Tähtisilta island circuit, Heinola

Áno

Always check the condition of your equipment.
Mandatory equipment: life jacket, spray skirt, whistle, and a bilge pump or sponge.
During cold water conditions, always bring a change of clothes packed waterproof.
Remember to use sunscreen, sunglasses, and headwear!

In strong winds or cold water conditions, stay close to the shores. You can return from Pirttisaari without going out to the large lake open water.
Watch out for boat and ship traffic. There is a lot of boat traffic especially in front of the harbor. Also, beware of boat wakes in the narrow passage of Pirttisalmi's steep cliffs.
If you continue your trip downstream from the spa beach, note the strong current under the Jyrängön bridges! Paddling in the current requires experience and good paddling skills! If you continue towards Konnivesi, choose the right-hand current of Siltasaari. The return trip upstream is traveled along the very left edge of the eastern current, or by carrying your boat past the current.

3

Heinäsaaren has a camping area. You can also start your trip from there.
The areas near the beaches are suitable for SUP boarding, but beware of Jyrängön currents and busy boat traffic.
The Jyrängön current is sometimes very strong, but an experienced paddler can go through the right-hand current down to the Konnivesi side and continue the trip further ahead. Note that the return under the bridges against the current is demanding.

The best launch site is between the Ojakatu boat dock and the spa beach.
On a longer trip, you can even stay overnight on Iso Pirttisaari. The best landing spot for paddlers there is a small cove behind the woodshed.
You can end the trip with swimming and sauna at the spa beach.
Nearby are summer restaurants and town center services. You can also explore the historic urban park and Heinolanharju ridge.
There are many summer events in Heinola's harbor area and parks.