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 o...
Salon Seudun Melamogulit – Kiskonjoki paddling routes+
Description
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Length & route
The total route is 74 km point-to-point from Sipilän uimapaikka on Enäjärvi to Särkisalo on the Archipelago Sea coast. The route combines lake paddling (Enäjärvi, Nummijärvi, Sikajärvi, Kurkelanjärvi, Kirkkojärvi, Saarenjärvi) with river paddling on the Kiskonjoki and lower Perniönjoki, and a short sea crossing to reach Särkisalo. The well-documented middle section from Aijalan sillalta to Latokartanonkoski is about 16.5 km and takes approximately five hours with breaks. The portage at Koskenkartano on this section is the longest at roughly 400 metres; Slussinkoski also has a portage. The portage at Latokartanonkoski itself requires carrying over the steep bank before the falls. Three or four days are a realistic plan for the full 74 km route for most paddlers.
Getting there
The route starts at Sipilän uimapaikka on Enäjärvi. The address is Laidikkeentie 127. From the E18 motorway (Turku–Helsinki), take the exit toward Lohja and follow road signs toward Sammatti and Kisko. Sipilän uimapaikka is a public swimming beach with a parking area on the northern shore of Enäjärvi. For a car shuttle or return trip, the most convenient mid-route road access point is Latokartanonkosken pysäköintialue near Hästöntie 140 in Perniö (about 30 km south of Salo city centre). Särkisalo, the endpoint, is reached via road 1833 from the Perniö direction.
Good to know
The Kiskonjoki is protected under Finland's Rapids Protection Act, which permanently bans any new hydropower construction on the river — preserving its natural character for paddlers and wildlife. A fish ladder at Hamarinkoski, built in 2012, allows salmon and sea trout to migrate upstream again after decades of absence, and the river has been gradually recovering as a salmon river since the 2000s. The thick-shelled river mussel (vuollejokisimpukka), a critically endangered species, has its most significant population in Latokartanonkoski and its presence means disturbing the river bottom should be avoided. Saarenjärvi can be impassable in low-water summers — check conditions with the local paddling club before setting out. The portage at Koskenkartano (about 400 m, past the operating Koskenkoski power plant) is the longest carry; using a portage cart is recommended for this section if carrying full expedition loads. The Latokartanonkoski bank is steep and may require two people to manage safely. Paddling is seasonal — late spring (after ice-out, typically May) is recommended for reliable water levels on the upper sections. Fishing on Kiskonjoki requires the national fishing licence as well as a local area permit from the relevant fishing association for the waters you are on.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Enäjärvi to Kiskon Kirkkojärvi area (approx. 25–30 km): Launch from Sipilän uimapaikka and paddle the length of Enäjärvi southwest. The route continues through Nummijärvi, Sikajärvi, and Kurkelanjärvi before reaching Kiskon Kirkkojärvi. This upper lake chain involves several portages — the Salon Seudun Melamogulit paddling club notes that portages in this section are demanding and transport carts are strongly recommended. Plan for a full day on this section and camp along the lakeshores.
Day 2 — Kiskon Kirkkojärvi to below Latokartanonkoski (approx. 25 km, ending near km 57): Enter the Kiskonjoki at the southwestern end of Kirkkojärvi and follow the river downstream. Pass Slussinkoski (portage) and continue to the Koskenkartano area where the longest portage of roughly 400 metres takes you past the operating Koskenkoski power plant. Below the plant the river broadens into Saarenjärvi — a four-kilometre lake section that is calm and rich with bird life. After Saarenjärvi the river twists into the hills toward Latokartanonkoski. Stop before the rapids and carry past the falls to the Latokartanonkosken pysäköintialue parking area, where road access makes this a convenient end to the day.
Day 3 — Latokartanonkoski to Särkisalo (approx. 17 km): Continue downstream through the lower Kiskonjoki valley, which joins the Perniönjoki below Muntolannokka. The combined river flows into Laukanlahti bay. The final section crosses open coastal water to reach Särkisalo on the Archipelago Sea. Check wind conditions before the sea crossing.
Where to rent kayaks
Valla Outdoors offers kayak rental in Särkisalo at two locations. The Meripirtti rental point at Meripirtin uimaranta is staffed from June onward and includes equipment, advice, and basic facilities (changing rooms, outdoor toilet). In July, self-service kayak rental is also available at Niksaari in Särkisalo, operating daily 10am–4pm, with access to more sheltered paddling and the open outer archipelago. Kayaks can be rented by the hour or for multiple days. Contact: info@vallaoutdoors.com, vallaoutdoors.com/kajakkien-vuokraus.
For the middle section of the route, Extreme Fun (Kaitsu) in the Kisko area has offered kayak and canoe rentals with delivery to the Aijalan sillalta put-in on the Kiskonjoki. Check their current availability at extremefun.org.
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Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Salo, 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.
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 o...
Salon Seudun Melamogulit – Kiskonjoki paddling routes+
Description
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Length & route
The total route is 74 km point-to-point from Sipilän uimapaikka on Enäjärvi to Särkisalo on the Archipelago Sea coast. The route combines lake paddling (Enäjärvi, Nummijärvi, Sikajärvi, Kurkelanjärvi, Kirkkojärvi, Saarenjärvi) with river paddling on the Kiskonjoki and lower Perniönjoki, and a short sea crossing to reach Särkisalo. The well-documented middle section from Aijalan sillalta to Latokartanonkoski is about 16.5 km and takes approximately five hours with breaks. The portage at Koskenkartano on this section is the longest at roughly 400 metres; Slussinkoski also has a portage. The portage at Latokartanonkoski itself requires carrying over the steep bank before the falls. Three or four days are a realistic plan for the full 74 km route for most paddlers.
Getting there
The route starts at Sipilän uimapaikka on Enäjärvi. The address is Laidikkeentie 127. From the E18 motorway (Turku–Helsinki), take the exit toward Lohja and follow road signs toward Sammatti and Kisko. Sipilän uimapaikka is a public swimming beach with a parking area on the northern shore of Enäjärvi. For a car shuttle or return trip, the most convenient mid-route road access point is Latokartanonkosken pysäköintialue near Hästöntie 140 in Perniö (about 30 km south of Salo city centre). Särkisalo, the endpoint, is reached via road 1833 from the Perniö direction.
Good to know
The Kiskonjoki is protected under Finland's Rapids Protection Act, which permanently bans any new hydropower construction on the river — preserving its natural character for paddlers and wildlife. A fish ladder at Hamarinkoski, built in 2012, allows salmon and sea trout to migrate upstream again after decades of absence, and the river has been gradually recovering as a salmon river since the 2000s. The thick-shelled river mussel (vuollejokisimpukka), a critically endangered species, has its most significant population in Latokartanonkoski and its presence means disturbing the river bottom should be avoided. Saarenjärvi can be impassable in low-water summers — check conditions with the local paddling club before setting out. The portage at Koskenkartano (about 400 m, past the operating Koskenkoski power plant) is the longest carry; using a portage cart is recommended for this section if carrying full expedition loads. The Latokartanonkoski bank is steep and may require two people to manage safely. Paddling is seasonal — late spring (after ice-out, typically May) is recommended for reliable water levels on the upper sections. Fishing on Kiskonjoki requires the national fishing licence as well as a local area permit from the relevant fishing association for the waters you are on.
Itinerary
Day 1 — Enäjärvi to Kiskon Kirkkojärvi area (approx. 25–30 km): Launch from Sipilän uimapaikka and paddle the length of Enäjärvi southwest. The route continues through Nummijärvi, Sikajärvi, and Kurkelanjärvi before reaching Kiskon Kirkkojärvi. This upper lake chain involves several portages — the Salon Seudun Melamogulit paddling club notes that portages in this section are demanding and transport carts are strongly recommended. Plan for a full day on this section and camp along the lakeshores.
Day 2 — Kiskon Kirkkojärvi to below Latokartanonkoski (approx. 25 km, ending near km 57): Enter the Kiskonjoki at the southwestern end of Kirkkojärvi and follow the river downstream. Pass Slussinkoski (portage) and continue to the Koskenkartano area where the longest portage of roughly 400 metres takes you past the operating Koskenkoski power plant. Below the plant the river broadens into Saarenjärvi — a four-kilometre lake section that is calm and rich with bird life. After Saarenjärvi the river twists into the hills toward Latokartanonkoski. Stop before the rapids and carry past the falls to the Latokartanonkosken pysäköintialue parking area, where road access makes this a convenient end to the day.
Day 3 — Latokartanonkoski to Särkisalo (approx. 17 km): Continue downstream through the lower Kiskonjoki valley, which joins the Perniönjoki below Muntolannokka. The combined river flows into Laukanlahti bay. The final section crosses open coastal water to reach Särkisalo on the Archipelago Sea. Check wind conditions before the sea crossing.
Where to rent kayaks
Valla Outdoors offers kayak rental in Särkisalo at two locations. The Meripirtti rental point at Meripirtin uimaranta is staffed from June onward and includes equipment, advice, and basic facilities (changing rooms, outdoor toilet). In July, self-service kayak rental is also available at Niksaari in Särkisalo, operating daily 10am–4pm, with access to more sheltered paddling and the open outer archipelago. Kayaks can be rented by the hour or for multiple days. Contact: info@vallaoutdoors.com, vallaoutdoors.com/kajakkien-vuokraus.
For the middle section of the route, Extreme Fun (Kaitsu) in the Kisko area has offered kayak and canoe rentals with delivery to the Aijalan sillalta put-in on the Kiskonjoki. Check their current availability at extremefun.org.
Be the first to write a review for "Enäjärvi–Särkisalo kayaking route"
Share a photo from a recent trip
Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Salo, 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.