On the blue lakes and rivers
The versatile waterways in Lieksa offer something for every paddler. Relax, open your senses and enjoy paddling the calm lakes and rivers. For more experienced kayaker there are challenging rapids and white water.
Lieksanjoki River and Ruunaa 
The Lieksanjoki River starts over the border in Russia and traverses Ruunaa Hiking area in magnificent landscapes. The paddling route is approx. 100 km long and end in Pankakoski. The rapids are challenging even for an experienced kayaker or canoer.
Jongunjoki River
The Jongunjoki River route is a beautiful, wilderness paddling route with many fast sections. The vertical drop is 80 m. You can also paddle sections of the route, for example from Teljo bridge to Aittokoski or from Aittokoskei to Viitakoski. The route is filled with fast rapids which can well be navigated but it is goof to check them out before you paddle over them.
Viekijoki River
The Viekijoki River is a fun, meandering river through the village of Vieki to Lake Viekijärvi. There are no shelter or campsites long the routes, so pack with you everything you need.
Lake Pielinen
From Lieksa harbour and Timitranniemi you can make a short paddling tour along the River Sokojoki to Pokronlampi or along the Lieksanjoki River until hydropower plant. The vast open waters of Lake Pielinen are challenging due to the fast-changing conditions and big waves. On Lake Pielinen it is safest to paddle in calm weather in the evening and night.
Lake Suomunjärvi
Lake Suomunjärvi in Patvinsuo National Park is a stunning lake with sandy beaches suitable for a multi-day paddling and camping trip. You can start your trip at Suomu Nature Hut where you can also rent canoes. In early summer when water level is high you can paddle from Lake Suomujärvi to meandering Suomunjoki River which follows the border of the park.
In Lieksa you can book a kayaking or canoeing tour for you and your group with an experienced guide. Equipment can be rented in Nurmijärvi, Ruunaa, Patvinsuo and Lieksa town centre.
Equipment
Proper equipment guarantees a pleasant trip. Weather, amount of light, mobile network coverage and other factors can cause surprises.
Safety and guidelines
Safety starts with planning the trip and packing the right gear. It is good to estimate your skills and fitness, the features of the waterway and weather in advance.
Everyman’s right
In Finland we all, both residents and visitors, have a right to enjoy nature and at the same time we have a responsibility take of it. Everyman’s right determines what you can and cannot do. In additions, protected areas have rules and regulations which you should check out in advance.
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Arrival to Koli
We are not so far.
Are you ready for your journey?
By car
Fast and easy. Travel at your own pace and explore the area without schedules. We are only one stop for a coffee break or charging away.
Kuopio
Koli & Lieksa
184 km ( 2 h 14 min )
Jyväskylä
Koli & Lieksa
329 km ( 4 h 2 min )
Oulu
Koli & Lieksa
332 km ( 4 h 15 min )
Tampere
Koli & Lieksa
477 km ( 5 h 53 min )
Helsinki
Koli & Lieksa
528 km ( 6 h 15 min )
By train
Train travel is eco-friendly and affordable. Lieksa can be reached with a couple of changes and you can easily take your bikes and other items with you. For more information, go to vr.fi/en
Helsinki
Lieksa
6 h 16 min, 1 vaihto
Tampere
Lieksa
7 h 28 min, 2 vaihtoa
Kuopio
Lieksa
7 h 41 min, 2 vaihtoa
Oulu
Lieksa
11 h 30 min, 2 vaihtoa
By plane
Flying is the fastest way to get to Koli and Lieksa. Closest airports are in Joensuu, Kajaani and Kuopio.
Helsinki
Kuopio
1 h 00 min
Helsinki
Joensuu
1 h 5 min
Helsinki
Kajaani
1 h 25 min