Boating and canoeing on Lake Saimaa
Do you want to go boating, paddling, or fishing on Lake Saimaa? Taipalsaari offers excellent conditions for all water enthusiasts. The diverse waters of Pien-Saimaa and Suur-Saimaa invite you to explore the labyrinth of islands, enjoy peaceful coves, and stop at idyllic harbors.
Explore Taipalsaari’s paddling routes, discover new favorite spots with boating maps, and experience the landscapes of Saimaa from a completely new perspective. For anglers, the richness of the waters provides the opportunity to catch your own fish in the middle of stunning lake nature. Taipalsaari’s unique archipelago and Saimaa are waiting – come explore and fall in love with the waters!
Melonta
You can paddle independently to the unique archipelago landscapes. A perfect destination for a day paddling trip is Pien-Saimaa, where there are several landing spots.
Boating and fishing
The kayaking routes of Taipalsaari
Väliväylä paddling route (South Karelia section)
Length: 92 km
Level: Hobbyist, experienced
The Väliväylä paddling route follows the historical timber floating route, which was used to transport logs from Lake Saimaa to the Kymijoki water system. The route is one of the longest paddling routes in Southern Finland, stretching from Lappeenranta to Kouvola. There are two possible starting points from Taipalsaari and several new, well-equipped resting spots along the route. The route features landing spots about every 5 km, and informational boards along the way tell the history of the route.
-
Taipalsaari Church Village Harbor: paddling dock, dry toilet, parking
-
Konstu Sand Beach: paddling dock, parking
-
Pappilanniemi Lean-to: paddling dock, lean-to shelter, campfire site
-
Orjainniemi Lean-to: landing site, lean-to shelter, dry toilet, wood storage, signposts
-
Hietalahti Resting Spot: landing site, campfire site, dry toilet, wood storage, NO OVERNIGHT STAYS
-
Talalahti Resting Spot: landing site, dry toilet
Length: 29.7 km
Level: Beginner, hobbyistA brisk day paddling trip in the western archipelago of Pien-Saimaa between Taipalsaari and Lappeenranta. You can start the route from Taipalsaari Church Village Harbor, Konstu Sand Beach, or Saimaa Harju Marina, and you can adjust the length of the route to suit your level and experience. Attractions include rock paintings and glacial kettles at Ruusin Turasalo and the Linnavuori hillfort in Kuivaketvele.
Length: 29.7 km
Level: Beginner, hobbyistA brisk day paddling trip in the western archipelago of Pien-Saimaa between Taipalsaari and Lappeenranta. You can start the route from Taipalsaari Church Village Harbor, Konstu Sand Beach, or Saimaa Harju Marina, and you can adjust the length of the route to suit your level and experience. Attractions include rock paintings and glacial kettles at Ruusin Turasalo and the Linnavuori hillfort in Kuivaketvele.
Kuivaketvele Circuit
Length: 29.7 km
Level: Beginner, hobbyist
A brisk day paddling trip in the western archipelago of Pien-Saimaa between Taipalsaari and Lappeenranta. You can start the route from Taipalsaari Church Village Harbor, Konstu Sand Beach, or Saimaa Harju Marina, and you can also adjust the length of the route to suit your level and experience. Attractions include rock paintings and glacial kettles at Ruusin Turasalo, as well as the Linnavuori hillfort in Kuivaketvele.
Paddling in Suur-Saimaa
Level: Experienced
Suur-Saimaa is suitable for experienced paddlers. The large expanses of Suur-Saimaa and the rapidly changing weather will challenge even the most skilled paddler, but they also offer some of the most beautiful and unique paddling experiences.
From Taipalsaari, you can reach Suur-Saimaa from places like Sarviniemi hiking and boat harbor, Päihäniemi recreational area, or Kyläniemi’s fishing harbor. You can also park your car at these locations during your trip.
In Suur-Saimaa, you can enjoy the opportunities offered by numerous rest harbors, stunning sunsets, increasingly beautiful islets and islands, and, of course, the chance to spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.
Boat harbors, boat launch sites, and paddling docks
The boat harbors in Taipalsaari are located in Ketvele, Saimaanharju, Kirkonkylä, Rehula, Saimaanranta, Sarviniemi, and Pappilanniemi. The boat launch sites are located in connection with the harbors.
There are excursion harbors and natural harbors in Taipalsaari at Sarviniemi, Kyläniemi’s Rastiniemi, Ruuhonsaari, Hietasaari, Ilkonsaari, and Päihäniemi. These harbors are suitable for both boaters and paddlers.
For paddlers, there are good launch docks at Konstun swimming beach, Kirkonkylä boat harbor, and near the Pappilanniemi shelter. Both Konstun swimming beach and Kirkonkylä boat harbor are accessible by car.
You can rent paddling equipment at M-Market Taipalsaari in Taipalsaari’s Kirkonkylä harbor.
Guided paddling trips on Pien-Saimaa are offered by RetkiSaimaa.