Urkonsaari kayaking circuit, Imatra

Depending on where the kayaker starts, they will first either have to circle Lammassaari or head directly towards the small Majasaari. After Majasaari, the route continues towards Urkonsaari, which is passed on the east side of the island. Urkonsaari has two Stone Age dwellings and a Lapland ruin located on the northern tip of Vasikkaniemi north of Urkonsaari. Vasikkaniemi is also passed on the east side and the route continues north towards Pätkäle, which is circled counterclockwise. If desired, the kayaker can stop before circling Pätkäle at the landing site on Oritsaari.

After circling Pätkäle, head south to circle Urkonsaari. At the southern end of Urkonsaari, the route heads between Urkonsaari and a small island located south of it towards Kangassaari. The kayaking route passes between Kangassaari and Masteensaari towards Tiuruniemi. From Tiuruniemi, the kayaker can paddle along the shore back to the starting point.

TAKE CARE OF SAFETY! Imatra marina is busy with boat traffic. Behind Haapasaari and Mikonsaari there is a deep channel used by large cargo ships traveling from the Saimaa Canal to the Kaukopää factories. Kayakers must give way to other water traffic. Also beware of the wakes caused by large vessels! If you want to continue your kayaking trip towards Vuoksi and Niskalampi, remember to be cautious of the strong current at the mouth of Vuoksi.

Metsähallitus guidelines for safe water travel

Current warnings for land and water areas

It is safest to move in a group on the water if you do not know the area. Before the trip, it is good to check weather forecasts.

Remember to wear a life jacket.

Wet weather and winter conditions can make boardwalks, rocks, and docks slippery.

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

You can reach Imatra harbor, Lammassaari, and the Imatra Lapinkävijät canoe shed by car.

You can reach Imatra harbor and Lammassaari by continuing along Lammassaarentie past the Imatra spa.

Address of Imatra Lapinkävijät canoe launching site: Ukonniemi, Kalarannantie 220, Imatra 55400

You can start on the water from Imatra harbor, near the Imatra spa.

Local buses run to the spa.

Address: Purjekuja 2, 55420 Imatra.

Imatra local transport schedules