Along the Naarajoki nature trail
to clean lake Puulavesi
Six
days on the lake
Getting
to Naarajoki on your own
Tour de Puula
Two weeks canoeing adventure
Whole the family to the Naarajoki trail
The Naarajoki
paddling route starting from Lake Naarajärvi in Pieksämäki and finishing in the
northernmost reach of Lake Puulavesi in Kangasniemi is the most interesting nature trail
designed for canoes in Lakeland Finland. Within the space of the 110 kms trip we can see a
narrow river bed with a large expanse of mires and lakes dotted with islands. The route
consists of some 50 kms of gently meandering river, the remainder is paddled on the lakes,
in the shelter of the islands. The Naarajoki route is also suited to families and to those
taking their first steps in paddling as a hobby. A good map, with its list of services
available, well-maintained resting-places and camping sites, as well as the cabin
accommodation available provide for safety and comfort on the trip.Lake Puulavesi is the eighth largest lake in Finland, the coastline from its
bays and the shoreline of its bays adding up to thousands of kilometres. It is easy to
find nice routes and beautiful camping sites. A prime asset of Lake Puulavesi is its
characteristic wilderness. The cabins on its shores hide away among the forest trees and
there is not much motor boat traffic.
The huge Ice-Age monuments on the shores of the islands and the Stone-Age rock paintings
in Puulansalmi stop both oar and brain in their
tracks. As indeed they
should be on a canoeing trip. The water in the lake is still drinkable!
Our eight-day canoeing package, tour planned for those with already some experience, gives the participants the opportunity of getting to see the Naarajoki canoeing route and the matchless islands in the wide expanse of the lake. The route has been so designed that one cannot fail to see the most beautiful landscapes of the lake.
The Puula Canoeing Centre will see to the reservations of all the services associated with the trip and hire both kayaks and paddling equipment. The equipment and the packed lunches will be jointly planned by organiser and client on the first evening. Our package contains the services mentioned in the program, but not the guide.
This is the way it works:
Day 1
Arrive at Puula Canoeing Centre in Kangasniemi. Accommodation in cabins sleeping two.
In the evening, inspect equipment, purchase food, go over route on map and have supper in
the hut.
Day 2
Breakfast and transport to Naarajärvi (45kms) to the starting point.
The first day we will paddle mostly along a narrow river, towards the evening, there will
be a few smallish lakes. Distance
to be covered 22 kms. Accommodation in outbuildings of a farm Etelä-Aapeli.
Distance to be covered some 22 kms.
Day 3
Breakfast.
Small lakes and rivers during the quite easy day. At the end of the day some small rapids. About 23 kms. Possibility for fishing at Nykälänkoski rapids. (www.koskentila.com). Accommodation on the shore of Lake Kyyvesi in the outbuildings of farm Pitkäniemi.Day 4
Breakfast. We will paddle along the Lake Kyyvesi, dotted with islands to the village of Haukivuori. There is a good change to make some more shopping. You can make the lunch on some of the islands. Distance covered some 20-25 kms. Accommodation in the apartementos flats of the Marjolahti holiday village. Dinner in a restaurant.
Day 5
Breakfast. Day's trip across Lake Kyyvesi and Rauhansalmi to Lake Rauhanjärvi and Läsäkoski rapids connecting Lake Kyyvesi to lake Puula. Accommodation in the old house at Läsäkoski Manor. (www.kansasholidays.com) Dinner in the restaurant. Sauna. During the day, why not stop over in Luusniemi to do a spot of shopping. Distance some 25-30 kms.
Day 6
Breakfast. After Läsänkoski we turn in the direction of Puula and Soisalonselkä. Here it is worth having a look at the stone sculptures in Alttarisaari, made by the combined effect of ice and water. Accommodation in a cabin on Soisalonsaari island. Sauna. The day's trip is some 15-25 kms,
Day 7
The last day will be used to see the eastern part of the archipelago. By far the most
impressive place there is Karhulahti, with its wall of rock, which is also an excellent
sheltered spot for lunch. There is a handy short-cut to Simpiänselkä, where you have to
carry the kayak some 20 metres over the isthmus at the end of the extreme end of
Karhulahti Bay.
The paddling comes to an end at Käräjäniemi, the distance being about 20 kms. A phone
call from the summertime shop will get you transport to the Canoeing Centre.
Dinner and a sauna will bring your week's efforts to an end. Accommodation in cabins
housing two.
Day 8
Breakfast.
Terms:
The program is available during the period 1.6.-30.8. Days of departure at your
discretion.
A minimum of two participants. We reserve the rights to changes to the programme, should
we regard this necessary due to changes in circumstances or for the sake of the paddlers'
safety. Each participant will paddle at his/her own risk.
Fees:
The fee, inclusive of meals and accommodation mentioned in the
programme, transport and rent for canoes and all equipment required for accommodation and
meals, is 485 € / person. (incl. VAT). Food to be eaten during the trip itself is to be
bought personally by each participant.
The fee includes transport from the Kangasniemi bus station to the Canoeing Centre and
back again on the final day. Additional fee for transport to the Mikkeli or Jyväskylä
airport or the railway station.
Note!
It is easy to change the daily itineraries, depending on the
weather and the participants' moods. It is easy to make alterations to the trips, taking
into account the weather and the participants' wishes. The route options are merely
suggestions, aimed at showing the participants some pretty places. The duration may be
prolonged or curtailed, according to your wishes.
Reseller in U.K:
www.oksana.co.uk
www.international-adventure.co.uk
Reseller in Holland:
www.nortrek.nl
Reseller in
Switzerland:
www.finlandia-reisen.ch
www.fins-tours.ch