Mäntsälä Kayaking Routes

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).