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Oravi – Sompasaari

—•Kayaking Routes

35.5 km

Route

Description

Seal Trail – Koloveden kierros (SaimaaHoliday Oravi)+

Description

Oravi–Sompasaari is an open-lake kayaking and canoeing line on Lake Saimaa in South Savo, about 35.5 km point-to-point from the Oravi canal village services toward the Pyylinoja shore on the northwest margin of Kolovesi National Park. It is an alternative to the longer Kolovesi circuit that starts from Kirkkoranta: you stage from Oravi’s harbour and paddling centre, then cross the maze of islands and sounds toward Pieni Kolovesi where the park’s camping and landing sites cluster near Pyylinoja. For the wider Kolovesi paddling story—weekend distances, optional extensions to Pyylinsaari and Koukunpolvi, and the easy sheltered character of the main lake circuit—SaimaaHoliday Oravi’s Seal Trail route page is the practical starting point. Visit Savonlinna summarises Kolovesi National Park’s cliffs, rock paintings, and motorboat restrictions that make the area a quiet paddler’s destination. Along the mapped line, the first stop is Oravin Nuorisoseurantalo near the canal village, and the route ends at Pyylinoja kanottilaituri with a campfire site, tent camping area, and facilities grouped at the water’s edge. Visit Karelia describes Pyylinoja as the natural water access point for Pyylin polku, the demanding hiking trail that climbs from the shore toward Iso-Pyylin autiotupa and Pyylivuori before returning to Ruokovirta —worth combining if you secure a vehicle shuttle and want a day on land after paddling in. The same waterway network links to Koloveden kierros Oravista (a full multi-day circuit of the park), Oravi-Järvisydän Melontaa toward Linnansaari, Tappuvirran kierros through the islands of Linnansaari National Park, and Linnansaaren kierros for a shorter national-park loop. Wildlife watching is part of the draw: Visit Savonlinna notes the Saimaa ringed seal and ancient rock art at Ukonvuori as signature park highlights. For a lived sense of pacing and campsites on a multi-day Kolovesi trip, Retkiremmi.net’s multi-day paddling journal includes a Pitkäsaari–Pyylinoja stage and staging from Oravi and Kirkkoranta. Wind on open sounds can slow progress; plan extra time and check weather before committing to a long crossing.

Length & route

On our map this route is about 35.5 km along one continuous line from the Oravi start area to the Pyylinoja landing cluster, not a loop. Regional descriptions of the full Kolovesi circuit often round the main park circuit to about 35 km over a weekend or 35–60 km depending on side branches; Seal Trail describes the classic Kolovesi circuit as easy, sheltered lake paddling without mandatory portages on the main ring, with optional carry routes if you extend toward longer loops.

Getting there

Stage vehicles and boats from Oravi’s canal village services: SaimaaHoliday Oravi runs full-service kayak and canoe rental, sells waterproof paddling maps, and describes self-service rental at Kirkkoranta on Kolovesi for separate staging. The Kolovesi circuit description lists Kirkkoranta canoe harbour at Kirkkorannantie 200, 58180 Enonkoski, as the park-side launch for many trips, with bus connections from Savonranta, Heinävesi, and Enonkoski church villages and a bookable safari shuttle to reach the water. For this Oravi–Pyylinoja line, plan a shuttle or return by water if you leave a car at Oravintie services; Retkiremmi.net’s group staged vehicles at Oravi and used Kirkkoranta for different paddling days.

Good to know

Camping and campfires in Kolovesi National Park are allowed only at marked sites; follow Metsähallitus rules and the park’s summer access window described on Visit Savonlinna. Respect seal habitat and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Motorboating is forbidden in most of the park’s waters; paddlers share the sounds with other non-motorised craft.

History

Kolovesi National Park was established in 1990 to protect the labyrinthine archipelago of Lake Saimaa; Visit Savonlinna and Metsähallitus materials describe the area’s rock paintings and old-growth forest values in that conservation context.

Itinerary

Day 1: Paddle from Oravi toward the Kolovesi archipelago and aim for a campsite on the main islands; many parties use the full Kolovesi circuit over 2–4 days at roughly 35–60 km depending on side trips. Day 2 (or a long single day for fit groups): Continue along the mapped line toward Pyylinoja and land at the canoe dock and tent area. The Pyylinoja cluster has a campfire site, tent camping area, and facilities suitable for an overnight before walking Pyylin polku or returning to Oravi. Adjust timing for wind and photo stops; Seal Trail notes that strong wind can slow a Kolovesi trip.

Where to rent kayaks

SaimaaHoliday Oravi rents canoes, kayaks, rowing boats, and camping gear from the full-service marina centre in Oravi; waterproof paddling maps for Kolovesi, Linnansaari, and central Saimaa are included with canoe rentals or sold separately, and the company advertises a self-service rental point at Kirkkoranta on Kolovesi for flexible pick-up.

Guided tours & Experiences

SaimaaHoliday Oravi lists guided kayaking trips from Oravi to Linnansaari National Park and Kolovesi, beginner sessions on sheltered water near Oravi, and longer guided excursions with meals included; see their guided tours and package pages for current programmes and prices.

Managed by

Enonkoski

Official Maintenance

+358 15 527 5500

Trail info

The line is drawn from Oravi toward the northwest park corner at Pyylinoja; most travellers paddle outbound from Oravi and arrange a shuttle or return along the same corridor or via connecting routes.

Route direction

National Park

Area

Recreation Area

Lake

Open / Good Condition

Activities allowed

Kayak / Canoe

Activity

Terrain & conditions

35.5 km

Distance

For this 35.5 km segment, plan one long day in calm conditions or two shorter days with an overnight at a campsite such as Pyylinoja. Seal Trail suggests 2–4 days for the full Kolovesi circuit when you tour the whole park.

Est. Time

Point-to-Point

Route Type

Lake Paddling

Water type

Seal Trail – Koloveden kierros (SaimaaHoliday Oravi)

Location

62.11474°N, 28.60639°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

South SavoRegion

EnonkoskiCity

OraviVillage

Kayaking RoutesCategory

Explore nearby

Kayaking in Kolovesi National Park

425 m

Linnansaari loop (paddling route)

219 m

Free

Linnansaaren talvivaellusreitti

427 m

Free

Haukivesi Lake loop

213 m

Free

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Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Enonkoski, 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 South Savo Enonkoski Kayaking RoutesOravi – Sompasaari