01/07/2026
Practical Tips for Paddling in Finland
Everywhere you go in Finland, you will find waters suitable for paddling. Ready for adventures? You will need to find a service provider to help you with equipment and expertise on local waters as safety must come first.
Rivers and lakes
With over 188,000 lakes and a massive network of rivers, there is an endless number of options for paddling.
Please note that there are just very few occupied kayak rental points where you could just walk in and rent a kayak, canoe or SUP board. In most cases, you do need to book equipment in advance and you either get a key code or the service provider delivers the equipment to you.
We have a partner network of professional paddling guides all over the country taking you on guided tours. If you are a beginner, you can either take a basic instruction first or choose an easy paddling tour taking place in the evening or on rivers or bays protected from heavy winds. For more experiences paddlers, there are half-day and full day trips. An adventurous paddler can choose an overnight tour and stay in a small cabin or tent on an island in the middle of lake nature. On lake Saimaa, it is also possible to make multi-day kayak tours from island to island along a paddling route.
Best services and most magnificent sceneries are found in the Lakeland area in southern and southeastern part of the country. In some cities like Hämeenlinna, Tampere and Kuopio for example it is possible to take a city sightseeing by kayak as the towns are located right next to big lakes.
In Lapland, there are semi-guided paddling trips on rivers. You are taken by car with the equipment to one end of the river and they will meet you again in the other end. You can not get lost as you just need to follow the river. Many hotels also have canoes for the hotel guests all over Finland for short self-guided paddling trips.
Coastline and archipelago
Our western archipelago is the largest in the world but you can find archipelago also right outside Helsinki and along the southern and northwestern coast. Unlike the green forests and meadows in the lake district, here you will see rough rocks and islets.
In Helsinki there is a paddling centre on the eastern as well as western side of the city. A unique experience is to take a midnight paddling trip, especially on light summer nights in June-July.
In the archipelago, there is quite a lot of boat traffic in the peak season. The guides know where it is safe to paddle. However, the circumstances can be harder on the sea, so for families we recommend rivers and small lakes.
Whitewater
Whitewater rapids are not very demanding in Finland, mostly I-II class (out of IV), very few III (out of IV).
In southern Finland there are river rafting services available on river Kymi in Anjalankoski, in eastern Finland on Ruunaa Rapids in Lieksa, in central Finland on Kuusaankoski rapids in Laukaa, in northeastern Finland on Oulanka river and in northwestern Finland on Kukkola rapids in Tornio and on river Muonio and in Lapland on river Juutua in Inari.
If the safe whitewater part is short, you might get the experience twice. Normally you would use a raft ideal for 4-8 people but there are also wooden rowing boats offered in some cases. Please reserve appr. 2-3 hours.
Please note! In most paddling tours the minimum number is 2 participants. Basic swimming skills are required.
