Paddling in the Jyväskylä Region, Lakeland Finland

Jyväsjärvi offers beginners an excellent opportunity to start canoeing almost from the Jyväskylä city center area, such as from the shore of Hotel Alba. The entire Jyväsjärvi route is about 10.5 km long, and there are several rest stops along the route. On the canoeing route, you can see beautiful urban scenery, including the modern Kangas district.

Tuomiojärvi canoeing route is about 8.5 km long, along which you can come ashore at swimming beaches and the shore of the former camping area, for example.

Palokkajärvi route is about 9 km long, where you can land at places like Palokka sports center and swimming beaches.

Alvajärvi canoeing route is located on the north side of Palokkajärvi, and along the canoeing route it’s worth stopping at places like the Lammassaari lean-to shelter.

Luonetjärvi, located in Tikkakoski, also offers an excellent opportunity for canoeing. Along the way, you can land at Luonetjärvi swimming beach and at the Peuraniemi and Sapatti lean-to shelters.

Wanha Witonen paddling route starts from Petäjävesi and ends in Jämsä. The route is suitable for both beginners and those seeking some challenge, as the route includes rapids descent sections that can also be easily bypassed by land if desired. At the beginning of the route, there is an opportunity to visit the old church of Petäjävesi. The total length of the route is 69.4 km, but it can also be divided into shorter sections while staying overnight along the way.

Konnevesi-Laukaa route begins from Southern Konnevesi National Park. The beginning of the route runs through rapids and is known as the Seven Rapids route. In the latter part, the landscape changes to open lake nature. At the end of the route, it’s worth stopping at the thousands-of-years-old Saraakallion rock paintings in Laukaa, in front of which a new viewing platform has been erected.

Haukisaari trail on Southern Konnevesi National Park is a pleasant, approximately four-hour (7.5 km) paddling route that starts from Häyrylänranta harbor and ends at Haukisaari between Kaitasaari and Mustasaari. The route requires moderate skill and is best suited for paddlers who already have some experience.

Paddling route around the centre of Keuruu is approximately 2-4 hour (10 km) long paddling route that runs through Keuruu center. Along the sheltered route, there are diverse services and rest stops, from which it’s worth stopping at least during summer season at Keuruu Old Church.

Leivonmäki National Park paddling routes run on the waters of Rutajärvi, where Harjunlahti or Haapalahti serve as launch points to the water. Along the route, it’s possible to stay overnight at the lean-to shelter located on Niinisaari island.

One can go on the water on one’s own or by taking part in guided trips. Several local companies offer a wide range of paddling and SUP services:

• Tavinsulka organizes canoe, kayak, and SUP tours – from ready-made packages to tailor-made adventures.

• Erä’s Pete takes thrill-seekers whitewater rafting and also offers gentle kayaking trips on tranquil lakes.

• HyvänTähen Wilderness & Nature Services provides guided excursions to rivers and rapids with qualified guides.

• Based in Toivakka, Pistoretki arranges canoeing and kayaking tours around Lake Leppävesi.

• EräKatri leads paddling trips all around the Jyväskylä Region, Lakeland Finland.

• For those craving speed and adrenaline, Kapeenkoski offers unforgettable whitewater rafting adventures in rubber rafts.

• SUP enthusiasts will enjoy Lazy Dog Sup, which provides stand-up paddleboarding experiences in Jyväskylä and nearby municipalities.

• Gr8wake also rents SUP boards for independent paddling.

• Many holiday centres – such as Peurunka, Revontuli Lakeland Village, and Marjoniemi Farm – rent equipment and organize guided trips.