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Saimaa Ringed Seal Tour 90 km, 8 days/7 nights, guided
Paddling in Kolovesi and Linnansaari National Parks
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100 km, 10 days/9 nights, self-guided We explore the Finnish nature and culture heritage – a waterway that travels through thousands of years and showcases the most important nature sights in the region. Lake Saimaa is the fourth largest lake in Europe. Mere 310 Saimaa ringed seals exist in the world and only in the Lake Saimaa area.
ANTTOLA–ANTTOLA (MIKKELI)
ORAVI–ORAVI
8 DAYS/7 NIGHTS
10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS
90 KM
100 KM
INTERMEDIATE
DEMANDING
Requires some experience in paddling. Season: Guaranteed departure every day 26 Jul – 2 Aug
Opas-Guide Tiina Tel. +358 (0)500 380 032 info@guidetiina.fi www.guidetiina.fi Laatumerkit: Approved official canoeing guide, British Canoe Union paddling diploma Mikkeli Region www.visitmikkeli.fi Savonlinna Travel Ltd www.savonlinna.travel Closest airport: Helsinki and Savonlinna Train: Helsinki–Mikkeli, 3 h Express bus: Helsinki–Mikkeli, 3 h 30 min Local buses: Mikkeli–Anttola, 40 min Price/person 1 250 € The price includes 2 night accommodation in Hotel Anttolanhovi, breakfast and dinner; 1 night accommodation, sauna and dinner in Nopola B&B, Rokansaari visitor fees, kayaks/canoes with full paddling equipment, camp and eating equipment, food pack, experienced guide services, transportation from Puumala to Anttola.
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Canoeing in the heart of Saimaa, the largest lake system in Europe, is a fantastic way to get to know the region’s lakes and archipelago. The canoe will glide silently through the water taking you close to nature – as if you were a part of nature itself – its sounds and harmony.
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Day 1. Arrival to Anttola, Mikkeli Region You are to arrive to the Lake Saimaa region, one of the largest freshwater areas in Europe. Introduction to the equipment and area. Accommodation in Hotel Anttolanhovi. Day 2. Tour preparation and beginning our trip from Anttola harbor, 15 km Tour preparations in the beautiful Anttola Harbor. We will begin our journey to the Lake Saimaa nature. We will navigate towards the pure Lake Luonteri waters, and encounter narrow straits on our way to Nopola B&B. Day 3. Conquering Neitvuori and Lake Luonteri archipelago, 18km We continue towards the famous Neitvuori hill, one of the highest sightseeing points in South-Savo. After beautiful sceneries and a bit of hiking, we continue across the Luonteri archipelago to Karihiekka beach and camp. Day 4. Rugged nature and signs of shamanism: hiking to Uimasalo rock paintings, 16 km Karihiekka beach is thousands of years old dwelling site. Several archaeological findings have been found there during the recent years. We explore these findings by foot. Accommodation in Pistohiekka camp.
Day 1. Arrival at Hotel Oravi. The idyllic village of Oravi is situated in the middle of the labyrinthine archipelago of Lake Saimaa. Day 2. Oravi–joutenvesi, 15 km The Joutenvesi lake area is a ‘backwoods-like’ water excursion destination. The Heinävesi Water Route, one of Finland´s most beautiful boating routes, runs through the area which is characterised by a labyrinth of islands and open cliffs.
Fairly demanding as the trip requires paddling experience, map reading and navigation skills as well the ability to cope when camping. Season: 1 May – 30 Sep Group size: 2–20 persons
Day 3. Nauvunselkä–Kolovesi, 20 km Kolovesi National Park was established to protect the natural features of Lake Saimaa archipelago and the habitat of the Saimaa Ringed Seal. In the quiet wilderness of the national park you only hear the sounds of nature. Day 4. Around Kolovesi, 10–20 km The Kolovesi scenery is dominated by cliffs rising vertically from the lake, at some places up to 40 metres. Visit to the 5000 year old rock paintings left behind by ancient people who fished and hunted in the area. Day 5. Kolovesi–joutenvesi, 20–30 km depending from where the start is. Paddling in the peaceful nature and the charming archipelago scenery along the smaller lakes Pieni Kolovesi - Ruokosalmi and Ruunavesi.
Day 5. Puumala archipelago: from Pistohiekka to Rokansaari, 10 km Travelling from island to island exploring the Puumala archipelago. Lake Saimaa area has over 14.000 islands. Rokansaari is accessible only by boat or kayak, and consists of several paths, cottages and camp sites.
Day 6. joutenvesi–Haukivesi, 20 km Linnansaari National Park in the middle of Lake Haukivesi represents Finnish Lakeland at its best with its hundreds of islands and wide open waters. The most famous inhabitant of the area is the Saimaa Ringed Seal.
Day 6. Rokansaari–Veskansa villages, 16km Paddling the lakes and lagoons inside the island. From Rokansaari we continue to the nearby islands and explore them by visiting the Liehtalanniemi museum area and the Temola Wine Farm.
Day 7. Arriving at the main island Linnansaari, 12km Linnansaari Island is 40 kilometres long. There are clearly marked hiking trails, a café and a croft museum on the island. The panorama from the island’s lookout spot, Linnavuori is fabulous.
Day 7. Rokansaari–Puumala, 15km As last day begins, we pack our camp and continue by paddling to the Puumala centre. Transfer to Anttola ends our journey, and experiences are shared in dinner. Accommodation in Anttolanhovi.
Day 8. A relaxing day in Linnansaari
Day 8. Departure
Day 10. Departure
Day 9. Linnansaari–Oravi, 10 km Paddling back to the Hotel Oravi.
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SaimaaHoliday Tel. +358 15 647 290 oravi@saimaaholiday.net www.saimaaholiday.net Closest airport: Savonlinna Train: Helsinki– avonlinna 4 h 40 min Express bus: Helsinki– Savonlinna 4 h 50 min Local bus: Savonlinna–Oravi 1 h 40 min
Price/person July June, August
249 € 228 €
The price includes a double kayak or Canadian canoe, paddling equipment, tent accommodation (7 nights) in campsites, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cooking equipment, maps and accommodation in a shared double room (2 nights) in the Hotel Oravi, sauna and breakfast.
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