Mustijoki Paddling Route
Route
Description
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 porta...
Description
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. 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. 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. Kuohuvirran kartano in Numminen, Mäntsälä rents canoes from their base right beside Nummistenkoski — convenient for the popular day section. Vega Adventure delivers kayaks and canoes to various put-in points, particularly to the Alikartano shore. 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. 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. 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.
Length & route
The paddling route follows the Mustijoki for about 45 km, from the Mäntsälä area downstream through Pornainen toward Porvoo. The route is point-to-point, paddled downstream throughout. The total river from its source near Mäntsälä to the Gulf of Finland at Porvoo is approximately 65 km; the 45 km formal route covers the main developed and marked section. Day-trip options within the route: - Tuuliruusu (Lukkokoski) to Alikartano: approximately 4 km, suitable for beginners - Nummistenkoski to Halkiankoski: approximately 9 km round trip, one of the best beginner day sections - Kotoluonto base at Laukkoski to Pornainen village center and back: approximately a half-day trip For a full through-paddle, plan on two days by kayak or three days by canoe. Multi-day paddlers can camp at riverside tent sites or stay at accommodations in the Mäntsälä, Pornainen, and Porvoo areas.
Getting there
The route starts in the Mäntsälä area, with a convenient put-in and parking at the Tuuliruusu service station (Lahden moottoritie 1150, Mäntsälä), where the Lukkokosken luontopolku nature trail also begins. From Helsinki, take the Lahti motorway (Road 4 / E75) north toward Mäntsälä — the Tuuliruusu exit is clearly marked. The service station offers parking, toilets, and a convenience store. Multiple entry and exit points allow for day trips at different sections: - Nummistenkoski (Numminen village, Mäntsälä): Kuohuvirran kartano has a put-in right beside the rapids; address Onkimaantie 3, 04660 Numminen - Laukkoski (Pornainen): Kotoluonto is based at Rantalantie 654, 07170 Pornainen — put in directly from their site, no separate transport needed - Alikartano area (Mäntsälä): Vega Adventure can bring equipment to the Alikartano shore - Pornainen village center: accessible from the river with landing spots near the center For a point-to-point trip, arrange a vehicle shuttle between put-in and take-out in advance, or use the rental companies who can assist with logistics.
Good to know
The Mustijoki is paddleable year-round thanks to sustained water levels. Rapids are marked with warning signs at each portage location. All portage paths and landing spots have been formally agreed with landowners — follow marked routes and respect adjacent private land. The route is free. No permit is needed for paddling; fishing in the river requires a separate fishing permit. Alikartano Manor (Frugård) is open as a museum June–August, Wednesday–Sunday 11:00–17:00, admission €5. It is also the base of Vega Adventure. For route maintenance issues (fallen trees, damaged portage paths), report via the Luontoon.fi page for this route. The route manager is Antti Tähkäpää, Koillisväylän tuki ry (tel. +358 40 5509318).
History
Mustijoki has been a source of life and a transport corridor along its banks since the Stone Age. For centuries the river connected the coast at Porvoo with the interior of Uusimaa. The rapids powered mills and sawmills throughout the historical era: Lahankoski hosted a frame sawmill into the early 20th century, and Lahan manor's mill — founded by merchant councillor August Eklöf in 1892 — supplied electricity to nearby farms until the 1960s. Logs were floated down the river for timber trade until the 1950s, and the remains of the Lahankoski log-floating channel are still visible. The village of Laukkoski, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Porvoo district, has had permanent residents since at least the 13th century. The Nordenskiöld family owned Frugård manor (Alikartano) near Numminen from 1709 to 1912. The estate is best known as the childhood home of Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (1832–1901), the geologist and polar explorer who in 1878–1880 became the first person to navigate the Northeast Passage from Europe to Asia aboard the vessel Vega. The manor building, completed in 1805, is architecturally unique in Finland with its top-lit two-story hall. Laukkoski also has literary associations: the Finnish author Mika Waltari spent several summers in the village and wrote a significant portion of his body of work there. Schools in the area carry his name.
Where to rent kayaks
Four companies rent kayaks and canoes along the Mustijoki. Kotoluonto (Rantalantie 654, 07170 Pornainen, Laukkoski): rents two-person open canoes and solo kayaks from €40/4 h or €60/24 h; additional days €25 each. Rental includes paddles, life jackets, and spray skirt for kayaks. Book by phone +358 40 5198365, email kotoluonto@sotala.fi, or WhatsApp a few days in advance. Kuohuvirran kartano (Numminen, Mäntsälä; website sparticus.fi): rents canoes from beside Nummistenkoski — ideal for the popular Nummistenkoski–Halkiankoski day section. Also offers accommodation and sauna. Vega Adventure (Kotkakorventie 206, 04600 Mäntsälä; tel. +358 40 550 9318; antti.tahkapaa@outlook.com): delivers kayaks and canoes to various put-in points, particularly to the Alikartano shore near Hedda Noora café. Elämyksen Taika (Vanha Soukkiontie 514, Hirvihaara, Mäntsälä; tel. +358 50 541 9775; info@elamyksentaika.fi): rents open canoes and large group canoes from their Sarvikota base near Soukkio. Paddling season can start as early as spring and extend to November with the large canoe.
Guided tours & Experiences
All four rental companies offer guided paddling trips on request. Elämyksen Taika runs the most structured guided program: a short beginner-friendly 3.5 km round trip from their Sarvikota base with campfire snacks and coffee, a longer guided trip downstream to Hirvihaaran Kartano with options for a smoke sauna session and dinner at the historic manor, and evening twilight tours by illuminated large group canoe. Contact Elämyksen Taika at info@elamyksentaika.fi or +358 50 541 9775. Vega Adventure (antti.tahkapaa@outlook.com) offers guided nature experiences connected to the A.E. Nordenskiöld history and the Alikartano area.
Managed by
Trail info
Downstream (south), from Mäntsälä toward Porvoo
Route direction
Activities allowed
Kayak / Canoe
Activity
Terrain & conditions
45 km
Distance
1–2 days
Est. Time
Point-to-Point
Route Type
Has Portages
Portage
Class I (Easy)
Rapids class
Class II (Moderate)
Rapids class
River Paddling
Water type
2025
Renovation years
Location
Explore nearby
Rate & Review
Be the first to write a review for "Mustijoki Paddling Route"
Share a photo from a recent trip
Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Pornainen, 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.
Mustijoki Paddling Route45 km
Route
Description
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 porta...
Description
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. 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. 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. Kuohuvirran kartano in Numminen, Mäntsälä rents canoes from their base right beside Nummistenkoski — convenient for the popular day section. Vega Adventure delivers kayaks and canoes to various put-in points, particularly to the Alikartano shore. 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. 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. 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.
Length & route
The paddling route follows the Mustijoki for about 45 km, from the Mäntsälä area downstream through Pornainen toward Porvoo. The route is point-to-point, paddled downstream throughout. The total river from its source near Mäntsälä to the Gulf of Finland at Porvoo is approximately 65 km; the 45 km formal route covers the main developed and marked section. Day-trip options within the route: - Tuuliruusu (Lukkokoski) to Alikartano: approximately 4 km, suitable for beginners - Nummistenkoski to Halkiankoski: approximately 9 km round trip, one of the best beginner day sections - Kotoluonto base at Laukkoski to Pornainen village center and back: approximately a half-day trip For a full through-paddle, plan on two days by kayak or three days by canoe. Multi-day paddlers can camp at riverside tent sites or stay at accommodations in the Mäntsälä, Pornainen, and Porvoo areas.
Getting there
The route starts in the Mäntsälä area, with a convenient put-in and parking at the Tuuliruusu service station (Lahden moottoritie 1150, Mäntsälä), where the Lukkokosken luontopolku nature trail also begins. From Helsinki, take the Lahti motorway (Road 4 / E75) north toward Mäntsälä — the Tuuliruusu exit is clearly marked. The service station offers parking, toilets, and a convenience store. Multiple entry and exit points allow for day trips at different sections: - Nummistenkoski (Numminen village, Mäntsälä): Kuohuvirran kartano has a put-in right beside the rapids; address Onkimaantie 3, 04660 Numminen - Laukkoski (Pornainen): Kotoluonto is based at Rantalantie 654, 07170 Pornainen — put in directly from their site, no separate transport needed - Alikartano area (Mäntsälä): Vega Adventure can bring equipment to the Alikartano shore - Pornainen village center: accessible from the river with landing spots near the center For a point-to-point trip, arrange a vehicle shuttle between put-in and take-out in advance, or use the rental companies who can assist with logistics.
Good to know
The Mustijoki is paddleable year-round thanks to sustained water levels. Rapids are marked with warning signs at each portage location. All portage paths and landing spots have been formally agreed with landowners — follow marked routes and respect adjacent private land. The route is free. No permit is needed for paddling; fishing in the river requires a separate fishing permit. Alikartano Manor (Frugård) is open as a museum June–August, Wednesday–Sunday 11:00–17:00, admission €5. It is also the base of Vega Adventure. For route maintenance issues (fallen trees, damaged portage paths), report via the Luontoon.fi page for this route. The route manager is Antti Tähkäpää, Koillisväylän tuki ry (tel. +358 40 5509318).
History
Mustijoki has been a source of life and a transport corridor along its banks since the Stone Age. For centuries the river connected the coast at Porvoo with the interior of Uusimaa. The rapids powered mills and sawmills throughout the historical era: Lahankoski hosted a frame sawmill into the early 20th century, and Lahan manor's mill — founded by merchant councillor August Eklöf in 1892 — supplied electricity to nearby farms until the 1960s. Logs were floated down the river for timber trade until the 1950s, and the remains of the Lahankoski log-floating channel are still visible. The village of Laukkoski, one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the Porvoo district, has had permanent residents since at least the 13th century. The Nordenskiöld family owned Frugård manor (Alikartano) near Numminen from 1709 to 1912. The estate is best known as the childhood home of Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld (1832–1901), the geologist and polar explorer who in 1878–1880 became the first person to navigate the Northeast Passage from Europe to Asia aboard the vessel Vega. The manor building, completed in 1805, is architecturally unique in Finland with its top-lit two-story hall. Laukkoski also has literary associations: the Finnish author Mika Waltari spent several summers in the village and wrote a significant portion of his body of work there. Schools in the area carry his name.
Where to rent kayaks
Four companies rent kayaks and canoes along the Mustijoki. Kotoluonto (Rantalantie 654, 07170 Pornainen, Laukkoski): rents two-person open canoes and solo kayaks from €40/4 h or €60/24 h; additional days €25 each. Rental includes paddles, life jackets, and spray skirt for kayaks. Book by phone +358 40 5198365, email kotoluonto@sotala.fi, or WhatsApp a few days in advance. Kuohuvirran kartano (Numminen, Mäntsälä; website sparticus.fi): rents canoes from beside Nummistenkoski — ideal for the popular Nummistenkoski–Halkiankoski day section. Also offers accommodation and sauna. Vega Adventure (Kotkakorventie 206, 04600 Mäntsälä; tel. +358 40 550 9318; antti.tahkapaa@outlook.com): delivers kayaks and canoes to various put-in points, particularly to the Alikartano shore near Hedda Noora café. Elämyksen Taika (Vanha Soukkiontie 514, Hirvihaara, Mäntsälä; tel. +358 50 541 9775; info@elamyksentaika.fi): rents open canoes and large group canoes from their Sarvikota base near Soukkio. Paddling season can start as early as spring and extend to November with the large canoe.
Guided tours & Experiences
All four rental companies offer guided paddling trips on request. Elämyksen Taika runs the most structured guided program: a short beginner-friendly 3.5 km round trip from their Sarvikota base with campfire snacks and coffee, a longer guided trip downstream to Hirvihaaran Kartano with options for a smoke sauna session and dinner at the historic manor, and evening twilight tours by illuminated large group canoe. Contact Elämyksen Taika at info@elamyksentaika.fi or +358 50 541 9775. Vega Adventure (antti.tahkapaa@outlook.com) offers guided nature experiences connected to the A.E. Nordenskiöld history and the Alikartano area.
Managed by
Trail info
Location
Downstream (south), from Mäntsälä toward Porvoo
Route direction
Activities allowed
Kayak / Canoe
Activity
Terrain & conditions
45 km
Distance
1–2 days
Est. Time
Point-to-Point
Route Type
Has Portages
Portage
Class I (Easy)
Rapids class
Class II (Moderate)
Rapids class
River Paddling
Water type
2025
Renovation years
Explore nearby
Rate & Review
Be the first to write a review for "Mustijoki Paddling Route"
Share a photo from a recent trip
Answers to your questions
Our data was researched from Pornainen, 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.