavu appear in sequence with roadside parking at Jokikylän parkkipaikka, Uittomiehenlenkki parkkipaikka, or Lipsunnin parkkipaikka where you need a shuttle. Dry toilets and campfire sites are scattered at many lean-tos; respect local fire instructions during drought warnings.
Pick up the printed guide free of charge from Alajärven Alvariini, Lappajärven Kivitippu, or Evijärven Mäntyhovi, or request postal delivery via the contact given on Aisapari’s Tervareitti page. Check municipal tourism pages for the latest service hours before you travel.
Length & route
The mapped Tervareitti line is about 223 km end to end. Promotional copy often rounds the through-paddle distance to roughly 170–200 km depending on which shortcuts you take, while island-hopping on some 220 islands can add many extra kilometres. The chain moves from small forested rivers and Räyrinki crater lakes through open Alajärvi and Lappajärvi water, then Välijoki into the island-rich Evijärvi basin, and finally down Ähtävänjoki toward the sea. Expect current in river sections, short rapids on smaller streams, and portages at canal or rapid sites where the guide marks carries—confirm each portage distance in the PDF before loading boats.
Getting there
Because Tervareitti is a multi-day waterway rather than a single trailhead, most groups stage cars at road ends near chosen launch beaches or municipal parking. On this geometry, Kivitpun parkkipaikka at Lappajärvi (about 130 km along the line) and Jokikylän, Uittomiehenlenkin, or Lipsunnin parkkipaikat on Evijärvi give practical access for shuttles. Alajärvi town offers shore access near Keskustan uimaranta and Hoiskon uimaranta for shorter sections. For the free paddling guide, start from Alajärven Alvariini, Lappajärven Kivitippu, or Evijärven Mäntyhovi as listed on Aisapari.
Good to know
Carry fishing permits appropriate to each water body if you fish from the canoe; rules vary by lake and river segment, so check the current Eräluvat product pages for the areas you paddle. Landing on private shore without permission is not covered by everyman’s rights—use public beaches, lean-tos, and marked rest sites from the guide. In windy weather Lappajärvi and Evijärvi open-water crossings require solid open-lake skills and buoyancy gear for the whole group.
Ähtävänjoen vesistön melonnan säännöt ja kalastusluvat kannattaa tarkistaa jokaiselle osuudelle; rantaudu vain yleisille taukopaikoille ja oppaassa mainituille paikoille. Tuulisella säällä Lappajärven ja Evijärven väylät vaativat kokemusta avovesellä ja pelastusliivit koko ryhmälle.
History
Tar was floated and hauled along Ähtävänjoki and its lakes from the 1600s until the 1800s, giving the modern paddling route its name. The 2013–2014 documentation project deliberately collected heritage stories with village associations alongside new paddling notes, reflecting that freight history.
Itinerary
Example multi-day outline using distances along this mapped line (adjust to wind and daily pace):
Segment A – From the southern start through Alajärvi town waters (about 0–30 km): break near Hoiskon uimaranta or Keskustan uimaranta; overnight in town services if you need shops and accommodation.
Segment B – Across Alajärvi and connecting rivers toward Lappajärvi (about 30–120 km): plan open-water days with spare weather; aim for Vieresniemen laavu around 120 km for a sheltered island stop.
Segment C – Lappajärvi north shore and Välijoki toward Evijärvi (about 120–150 km): use Kivitippu services near 130 km; portage and rest at Välijoen laavu ja nuotiopaikka before continuing toward Jokikylä.
Segment D – Evijärvi basin (about 140–190 km): chain Uittomiehentien laavu, Kettusaaren laavu, and Lipsunnin laavu with road access at nearby parkkipaikat for resupply shuttles.
Segment E – Lower Ähtävänjoki to the coast (about 190–223 km): confirm current advice for lower-river landings and harbour rules near Jakobstad from the PDF and local boating pages.
Most groups spread the full line across at least a week; the Aisapari guide is the authoritative day-by-day reference.
Where to rent kayaks
No dedicated kayak-hire base on this exact 223 km line appears in the sources used; most visitors bring their own craft or arrange outfitters regionally. Ask Kyrönjoen Koskihäjyt or local tourist offices when planning shuttles and seasonal rental pop-ups. The free Aisapari PDF lists landings and difficulties in detail.
The classic narration runs from the upper Ähtävänjoki headwaters and Räyrinki lakes downstream and north-westward toward Lappajärvi, Evijärvi, and the sea, following historical tar transport. Wind and shuttle logistics may justify splitting into shorter out-and-back day trips on individual lakes.
Route direction
Recreation Area
Recreation Area
Archipelago
Archipelago
Island
Island
Lake
Lake
River
River
Open / Good Condition
Open / Good Condition
Municipality of Vimpeli – Tervareitti+
Activities allowed
Kayak / Canoe
Activity
Terrain & conditions
223 km
Distance
A straight-through paddle of roughly 170 km minimum path or about 223 km on this mapped centreline is typically a multi-week expedition for touring groups, or a concentrated week for fit teams with support vehicles.
Be the first to write a review for "Tervareitti (Ähtävä waterway tar route)"
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Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Lappajärvi, 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.
Tervareitti is a long-distance paddling journey through the Ähtävänjoki water system in South Ostrobothnia. As one continuous line it is about 223 km from the mapped start to the coast, linking the municipalities of Soini, Alajärvi, Vimpeli, Lappajärvi, and Evijärvi before the lower Ähtävänjoki reaches the Gulf of Both...
Municipality of Vimpeli – Tervareitti+
Description
Tervareitti is a long-distance paddling journey through the Ähtävänjoki water system in South Ostrobothnia. As one continuous line it is about 223 km from the mapped start to the coast, linking the municipalities of Soini, Alajärvi, Vimpeli, Lappajärvi, and Evijärvi before the lower Ähtävänjoki reaches the Gulf of Bothnia near Jakobstad. The name recalls tar transport along these waterways from the 1600s until the 1800s; the Municipality of Vimpeli and other local pages describe it as a versatile route with options for different skill levels and interests. This is the Järviseutu / Ähtävä “Tervareitti”, not the separate Kainuu tar-route stages published elsewhere.
For planning detail, the Municipality of Vimpeli lists the main lakes as Vähä-Räyrinki, Iso-Räyrinki, Alajärvi, Lappajärvi, and Evijärvi, and the connecting rivers including Kuninkaanjoki, Välijoki (between the Räyrinki lakes and again between Lappajärvi and Evijärvi), Kaivosoja, Levijoki, Kurejoki, and the lower Ähtävänjoki. Aisapari hosts a free 52-page Tervareitti paddling guide PDF produced after a 2014 mapping effort; the same page notes about 170 km if you paddle the shortest through-line, while exploring roughly 220 islands along the way stretches the distance considerably. Kyrönjoen Koskihäjyt led that Järviseutu Tervareitti project with support from Aisapari ry and coordination by Järviseutu-seura ry, and publishes an updated second-edition PDF alongside trip photos from the field seasons. Yle reported the start of the Ähtävänjoki mapping work as an effort to bring one of the last major Ostrobothnian river systems onto national paddling interest, with work progressing from Kuninkaanjoki and the Räyrinki lakes toward Alajärvi, Kurejoki, Lappajärvi, Välijoki, and Evijärvi.
Along the huts.fi line, the Alajärvi town shore cluster around roughly 20–27 km from the start brings you near Hoiskon uimaranta, Keskustan uimaranta, and the Karhulaavu lean-to on the town exercise loop—useful resupply and break context before longer lake sections. Near the north end of Lappajärvi, Vieresniemen uimaranta and Vieresniemen laavu sit around 120 km along the route, with Kivitippu hotel and services at Nykälänniemi a little farther on including Kivitpun parkkipaikka for road access. The Välijoen laavu ja nuotiopaikka and Kalatiekanavan melontareitti share this shore zone with the main Tervareitti line. On Evijärvi, stops such as Uittomiehentien laavu, Kettusaaren laavu, and Lipsunnin laavu appear in sequence with roadside parking at Jokikylän parkkipaikka, Uittomiehenlenkki parkkipaikka, or Lipsunnin parkkipaikka where you need a shuttle. Dry toilets and campfire sites are scattered at many lean-tos; respect local fire instructions during drought warnings.
Pick up the printed guide free of charge from Alajärven Alvariini, Lappajärven Kivitippu, or Evijärven Mäntyhovi, or request postal delivery via the contact given on Aisapari’s Tervareitti page. Check municipal tourism pages for the latest service hours before you travel.
Length & route
The mapped Tervareitti line is about 223 km end to end. Promotional copy often rounds the through-paddle distance to roughly 170–200 km depending on which shortcuts you take, while island-hopping on some 220 islands can add many extra kilometres. The chain moves from small forested rivers and Räyrinki crater lakes through open Alajärvi and Lappajärvi water, then Välijoki into the island-rich Evijärvi basin, and finally down Ähtävänjoki toward the sea. Expect current in river sections, short rapids on smaller streams, and portages at canal or rapid sites where the guide marks carries—confirm each portage distance in the PDF before loading boats.
Getting there
Because Tervareitti is a multi-day waterway rather than a single trailhead, most groups stage cars at road ends near chosen launch beaches or municipal parking. On this geometry, Kivitpun parkkipaikka at Lappajärvi (about 130 km along the line) and Jokikylän, Uittomiehenlenkin, or Lipsunnin parkkipaikat on Evijärvi give practical access for shuttles. Alajärvi town offers shore access near Keskustan uimaranta and Hoiskon uimaranta for shorter sections. For the free paddling guide, start from Alajärven Alvariini, Lappajärven Kivitippu, or Evijärven Mäntyhovi as listed on Aisapari.
Good to know
Carry fishing permits appropriate to each water body if you fish from the canoe; rules vary by lake and river segment, so check the current Eräluvat product pages for the areas you paddle. Landing on private shore without permission is not covered by everyman’s rights—use public beaches, lean-tos, and marked rest sites from the guide. In windy weather Lappajärvi and Evijärvi open-water crossings require solid open-lake skills and buoyancy gear for the whole group.
Ähtävänjoen vesistön melonnan säännöt ja kalastusluvat kannattaa tarkistaa jokaiselle osuudelle; rantaudu vain yleisille taukopaikoille ja oppaassa mainituille paikoille. Tuulisella säällä Lappajärven ja Evijärven väylät vaativat kokemusta avovesellä ja pelastusliivit koko ryhmälle.
History
Tar was floated and hauled along Ähtävänjoki and its lakes from the 1600s until the 1800s, giving the modern paddling route its name. The 2013–2014 documentation project deliberately collected heritage stories with village associations alongside new paddling notes, reflecting that freight history.
Itinerary
Example multi-day outline using distances along this mapped line (adjust to wind and daily pace):
Segment A – From the southern start through Alajärvi town waters (about 0–30 km): break near Hoiskon uimaranta or Keskustan uimaranta; overnight in town services if you need shops and accommodation.
Segment B – Across Alajärvi and connecting rivers toward Lappajärvi (about 30–120 km): plan open-water days with spare weather; aim for Vieresniemen laavu around 120 km for a sheltered island stop.
Segment C – Lappajärvi north shore and Välijoki toward Evijärvi (about 120–150 km): use Kivitippu services near 130 km; portage and rest at Välijoen laavu ja nuotiopaikka before continuing toward Jokikylä.
Segment D – Evijärvi basin (about 140–190 km): chain Uittomiehentien laavu, Kettusaaren laavu, and Lipsunnin laavu with road access at nearby parkkipaikat for resupply shuttles.
Segment E – Lower Ähtävänjoki to the coast (about 190–223 km): confirm current advice for lower-river landings and harbour rules near Jakobstad from the PDF and local boating pages.
Most groups spread the full line across at least a week; the Aisapari guide is the authoritative day-by-day reference.
Where to rent kayaks
No dedicated kayak-hire base on this exact 223 km line appears in the sources used; most visitors bring their own craft or arrange outfitters regionally. Ask Kyrönjoen Koskihäjyt or local tourist offices when planning shuttles and seasonal rental pop-ups. The free Aisapari PDF lists landings and difficulties in detail.
The classic narration runs from the upper Ähtävänjoki headwaters and Räyrinki lakes downstream and north-westward toward Lappajärvi, Evijärvi, and the sea, following historical tar transport. Wind and shuttle logistics may justify splitting into shorter out-and-back day trips on individual lakes.
A straight-through paddle of roughly 170 km minimum path or about 223 km on this mapped centreline is typically a multi-week expedition for touring groups, or a concentrated week for fit teams with support vehicles.
Be the first to write a review for "Tervareitti (Ähtävä waterway tar route)"
Share a photo from a recent trip
Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Lappajärvi, 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.
