Tour of Kirmusaari, Loviisa

The route starts below the dam at Strömfors, downstream from the river branch.

After about a kilometre of paddling, the river branch joins a larger stream, which also continues downstream.

The route follows the left side of the islands ahead.

When the Savukoski bridge comes into view, it is time to turn back.

From here the route goes around the same islands (6 of them) from the other side.

The current is weaker on this side and therefore easier to paddle upstream.

At the Hellinkoski shelter is the most flowing part of the route.

By circling the banks you can bypass the hardest sections of the river.

At the confluence of the river branches, choose the left branch to Strömfors.

The rest of the route can be paddled along the same route as the outward journey, or you can choose a small left streambed that goes under an old building at the end.

Paddler's equipment Kayak with intermediate floats or other floats or canoe with adequate floats Paddle Paddling vest to be worn at all times Signal whistle attached to the paddling vest Gap cover in kayak Weatherproof paddling equipment A change of clothes, packed watertight Mobile phone in waterproof packing in paddling vest Discharge pump Compass and map First aid kit Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, fire equipment, etc.)

Other equipment to consider

Helmet Dry and wet suit if necessary White light if paddling in the dark Extra paddle

Depending on the water situation, the route has some areas with either low or moderate flow.

There are no choppy spots, but there are small eddies that can be a challenge for the inexperienced canoeist.

General guidelines

Don't go kayaking alone or without telling anyone Make sure you can read the map and map markings Practise rescue techniques, at least pair rescues Always keep your mobile phone waterproofed in the pocket of your paddling vest Store an emergency number in your phone's speed sure you have an up-to-date weather forecast Make sure you have the right and adequate equipment Do not paddle under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

Weather and paddling

Be prepared for changes in the weather. Stormy weather, fog, poor visibility, darkness or sudden heat can quickly surprise you and make paddling difficult.

If the weather worsens, consider whether it is possible to change the route to make it safer, whether it is worth continuing or going back.

Choose a route that is appropriate to your skills and equipment.

Pack anything that gets wet in a waterproof container and protect your sleeping bag in particular.

Use good quality equipment and make sure it is intact when you set off.

Also make sure you know how to use all your equipment.

Pack enough food and drink, at least for one extra day.

Please note that food spoils more quickly in warm weather.

In case of emergency, the general emergency number is 112.

If you get lost, find out where you are before continuing.

If you are unsure of your whereabouts, return to the last place where you were sure of your location.

If you fall over, the first place to go for rescue is to a canoe or the nearest shore.

Change into dry clothes so you don't catch cold.

If the situation is serious, call the public emergency number.

There are a few direct bus services to the Strömfors area in Ruotsinpyhtää, the timetables of which can be found on Matkahuolto's website. In addition, you can take advantage of the express bus services on the motorway from Helsinki and Kotka. Timetables can be found on the express bus service website. For your destination, choose Ruotsinpyhtää exit 68, Loviisa. ( in some cases also Ahvenkoski junction).

The distance from the stop to Strömfors area is about five kilometres. A shuttle service from the stop with a local taxi company costs less than 20 euro www.taksihill.fi

While paddling and recreation is the main priority for most people on the route, there is also a lot of layered history hidden here. After the Peace of Turku (1743), Sweden concentrated border patrols at the Kymijoki River crossing point on the west bank of the river at Vähä-Ahvenkoski (Kirmusaari), where two redoubts were built in the 1780s. The Swedish border post office and customs were moved from Taskula in Lappee to Ahvenkoski. The Ahvenkoski post office was finally closed in 1812, when Old Finland was annexed to the rest of Finland. The high foundations of the Swedish customs station, the ruins of the redoubts that protected the road, the alignment of the Suuri Rantatie and the ruins of the bridge embankments can be seen in the landscape. After the Peace of Turku, Russia built numerous fortifications on the islands and the eastern bank of the Kymijoki River, the most important of which was the Kirmusaari redoubt with its guard buildings protecting the Suuri Rantatie. Two smaller batteries with guard houses were built on the eastern bank of the river at Suur-Ahvenkoski. The remains of a Russian redoubt can still be seen on Kirmusaari. Along the route is Sairaalasaari, named after the modern hospital donated by the owner of Ahvenkoski Manor. Its construction began in 1915, but it was never fully completed. Today, the hospital's imposing stone foundations can be seen on the site. For more information about the hospital's history, visit https://www.loviisansanomat.fi/paikalliset/4289708 

At the point where the route turns back, you can see Ahvenkoski Manor, originally built in the 16th century, but its old main building was destroyed by fire in 1859. The main building of the present Ahvenkoski Manor was built by Major General Juhana Henrik Clayhills between 1892 and 1895 and was restored to its present appearance in 1911.

The main building of the manor is one of the few manor buildings of the turn of the 1800s and 1900s. It is villa-like with its towers and open porches. The drawings were made by Carl C:son Armfelt. The grey stone granary and the former stables were probably also designed by Armfelt. The garden was designed by Paul Olsson. The manor house is now private property and there is no permission to go ashore on the estate's land.

The Savukoski bridge was built south of the old crossing in 1926-1928, when the road over the Kymijoki River was realigned. The bridge was built by the Danish company Christiani & Nielsen. The bridge was built using a cable car and when completed it was technically unique in the world. The bridge was decommissioned when the next new road and bridge were completed below the Ahvenkoski power station in 1967. The Savukoski bridge was renovated as a museum bridge in the 1980s.