Self-paddling trip 4 days, 3 nights on the Saimaa Katosselkä in the area where is possible to see very rare Ringed seals. On this trip you will stay in the comfort of your own canoeing hut and have a sauna every night if you wish.
Saimaa Canoeing’s canoeing routes are private, serviced and particularly interesting. An easy, safe and responsible way to start a canoeing trip.
The Katosselkä region is a beautifully rugged and rocky, even wilderness-like corner of Saimaa. Most of its beaches are protected under the Natura programme, so there are hardly any cottages. Boat traffic in the Katosselkä area is generally very low, making it ideal for canoeing and nature observation. Katosselkä is also a nesting area for the Saimaa ringed seal, so in spring you need to be particularly sensitive to avoid disturbing the seals with paddlers.
The Three Cabins Canoeing route is a luxury paddling trip, where a small group does not have to sleep on a hard mattress or wade around in a tent with wet gear. You paddle during the day in the beautiful scenery of Lake Saimaa, have a sauna in the evening and then sleep in a bunk in a paddling cadins for the night. The first two nights are on private islands, and the third night’s hut is no worse for the peace and quiet. No neighbours in sight.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR THE ROUTE
The route is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers who want to enjoy the comforts of paddling cabins and sauna and swimming on the shores of Lake Saimaa. It is easy to increase the difficulty of the trip by extending the day trips. Requires the ability to navigate on the lake.
The route follows fairly sheltered waterways and does not cross large bodies of water.
DEPARTURE DATE: You can book the trip in our online shop for departure dates Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. For other possible departure dates, you can ask us by email or phone.
Starting point: The starting point of the route is located in Viljakansaari, about half an hour’s drive from the centre of Puumala. You can leave your car at the starting point and the paddling equipment you have booked will be waiting for you there. If you arrive by public transport, you can order a transfer from the centre of Puumala, as well as a return transfer. Please note that there are no separate facilities such as a toilet or water point at the departure point.
Detailed information about the departure point and other instructions will be sent to you after booking.
TIMES:
On the day of arrival, departure from the departure point is no earlier than 15.00. It is advisable to start paddling from each paddling hut by 12.00. Arrival at each campsite is no earlier than 15:00.
Route map: The Three Cabins Canoeing Route on Lake Saimaa’s Katosselkä
Paddling and overnight stays along the route:
Day 1: Departure at 15:00. Paddling distance min. 3 km.
The first paddling day is short, unless you want to extend your paddling distance by exploring the area more extensively. Overnight stay at Ukonsaari Island
Day 2: Paddling distance Min. 11 km (if you wish, you can take an additional trip around the Kukonharju canal. Additional 13 km or go around the protected Katosselkä).
Overnight stay at Vartiosaari
Day 3:Paddling distance min. 13 km
Again today we will enjoy the beautiful scenery of Katusselkä and enjoy the cottage-free beaches in the protected area. Along the way, you can spot several rock paintings or try to spot a seal that lives in these waters.
Overnight at Sopala hut.
Day 4. Paddling distance min. 3 km
The trip ends today and you return to your starting point. Return to the starting point no later than 14:00
The total length of the route is a minimum of 30 km, but if you want more kilometres, the route can easily be extended. Daily paddling routes can also be slightly modified and redesigned to take into account weather and wind conditions.
We can also provide you with all the equipment you need or are missing for your trip. All you need is your own personal clothing and food. After booking, we will send you a list of the equipment you need.
Route service fee: 320 €/ 1 – 2 persons, additional persons + 70 € (max 4 persons). For larger groups, please ask for a separate offer. The route fee includes:
- route maps and instructions, compass.
- accommodation: three nights in private paddling huts on the islands.
- Instructions for the trip and equipment list by email after booking
- telephone helpline in case of problems daily from 9 – 21
- services at the departure point: transport of equipment to the departure point, free car parking
- local information on services and natural attractions around the route.
Additional services:
- Quality paddling equipment for the route including kayak or canoe, vest, paddle, phone bag, dry bags for kayaks or equipped barrels for canoes. At least sleeping bags and a change of clothes must be packed waterproof.
- Spacious double kayak 230 €
- Open canoe 170€
- Single kayak 160€
- Dry suit for the trip 85 €/person. For safety reasons, a dry suit is compulsory when paddling in single or open canoes when the water temperature is below 15 degrees.
- Camping equipment (sleeping bag + sleeping bag cover, cooker, cooking and eating utensils, EA pack) 70€/person
- Introduction to canoeing 80€/group duration approx. 2 h
- Own guide for the first day of paddling 180€/group. Duration approx. 4 h
- Drinking water at the campsites if necessary 4€/5 l Payable after the excursion according to usage. Some of the huts have a well for drinking water.
You can also book a tour by contacting us directly: info@saimaacanoeing.fi or 050 5487653
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