to the Naarajoki trail
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 Puula(vesi) in Kangasniemi
is the most interesting nature trail designed for canoes in Lakeland
Finland. Within the space of the 110-140 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, mostly 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 it´s 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.
This is the way it works:
Arrival at Kiviniemi Camp Site in Kangasniemi. Accommodation in camping cabins sleeping two. In the evening, inspect equipment, purchase food etc. and go over route on map.
Day 1
Breakfast and transport to Naarajärvi (45 kms) 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 ca. 22 kms.
Accommodation in outbuildings of a farm Etelä-Aapeli. Farm
dinner, sauna.
Day
2
Breakfast.
Small lakes and rivers during the quite easy day. In the middle of
the day some small rapids and the end of the day on lake Kyyvesi.
Accommodation on some of the islands. About 25 kms daily trip.
Day 3
We will paddle along the Lake Kyyvesi, dotted with islands to the village
of Haukivuori, with the possibility to go for shopping. You can make the
lunch on some of the islands. Accommodation in the apartementos flats of
the Marjolahti holiday village. Dinner in a restaurant.
Distance covered some 22-30 kms.
Day 4
Breakfast. Day's trip across Lake Kyyvesi to Luusniemi village is quite
easy, if the weather is not windy. Accommodation at Kallioniemi camping
site in a tent. Distance some 18 kms.
Day 5
Quite easy trip in beautiful scenery to the Rauhansalmi Straits,
to Lake Rauhanjärvi and Läsäkoski rapids connecting Lake Kyyvesi to
lake Puula. Accommodation in the old house at Läsäkoski Manor. Sauna. About 15 kms day.
Day 6
After Läsänkoski we come to the lake Puula and
turn to the direction of Kangasniemi.
Likoniemi camping site is a beautiful place to prepare the lunch.
After a canoeing trip of 19 kms, the day finishes at the Kiviniemi Camp site. Sauna and accommodation in camping cabins or tents.
Please 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. Each participant will paddle at his/her own risk.