10-Day UNESCO
Canoe Tour in Central Finland
Petäjävesi Church, Struve Chain and Karikkoselkä meteorite lake
Join this 10-day canoe tour through Central Finland, where you’ll visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The tour starts at the Petäjävesi Old Church, famous for its unique design and history. You’ll also see the Struve Geodetic Arc, another UNESCO site, which is important for the history of natural science.
Tour Overview
The first part of the tour from Petäjävesi to Jämsänkoski takes you through calm lakes and small rapids. You’ll begin at the Petäjävesi Old Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also paddle on Karikkoselkä, a unique lake formed by a meteorite crashing into Earth. This section of the tour includes numerous easy rapids too, which brings chills and excitement for all participants.
At Jämsänkoski there is a 3-km long “portage” area, which we will traverse by non-aquatic means, after this, the tour continues through Jämsänjoki river to Lake Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest (1080 km2) and deepest (95 m) lake.
As we head north, you will visit another UNESCO site – the Struve Geodetic Arc and explore the Vaarunvuori Nature Reserve, known for its unique microclimate, and home to flora and fauna typical of the south side of the Baltic Sea.
During the trip, you can sleep in tents or at campgrounds. It is also possible to arrange accommodations in traditional manors.
Equipment
BICYCLE
Group size
Max. 10p
Tour length
10 days
Physical demand
MEDIUM
Food
LUNCH,
DINNER
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome
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Paddling session to get familiar with the equipment and best paddling techniques.
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BBQ and visit to a historical site.
Day 2: Explore Petäjävesi
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Bike or bus ride to Petäjävesi and visit one of the cleanest springs in the world.
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Visit the UNESCO-listed Petäjävesi Old Church.
Day 3: Canoeing Day
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Canoeing and visit to Karikkojärvi, a meteorite lake.
Day 4: Canoeing & Hiking
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Canoeing and hiking to enjoy nature.
Day 5: Biking & Jämsänkoski
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Bike to Jämsänkoski and explore the area.
Day 6-7: Nature Time
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Two full days of paddling and hiking in nature.
Day 8: Vaarunvuori & Struve Geodetic Arc
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Visit Vaarunvuori Nature Reserve and the Struve Geodetic Arc UNESCO site.
Day 9: Lake Päijänne
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Paddle on Lake Päijänne, the deepest lake in Finland.
Day 10: Jyväskylä
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Visit Jyväskylä and learn about its history.
This tour offers an exciting mix of outdoor adventure, cultural exploration, and stunning natural beauty. It’s the perfect way to discover Central Finland's UNESCO sites while paddling and biking through some of the most picturesque areas in the country.