Trip harbors paddling route, Lappeenranta - Imatra

The paddling trip starts from Lappeenranta’s Myllysaari or the bay end of Kirkkoherranlahti and first heads between nearby Pappilanniemi and the small Akkosaari island in front of it. When passing Pappilanniemi, attention should be paid to the magnificent smooth cliffs of the cape, which are also a Saimaa Geopark site. On the surfaces of the rocks, you can see both glacial erosion marks and inclusions formed during the rock formation phase. After Pappilanniemi, the route heads toward Mikonsaari and under the bridge between Mikonsaari and Suuri Mustasaari to reach Niemisenselkä. On Niemisenselkä, paddle towards the small Pukkisaari, from where the direction is between Tulliniemi and Heinäsaari. Continue paddling north, and when reaching the northern tip of Lummesaari, take a direction east and pass under a bridge. Under the bridge, you arrive at the beautiful and narrow Sudensalmi, where a nature reserve lies on the east side. After the nature reserve, the landscape to the east opens to Viipuri Golf golf course.

With the golf course views behind, the route heads toward Puikkosaari and passes it on the north side. After this, paddle almost straight north, passing by Välisaari, Hautasaari, and Pakkarinsaari. Continue further north, passing Kissaluoto, Koirluoto, and Lehto-Paloluoto. Laitniemi is passed on the south side, and the direction taken northeast towards Mäntysaari. After Mäntysaari, paddle on Päihänniemi bay, where you can land on the magnificent sandy beach of Päihänniemi.

From Päihänniemi, head between Kätkytsaari and Suomensalo towards Muukonsaari. The route goes between the small Poikasaari and Muukonsaari, circling south of Muukonsaari through Muukonsalmi. After Muukonsalmi, follow the shore of Muukonsaari, and you can land at the Muukonsaari paddling pier, which includes a grill shelter. In Muukonsaari, it is also possible to stay overnight either with a tent or in a pre-booked storage cabin accommodation (TaigaSaimaa, reservations: 045 8636 024).

After Muukonsaari, continue past the tip of Arposenniemi towards the islands of Keski-Lyly and Ala-Lyly, between which the route leads. After the Lyly islands, you reach Satamosaari, where there is a trip harbor with services (including grill shelters and saunas). When leaving Satamosaari, cross Lyly Bay heading for Mullikoinniemi. There is an opportunity to land at Mullikoinniemi. The next stage is to pass Masteensaari on the north side and head from there towards Lammassaari and/or Ukonniemi. The route can end either at Lammassaari or at the Imatra Lapinkävijät canoe shed, where the route is marked as ending.

It is safest to move in groups on land and water if you are not familiar with the terrain or water area.

Remember to wear a life jacket.

Before the trip, it is good to check weather forecasts.

In an emergency, call 112. Inform your location, what has happened, and listen to instructions.

Metsähallitus instructions for safe water travel

Current warnings for land and water areas

Address: Myllysaarenpolku, 53100 Lappeenranta

Driving cars into Myllysaari family park area is allowed only during the winter months, approximately from mid-November to mid-April. At other times, the gate is closed. Holders of disabled parking permits can obtain the gate key from the sports department if needed.

Rowers and paddlers have the right to drive for maintenance to rowing and paddling buildings from mid-April to mid-November between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Public transport does not reach all the way to the starting point at Myllysaari in Lappeenranta.

The nearest local transport stop is at the central hospital, about 1 km from Myllysaari.

Lappeenranta local transport timetables

You can arrive in Lappeenranta by train or bus.

VR timetables

Bus timetables