Uusimaa Kayaking Routes

UUVI describes Stora Brändö, east of Porkkalaniemi, as a favourite island for nature-minded boaters and as the first open-water trip of the season for many local paddlers(1). Metsähallitus lists the same destination on Luontoon.fi with maps and activity information for the Kirkkonummi shoreline(2). On the mapped line, the paddle is about four kilometres as a point-to-point approach to the island across sheltered inner-archipelago water in Kirkkonummi, Uusimaa. The island group includes the main island, the smaller Brändökobben to the south, and surrounding islets on chart series B 629(1). A marked boating channel about 1.2 metres deep runs alongside the island; waters to the south and east are shallow and rocky, while the west side offers deeper water and cliff-backed landing options with mooring rings(1). The eastern bay is more sheltered from prevailing winds and has concrete pontoon docks and mooring buoys(1). Near the end of the approach you can use the pier, mooring buoys, and mooring rings, and land at the kayak landing spots. The island’s east side combines a campfire site, a cooking shelter, outdoor grills, and picnic space on glaciated rock slabs that invite swimming on calm days(1). Stora Brändön lintutorni sits above the southern part of the island and gives a view over the bird-protection shoreline and skerries(1). On land, the Stora Brändö Hiking Trail loops under three kilometres through varied forest and past a small mire—worth combining with your landing if you have time(1). From 1 April to 31 July landing boats in the southern bird sanctuary zone and surrounding islets is prohibited to protect nesting birds; you may still observe the area from the tower(1). Dogs must be kept on a leash, and open fires are allowed only at maintained fire sites—during wildfire warnings all fires are banned(1). In strong winters the association notes that people sometimes ski or skate to the island’s campfire sites(1). Merellä ja muuallakin describes an overnight Kirkkonummi-area tour that stopped at Stora Brändö after about eight kilometres of paddling from the previous camp—useful colour for pacing and overnight use(3). Laguuni’s guided trip story names Stora Brändö explicitly on a longer Espoo-to-Porkkala route(4).

Lohjanjärvi Kayak Island Tour is about 9.5 km of lake paddling on a loop around the eastern bays and islands of Lohjanjärvi near Lohja town centre. City of Lohja publishes paddling routes on its map service and offers a waterproof 1:25 000 Lohjanjärvi recreation map with depth contours, boat channels, and shore services—useful for planning landings and breaks(1). From the Paloniemi shore, the line reaches Kaurassaaren laavu a few minutes out, then crosses toward Ollisaari where the short Ollisaaren polku hiking loop ties together a pier, campfire sites, a cooking shelter, a tent camping area, a reservable sauna, and a landing cove suited to kayaks. Hevossaaren Laavu sits close by along the same island cluster—easy to combine with a swim or a pause before the longer open crossing toward Liessaari. On the Liessaari side, bridges and beaches link to Liessaaren rantauimala, two laavut on the western end of the island, and the Haikari shore where an outdoor gym and winter-swimming sauna sit near the street end of the bay; Voudinpuiston uimapaikka lies a little farther along the city shore if you want a municipal beach stop before closing the loop back toward Paloniemi. Patikalla’s Patikkamuistio describes a roughly ten-kilometre island-hopping day from Paloniemen uimaranta via Kaurassaari, Ollisaari, Hevossaari, and Liessaari—matching the same cluster of beaches and shelters you see along this loop(2). On land, Paloniemen luonto- ja kulttuuripolku starts near the Paloniemi beaches; Liessaaren luonto ja hyvinvointipolku explores the island’s paths; in winter the Aurlahti–Hevossaari tour-skating track follows connected shorelines that overlap parts of this water tour. SeastarEvents runs guided open-canoe trips on Lohjanjärvi from the Haikarinkatu end of Liessaari (about 4–6 km on the water in three hours, seasonal booking), with equipment and instruction included—suitable if you want an introduction before paddling the full loop independently(3). Tony Hagerlund’s Paloniemi beach article notes the shallow, family-friendly sand and tree shade at Paloniemen uimaranta—typical put-in character for this side of the lake(4).

The Enäjärvi–Särkisalo kayaking route is a 74 km point-to-point multi-day paddle from the clear-water Enäjärvi lake in Lohja through the Kiskonjoki–Perniönjoki river system to the archipelago coast at Särkisalo. The route crosses from Uusimaa into the Salo area of Southwest Finland, flowing downstream through a chain of lakes, a protected river valley, and a dramatic rapids section before reaching the sheltered bays and open sea near Särkisalo. For current route information, the Salon Seudun Melamogulit paddling club maintains descriptions of the Kiskonjoki route sections on their website(1). The route begins at Sipilän uimapaikka on Enäjärvi — a clear lake straddling the Lohja and Salo municipal boundaries — and heads southwest through a connected chain of smaller lakes including Nummijärvi, Sikajärvi, and Kurkelanjärvi before reaching Kiskon Kirkkojärvi. The Kiskonjoki river begins at the southwestern end of Kirkkojärvi and flows south and west through a narrow, lush valley characteristic of southern Finnish river landscapes. This upper river section passes through the village of Koski, where a hydroelectric plant regulates water levels; upstream of the plant, the old Slussinkoski is typically calm, but below it the current picks up noticeably. Around the midpoint the river widens into Saarenjärvi, a four-kilometre-long shallow lake flanked by rocky ridges and agricultural land. Saarenjärvi is a nationally important bird habitat and, together with the adjacent Vähäjärvi, is part of the national bird sanctuary programme. In dry summers the lake can become very shallow — the paddling club notes it may be impassable in low-water years, so checking conditions beforehand is wise(1). Below Saarenjärvi the river narrows and twists westward into hillier terrain, building toward one of Southern Finland's most spectacular rapids: Latokartanonkoski. Latokartanonkoski drops roughly 16 metres over 500 metres of river — the Kiskonjoki's signature feature and a required portage. Paddlers land on the right bank before the falls and carry around the cascade. The slope is steep and can challenge beginners. At the portage point, the Latokartanonkosken pysäköintialue parking area provides road access, and the short Latokartanonkosken luontopolku nature trail explores the mill ruins and riverside forest nearby. After the portage the river continues west and then converges with the Perniönjoki below Muntolannokka. The combined river flows into Laukanlahti bay and out to the Archipelago Sea. The final stretch near the coast crosses open water before reaching Särkisalo, and Mia Suppaa's paddling blog describes the downstream current carrying paddlers smoothly toward the sea with wind often from behind(2). The Kiskonjoki and its estuary are part of the Kiskonjoen vesistö Natura 2000 protected area (309 ha, FI0200083), one of the most ecologically significant river systems in southern Finland(3). The river holds populations of the critically endangered thick-shelled river mussel (vuollejokisimpukka), and salmon and sea trout have returned in recent years — a fish ladder built at Hamarinkoski in 2012 re-opened upstream spawning grounds. The rich waterway is home to white-tailed eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, gray herons, cranes, bitterns, and otters. The Lifedream paddling blog describes spotting a white-tailed eagle circling overhead just one kilometre into the Kiskonjoki section, along with herons, swans, deer on the banks, and cattle drinking at river bends(4). Kayak rental is available at the southern end of the route. Valla Outdoors operates a staffed rental point at Meripirtti beach in Särkisalo from June and in July also offers self-service kayak rental at Niksaari (daily 10am–4pm), where paddlers can also access more exposed open-sea waters of the outer archipelago(5). For the middle section, Extreme Fun (Kaitsu) in the Kisko area has historically offered kayak and canoe rentals with equipment delivery to the Aijalan sillalta put-in on the Kiskonjoki(1).

This route is a short point-to-point paddle on the Vantaanjoki between Tikkurila and the historic Helsingin pitäjän kirkonkylä area in Vantaa. On our map it runs about 4.2 km as one line along the river; it is not a loop. The City of Vantaa lists landing places at both ends of the line and a dock in Viertola at Kaislatie 26, with the service address given at Myllykuja 6, 01510 Vantaa(1). Vantaa’s canoeing service page explains that flow on the Vantaanjoki and Keravanjoki changes with the seasons: from late spring to early autumn the current is usually gentle enough to paddle in either direction, while in early spring and late autumn flow is stronger, flood periods can make the larger rapids attractive for whitewater paddling, and heavy rain can raise levels quickly(2). VHVSY maintains updated Virkisty Vantaanjoella pocket brochures, has placed about fifty wooden route markers beside landings and difficult rapids along the wider Vantaa and Kerava river paddling network, and publishes practical safety advice for river trips(3). Melontaranta beside Tapaninvainio swimming beach in Helsinki rents kayaks, canoes, SUP boards, and rowboats for exploring the same river corridor through Natura Viva(4). Patikalla’s long-form account of paddling the Vantaanjoki in several stages gives a useful feel for how the river changes character along its course, even though it covers longer trips than this 4.2 km segment(5). Where the bank meets trails from our database, the Kuusijärvi–Viertola hiking trail and the Seven Brothers hiking trail – Vantaa western branch intersect the same green corridor and are natural complements if you combine paddling with walking.

Mustijoki Paddling Route follows the Mustijoki river for about 45 km through Mäntsälä and Pornainen toward Porvoo — one of the most nature-rich and well-serviced paddling routes within easy reach of the Helsinki metropolitan area. The route was substantially renovated in 2025, with improved landing spots, cleared portage paths, and new signage established with landowner permissions. Visit Koillis-Uusimaa's Mustijoen melontareitti page is the best starting point for planning your trip and downloading the route map(1). Mustijoki is a lively river year-round, and even where rapids cannot be paddled, they make worthwhile stops on their own. There are over 20 rapids along the river, of which about seven can be run by skilled paddlers; the rest require short portages along the marked bypass paths. The river is generally calm and accessible, making it a good choice for beginners when picking the right day-trip section. A popular day trip runs between Nummistenkoski — where Nummisten uimala sits right on the riverside about 5 km from the start — and Halkiankoski, covering roughly 9 km round trip. Another gentle stretch for first-timers runs about 4 km between the Tuuliruusu service area and Alikartano. The full marked route calls for about two days by kayak or three by canoe. Key stops along the river include Halkiankoski in Pornainen, formerly one of the highest waterfalls in South Finland, where the rocky gorge drops roughly 10 meters and a small power plant still operates beside the falls. Downstream is Lahankoski, the highest rapids on the Mustijoki with a 14.5-meter drop, surrounded by the historic grounds of Lahan manor and its old sawmill site. Near Alikartano, Vega Adventure is based at Frugård manor — the childhood home of Arctic explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld — and the manor museum opens for visits each summer(1). The rocky, shallow Itälänkoski (also known as Alikoski) is a favorite local outdoor destination in Pornainen where the river can be waded at low water and where midsummer festivities traditionally take place. At Laukkoski you will find the best concentration of riverside services: Kotoluonto canoe and kayak rental, Bar & Cafe Kesämopo, and B&B Willa Mustijoki accommodation, all close to the river. Four companies rent canoes and kayaks along the Mustijoki. Kotoluonto at Laukkoski in Pornainen (Rantalantie 654) rents open canoes and solo kayaks from €40 for four hours or €60 for 24 hours; book by phone or WhatsApp a few days in advance(2). Kuohuvirran kartano in Numminen, Mäntsälä rents canoes from their base right beside Nummistenkoski — convenient for the popular day section(3). Vega Adventure delivers kayaks and canoes to various put-in points, particularly to the Alikartano shore(4). In the northern part of the route near Soukkio, Elämyksen Taika runs guided paddling trips from their Sarvikota base — from a short 3.5 km beginner loop to a longer trip downstream to Hirvihaaran Kartano with sauna and dinner(5). All four companies offer guided trips on request. A new 1.4 km Lukkokosken luontopolku nature trail opened in spring 2025 starting from Tuuliruusu service station parking, looping around the Lukkokoski rapids and riverbank. It is a pleasant prelude or warm-up walk for those starting their paddle from this access point. Retkipaikka.fi described it as an unexpectedly calming nature experience right beside the Lahti motorway(6). The route is maintained by Koillisväylän tuki ry, formed specifically to develop and maintain the Mustijoki paddling route. Mäntsälä, Pornainen, and Porvoo jointly fund the upkeep. All landing sites and portage paths have been formally confirmed with landowners — an unusually comprehensive arrangement for a river route in Finland. Portage paths and landing spots are mowed three times a year. For urgent maintenance issues on the river, report via the Luontoon.fi route page(7).

This route is a day loop of about 9.9 km on the map through Eastern Helsinki’s inner archipelago, centred on the small recreation island Pikku Leikosaari (chart name Lilla Lekholmen). The main reason to go is the wood-fired public sauna and the rocky islet setting managed as a Uuvi recreation destination: mooring rings and buoys, fireplaces with supplied firewood, a swimming jetty, and an information board, with dogs required to stay on leash(1). The island sits a little under two kilometres south of the Kallahdenniemi peninsula; from Puotila or Vuosaari harbours the straight-line distance is on the order of six kilometres, so the paddle crosses short open stretches even though the island is still inside the inner archipelago(1). Natura Viva describes a practical circuit from Vuosaari Paddling Centre: the most sheltered line to Pikku Leikosaari follows the tip of Kallahdenniemi, crosses the busy boat lane at Haapasaari at its narrowest point, then passes Santinen and Iso Leikosaari before landing on the north side of Pikku Leikosaari, where the kayak landings are best—wet rock is very slippery(2). After the sauna stop, an alternative return when weather allows crosses several fairways toward smaller islands, passes near Kivisaari, and can include stops at Kotiluoto and the Villaluodot group before continuing past Malkasaari back toward the paddling centre—Natura Viva’s published distance for that kind of loop is about nine kilometres with an indicative paddling time of two to four hours(2)(3). Along our mapped line you also pass beaches and services on the Vuosaari–Kallahden shore (for example Villa Ullas café and Kallahdenniemi beach), then the Villaluodot and Kotiluoto cluster mid-loop: Kotiluoto has a seasonal ferry link in summer, cooking shelters, a sauna, and landing spots for paddlers; the three Villaluodot islands differ in whether overnight tents are allowed(3). Malkasaari offers another grill shelter and sauna before you close the loop near Iso Kallahden beach and sports fields. Nearby trail routes on land include Kallahdenniemen luontopolku along the peninsula and the long Itäinen rantareitti waterfront walking route, which shares several shoreline places with this water loop. For the sauna itself, Uuvi states the stove must not be dosed with seawater—bring fresh water for löyly—and visitors book a turn by writing in the notebook in the letterbox on the sauna wall, following Uuvi’s general sauna rules(1). Natura Viva adds that there is no advance booking of shifts; on sunny days you may need to wait, and rainwater barrels on the island supply water for the stones if you did not bring your own(2). Fires are only at designated fireplaces; during wildfire warnings all open fires are prohibited(1). If you fish from a kayak in Helsinki sea areas, check whether you need the city fishing permit in addition to the national fishing management fee, especially when using more than one rod—see the Helsinki fishing permit pages(4). Equipment hire, courses, and route advice are available from Natura Viva at Vuosaari Paddling Centre(5).

The Antiaisenkannas portage is a short land carry for canoes and kayaks across the forested isthmus between Lake Antiainen and Lake Tämäkohtu on the Lohja–Karkkila boundary in Uusimaa. On our map the portage is about 0.3 km as a single line between landing spots; it is not a water paddle but the link that lets you move boats from one lake to the other. The Uusimaa Outdoor Recreation Association manages the surrounding Antiaisenkannas recreation area (about 10 hectares) and describes the narrow isthmus as a practical bridge between the two lakes for paddlers(1). The same page lists services visitors can expect: a parking area, an information board, a rest spot, and a dry toilet, and it repeats that open fires are forbidden and dogs must be on a leash(1). Paths in the area are narrow natural forest tracks and are not suitable for everyone; the road through the area is maintained in winter but the parking area is not(1). Along the portage trace, you pass Antiaisenkannas landing spots at either end of the carry, with Antiaisenkannas parking partway along the forest road and a dry toilet near that parking pull-off. Patikkamuistio’s write-up of the wider Antiaisen-lake circuit notes Antiaisenkannas parking as a workable put-in for multi-lake trips and describes easy carries between nearby lakes where paths exist(3). For regional context, the City of Lohja publishes paddling routes on its map service with blue dashed lines and offers printed lake touring charts for Lohja’s lake district(2). Lohja lies in Uusimaa; the postal address given for the recreation area is Nummi-Pusula(1).