Saimaa canoeing
Hanhiniitty is in Puumala, in the archipelago of Lake Saimaa, with great canoeing options where the waterways to Savonlinna, Mikkeli and Lappeenranta meet.
Our Saimaa Canoeing services include various options for canoeing in the nearby archipelago or venturing further away to different parts of Lake Saimaa. We rent out kayaks, canoes and other equipment to people setting off independently, and we can also help to plan routes. Our guided excursions offer a safe way to take to the water without having to worry about the route – concentrate on paddling and admiring the surrounding nature. Canoeing courses offer a safe way to take up a good hobby. Come and canoe with us, or at least plan your trip for next summer! For more information on interesting accommodation options, see Other Services.
In the winter, when Lake Saimaa freezes over, we rent out snowshoes and equipment for winter excursions. We can also accompany you on your winter trip.
We rent out one- and two-man kayaks and open canoes for enjoyable experiences on the water, as well as for longer excursions. We also offer Feel Free sit-on-top fishing kayaks for relaxing paddling and fishing trips, also suitable for children. Reserve your equipment in good time to guarantee access to the most suitable items during the busy canoeing season.
Rentals include: paddles, life jackets, spraydeck, maps and route guidance. If needed, we will also transport the equipment to you or pick you up at the end of the canoeing trip from desired destination. Transportation 30 € / departure + 1 € / km.
RENTAL TIME DAILY 9 am to 7 pm
If you want to paddle overnight, you will need to book two days.
PLEASE NOTE! When renting paddling equipment from us, you should have previous experience of paddling and how to use the equipment properly.
IF you DO NOT have paddling experience or know-how of proper equipment usage, PLEASE make a reservation for a separate Briefing/Instruction of proper and safe equipment usage.
We offer two options:
- Short briefing, 1/2 hours. Price 20€, covers : proper equipment usage and adjustment.
- Instruction, 1 hour. Price 40€, covers : proper equipment usage and adjustment. basic paddling technique and how to pack the kayak.
These prices and time cover a groupsize of maximum 4 persons. For larger groups please ask for a separate quote.
FEEL FREE FISHING KAYAKS
Feel Free sit-on-top fishing kayaks for relaxing paddling and fishing trips, also suitable for children.
Price: 40 €/day, for 2-6 days 20€/day, for 7+ days 18€/day
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
| day | 2-6 days | 7+ days /day | |
| Drysuit | 30€ | 25€ | 25€ |
| tent (for 1 person ) | 20€ | 18€ | |
| tent (for 2-3 persons ) | 30€ | 27€ | |
| tent (for 2-4 persons ) | 40€ | 37€ | |
| sleeping bag and mattress | 20€ | 18€ | |
| Trangia Gas cooker and pots+pans | 10€ | 5€ | 4€ |
| Personal eating utensils/ person | 5€ | 3€ | 3€ |
| Gas , 300g | 5€ each | ||
| Gas , 500g | 10€ each | ||
| dry bags (different sizes) | 4€ | 2€ | 2€ |
| kayaking barrels | 5€ | 3€ | 3€ |
| child carrier | 10€ | 8€ | 5€ |
OUR SAIMAA
The Puumala area is one of the most spectacular canoeing areas in Lake Saimaa. We can help you to plan your route and excursion, and we can transport the equipment. Canoeists can also rent a small sauna cabin in a peaceful location on its own island approximately 10 km from Niinisaari island.
WEEKLY GUIDED CANOE TRIPS DURING THE SUMMER
SUMMER NIGHT PADDLING ON LAKE SAIMAA
Come and take to the waters around the Lake Saimaa archipelago with us in the mystical atmosphere of a summer night. We use open canoes, depending on the conditions and the physical fitness of the participants, going at a relaxed pace and stopping ashore for a picnic. No prior canoeing experience is required. Kayaking is also an option if participants have prior kayaking experience.
Departure: Hanhiniitty, Ylössaarentie 84, Niinisaari.
Time: Every Friday at 8 pm (24.06. – 05.08.2021) Duration 4 h
Price: 85 €. (includes guidance,canoeing kit and a snack)
Reservations at least one day in advance. Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
Trip will only take place if there are at least 4 participants.
A DAY PADDLE TO HEINÄNEN ISLAND
A full day guided paddling adventure in lake Saimaa. You can paddle in a kayak single or with a friend, in a double kayak.
- Saturday 10.7.2021 0900 o’clock
- Saturday 31.7.2021 0900 o’clock
- Saturday 21.8.2021 0900 o’clock
Departure point: Saimaa Canoeing, Ylössaarentie 84, 52200 PUUMALA
Paddling distance: approx. 30 km
Duration approx. 10 h
Price includes:
-
a guide
-
kayak, PFD, Paddle, sprayskirt
-
Prepared lunch at Henäsensaari
-
snacks on shorter breaks
-
Sauna at the end of the trip
What to bring?
- Paddling clothes (weather dependant)
- hat
- sunshades
- sunscreen
- a set of spare cloths
- swimsuit and towel.
- Also you need to bring your own water bottle.
Reservations must be made atleast 3 days prior to departure
Tel. +358 50 5487 653 or sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
SUMMER NIGHT PADDLING ON LAKE SAIMAA
Come and take to the waters around the Lake Saimaa archipelago with us in the mystical atmosphere of a summer night. We use open canoes, depending on the conditions and the physical fitness of the participants, going at a relaxed pace and stopping ashore for a picnic. No prior canoeing experience is required. Kayaking is also an option if participants have prior kayaking experience.
Departure: Hanhiniitty, Ylössaarentie 84, Niinisaari.
Time: Every Friday at 8 pm (27.06. – 21.08.2020)
Price: 75 €. (includes guidance,canoeing kit and a snack)
Reservations at least one day in advance. Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
Trips will only take place if there are at least 4 participants.
SEAL-SPOTTING BY KAYAKING IN MAY
The Saimaa Ringed Seal (Pusa hispida saimensis) is one of the rarest seal in the world. Only around 400 seals remain in Lake Saimaa, Finland.
May is the best time of year to see ringed Saimaa seals, so we will set off for the seal habitats at a leisurely pace in two-person kayaks. On this half-day trip, we will paddle two-person kayaks in small group. Two-person kayaks are stable and safe, allowing you to use cameras and binoculars if a seal shows up. During the trip, we will take a break ashore for a lunch of soup and coffees. The paddling time will be around 3 hours and the distance is around 8 km.
Departures: 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May 9 am – 2 pm, Saimaa Canoeing, Ylössaarentie 84
Price: 98€ (Inclunding kayaking equipment, guided tour to the seal waters and soup lunch)
Also available: binoculars rental 5€, sauna after the trip 15€ per person (minimum charge 45€)
Reservations two days prior to departure: sanna@hanhiniitty.fi or + 358 50 5487653
Trips will only take place if there are at least 4 participants.
Trips are also available for groups by reservation.
GOOD MORNING PADDLING IN SAHANLAHTI
Take a good star to the day! Welcome to paddle with us on quiet Kaitajärvi and feel the sensations of morning. After paddling trip we are having relaxing sauna and swimming and delicious breakfeast.
Depeature: Sahanlahti Resort, Lietvedentie 830.
Time: Every Wednesday 7 am (30 June – 28 July)
Duration: about 4h
Level: easy
Price: €98/person (includes guidance,canoeing kit, sauna and breakfeast in Sahanalahti Resort)
Reservations at the latest the day before by 6 pm
Tel. +358 50 5487 653 or sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
Trips will only take place if there are at least 4 participants.
DAY TRIP TO ROKANSAARI ISLAND
Spend a day paddling and enjoying the nature of Lake Saimaa. A guided all day kayaking trip takes you to Puumala archipelago, by the clear waters and sandy beaches. Together with the guide you will get to know the diverse nature of Lake Saimaa. The kayaking trip during the day is about 17 km. The trip is directed to one of the most interesting geological sites in our area, Rokansaari.
Guaranteed departures: Saimaa Canoeing, Ylössaarentie 84, 52200 Puumala
Sunday 27.6
Saturday 24.7
Saturday 14.8
from 10am to 18pm
Level: some kayaking experience required
Price: 120€ (including guide, kayaking equipment, soup lunch, snacks)
Reservations at the two days before
Tel + 358 50 5487653 or sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
PADDLE INDEPENDENTLY ON LAKE SAIMAA
PADDLING VACATION AT LAKE SAIMAA, 2 NIGHTS
The first paddling day takes you to Ilosaari. depending on the route chosen paddling distannce is in the 2-30 km range. Ilosaari is a small little island with several spots to pitch a tent, a fireplace as well as an outhouse. If you opt for a longer trip you can paddle by and visit the Liehtalanniemi museum and nature path.
The second paddling day will take you to Jänissaari. Again paddling routes offer either a 12km route or 30+km route. This time you will spend a night in a small sauna-cottage which accomodates 4. In addition there are several tent spots around the cottage, and a pleasant swimming spot.
Price: 260€ / 2 persons (Kayak double or open canoe. You can change the kayak double for two singles for an extra fee )
Price includes: A canoe or kayak double for 3 days. route planning and directions. Map, compass, tent, private campsite, private cabin, and paddling gear
extra price: Changing the kayak double/canoe to two kayak singles +50€
CANOE ADVENTURE ON LAKE SAIMAA 2 days / 6 days
Pack your equipment to the canoe or kayak and head towards an adventure on Lake Saimaa. We provide equipment for excursions and a tailor made excursion plan.
Price:
from 220 €/ 2 pers/2 days
from 400 €/ 2 pers/6 days
CANOEING EXCURSIONS ON REQUEST
SUMMER NIGHT PADDLING ON LAKE SAIMAA
Come and take to the waters around the Lake Saimaa archipelago with us in the mystical atmosphere of a summer night. We use open canoes, depending on the conditions and the physical fitness of the participants, going at a relaxed pace and stopping ashore for a picnic. No prior canoeing experience is required. Kayaking is also an option if participants have prior kayaking experience.
Ask more: Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
FAMILY CANOEING TRIP
Let’s try canoeing with the whole family. No prior canoeing experience is required. We will teach the basics of paddling, if necessary, and set out for a short trip in the sheltered waters nearby. During the trip, we will stop ashore for a short break and a picnic to regain our strength.
Duration: approx. 3 hours.
Price: EUR 80 per adult and EUR 40 per child. (includes guidance, canoeing equipment and a picnic). Minimum charge: EUR 240. Participants should wear sporty clothing that is suitable for the weather.
Ask more: Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
CANOE TRIP TO THE MUSEUM FARM
This three-hour trip will take you around the sheltered archipelago of Lake Saimaa by canoe or kayak. Your guide will introduce you to the canoeing equipment and the basic paddling technique, as well as the nature of Lake Saimaa. The canoe trip is approximately 7 km in length, and we will stop at the Liehtalanniemi museum farm for a break. During the museum farm’s opening hours, the steward or canoe guide will present the old archipelago way of life, telling the story of Liehtalanniemi Jallu, the farm’s last resident. We will also enjoy coffee and a picnic at the museum farm.
Ask more: Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
CANOE TRIP TO ROKANSAARI ISLAND
Spend a day canoeing and enjoying the nature of Lake Saimaa. The guided all-day canoe trip will take you to the Puumala archipelago, on clear waters near rocky shores. The trip will introduce you to the diverse lakeside nature of Lake Saimaa and get you paddling properly. In one day, you will paddle approximately 17 km. The trip heads for one of the most interesting geological sites in our area: Rokansaari.
Ask more: Sanna | tel. +358 50 548 7653 | sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
Private campsite
Saimaa Canoeing offers private campsites, specifically catered for canoers and kayakers alike.
The campsites are easily approached and landing ashore is easy for those who arrive with a kayak or a canoe. Ashore there is enough space for a larger group of canoes/kayaks.
The camp is equipped with a firepit and for an additional fee, dry firewood is ready for immediate use. The firepit area accomodates 10 person and come s equipped with a fire-grill-iron.
Several sites to pitch a tent have been marked and are ready for immediate use.
The campsite is equipped with a modern, ecological outhouse which is maintained regularly.
General information about the locations of the campsites
The campsites are located in the Puumala waters, located centrally around Niinisaari area. You may reserve an individal campsite or book several in-turns, depending on your paddling route. This way you can ensure a guaranteed private campsite for each night of your trip!
Happy Island
Niinivesi has its own little private island for paddlers to use as a private campsite:
- Easy access with canoe or kayaks
- Several sites for tents
- Firepit (usage pending forest fire warning situation!)
- Outhouse
- Firewood (extra cost @ 5€/box)
- Private island – Privacy
- Less that 3 km paddle from Saimaa Canoeing basecamp
Reserve an island for yourself or your group !
Saimaa Canoeing offers private campsites specifically to fit the needs of kayakers/canoe paddlers.
Coming ashore is easy and the landing sites have been picked with paddlers in mind. Each island ca accomodat several canoes or kayaks with ease.
Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and fire grill, dry firewood and kindling is available at extra price of 5 €/Box.
Several tentsites have been cleared and /or marked for clarity, so it is easy for you to find a suitable spot to pitch the tent.
The campsite is equipped with a modern, ecological outhouse, which is regularly maintained.
Firewood is stored in a shed and is ready for use immediattely.
For more information email: sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
OR
Call: +358 50 5487 653
Hermit island
Book a campsite on a private island in Lehmäinselkä:
- Easy access with canoe or kayak
- Several sites for tents
- Firepit (usage pending forest fire warning situation!)
- Outhouse
- Firewood (extra cost @ 5€/box)
- Private island – Privacy
- Less that 4 km paddle from Saimaa Canoeing basecamp
- Distance to Puumala harbour less than 8.5 km
Reserve an island for yourself or your group !
Saimaa Canoeing offers private campsites specifically to fit the needs of kayakers/canoe paddlers.
Coming ashore is easy and the landing sites have been picked with paddlers in mind. Each island can accomodate several canoes or kayaks with ease.
Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit and fire grill, dry firewood and kindling is available at extra price of 5 €/Box.
Several tentsites have been cleared and /or marked for clarity, so it is easy for you to find a suitable spot to pitch the tent.
The campsite is equipped with a modern, ecological outhouse, which is regularly maintained.
Firewood is stored in a shed and is ready for use immediattely.
Fore more information email: sanna@hanhiniitty.fi
OR
call: +358 50 5487 653