Finland

Canoe Lakeland
Unique Geology and
Outstanding Scenery
The world famous Finnish Lake Plateau, where
the Seal Trail is located, is an outstanding example
of the Fennoscandian Shield, representing some
of the oldest and largest exposed rock formations
in Europe. Here youll find bedrock some 1.8 billion
years old. The characteristic landforms of the
Finnish Lakeland are the products of continental
uplift and erosion, glaciation and continuing
actions of wind, waves, water and gravity.
In the last 2.4 million years, Finland has been
shaped and carved maybe ten times by advancing
and retreating glaciers. Older landforms were
accentuated and newer landforms were created as
ice from glaciers gouged out and accentuated
depressions, leveled rocky outcrops, and stripped
soil from land. The last of the glaciers receded from
Finland about 10 000 years ago leaving a land-
scape dominated by exposed bedrock, sudden
changes in elevation, piles of boulders, ground and
end moraines and sandy linear landforms called
eskers. These glacial landforms can be explored
all through the Seal Trail Canoe System.
Compared with most countries, Finland has an
abundance of elongated lake systems. They were
formed in the wake of the last retreating glaciers,
when rift valleys and depressions became water-
filled lake basins. Moraines and glacial gravel
deposit created dams, which complicated drainage
patterns and along with the rift valley landscape
created the unique mosaic of land and water which
characterizes the whole Seal Trail Canoe System
today. It also includes a spectacular example of
meteorite craters, the 10 km wide Lake Paasivesi.
The topography of the Seal Trail region is therefore
both rugged and varied. Surrounding the lakes
that are scattered throughout the area are forested
hills and ridges rising up to a maximum of 200 m
(656 feet) in elevation.
Vuoksi water system, which drains into the Gulf
Splendid Lakes
and Wonderful
Waterways
The lakes are indeed the most noticeable feature
of the Seal Trail landscape. They all belong to the
of Finland. The height difference between the
headwaters in Lake Juojrvi and the main basin
Lake Saimaa is 25 m and they are linked together
by four rapids (Class 1 and 2) in Heinvesi all of
which can be bypassed through canals. The
majority of lakes are directly connected by water
passages and the main watercourses can even be
paddled without portaging. The water flow in
streams and small rivers varies greatly depending
on the season as well as precipitation and
temperature conditions. In late summer some of
them might be almost unnavigable.
One can say that the Lakeland scenery of the Seal
Trail area is a naturally sculpted masterpiece
among all the chains of inland lakes in Northern
Europe. Vast stretches of open water scattered
with hundreds of islands, islets and skerries are
followed by narrow, river-like channels and sounds.
Lake Joutenvesi has the highest ratio of islands to
water in the world where as crater lake Paasivesi
has hardly any islands at all. Magnificent shore
cliffs, spits and fjords are found at Kolovesi National
Park and pristine sandy beaches can be explored
along the Lake Puruvesi shoreline.
The name Waterworld could be used to describe
what the Seal Trail is all about; a region where
lakes cover over 30 % of the surface area and the
land is laced with a complex network of waterways,
the best of which are chosen to form the Seal Trail
Canoe System.
The Great Northern
Outdoors
The other prominent feature of the Seal Trail
landscape is the south boreal forest, which covers
over 80 % of the land area. The northern forest is
mainly Scots pine and spruce interspersed with
birch and aspen. A typical feature of the entire
boreal landscape is a combination of several
different biotopes such as forests bogs and mires,
water-courses and lakes. Natures infinite variety
is also displayed in a bountiful wildlife.
Typical boreal species include elk, mountain hare,
beaver, fox, badger, flying squirrel, pine marten
and raccoon-dog. Birds of the coniferous forest
such as capercaillie, black grouse and hazel hen
and many birds of prey like the buzzard, honey
buzzard, goshawk, northern hobby, eagle owl and
ural owl also inhabit the area. Swans and cranes
nest on wet bogs and mires; woodpeckers and
other cavity nesters prefer old forests. In summer
countless migrants from Africa fill the air with
their songs. Large predators like the brown bear,
lynx and wolves also inhabit the area, but are seen
less frequently than smaller animals.
The very best places for getting acquainted with
the natural resources of the Finnish Lake Plateau
are the numerous protected areas, which are
located along the Seal Trail. These include five big
lake areas occupying nearly 640 sq.km, which
belong to the Inter-European Natura 2000 and
the national shoreline conservation programs.
Kolovesi National Park represents one of the most
important protected virgin forest areas of southern
Finland. It is home to many threatened and
endangered species like the Saimaa ringed seal.
The Heinvesi Route with its narrow waterways,
open lakes and historical canals has been
designated as one of Finlands national heritage
landscape areas.
Fish species such as lake salmon, lake trout, char,
pike, perch,and grayling can be found in these
pristine waters. Several species of fish-eating birds
like the black-throated diver, gulls, goosander, red-
breasted merganser and osprey use the area
seasonally. Fish-eating mammals include mink,
otter and the most famous of them all, the Saimaa
ringed seal. Saimaa seals, like some species of
shrimps at the the bottom of Lake Saimaa, are
relics of the connection between the lakes of
Eastern Finland and the present Baltic Sea, which
ended some 8000 years ago.
A Landscape Rich in on the Heinvesi route, though the oldest canal by
the Seal Trail is the Raikuu boat canal completed
in 1859.
Human History This was once a wild frontier land where eastern
and western cultures met and where many ancient
battles were fought. The same waterways used as
To Finns, who have inhabited this beautiful part vital transportation routes served at more violent
of Scandinavia since the end of last ice age 10 000 times as warpaths for looting expeditions. Relics,
years ago, the land with its forest and lakes has like the ruins of a wilderness fortress in Orivirta,
never been wild it has always been our home. old landmarks and the strong military defences
The ancient traditions of the prehistoric hunters dating from the Second World War in Raikuu
and gatherers are still alive in the form of favourite indicate the strategic importance of the region in
Finnish outdoor pursuits especially fishing and Finnish history. Tales of villains secret hideaways
berry or mushroom picking and in the legal and the even stranger saga of the demon which
concept of everymans right to enjoy these pursuits lives amidst some wild hills belong to the more
without restrictions. Especially for people living mystical side of the Seal Trails history.
in the Finnish Lakeland taking to the waters has
always been a part of everyday life. Since many of the patches of good arable land are
too small to carry more than a handful of com-
The Seal Trail Canoe System was established on mercial farms, forestry has provided at least a part
the basis of the traditional trails some of which of livelihood for a great amount of Lakeland people
have remained much the same as they were 5000 ever since the late 18th century. Even the smallest
years ago when they were first blazed by our rivers, which nowadays offer you perfect canoe
ancestors. A high level of occupation by prehistoric routes, were once used as important log drives.
hunters and gatherers is reflected by the sheer Old logging camps and relics of tar pits and saw-
density of archeological sites close to major water- mills are a testament to the economic forces which
ways. Of particular significance are the numerous shaped Finnish history.
rock-paintings found on the steep cliff-walls nearby
the Kolovesi National Park, which are considered
to be ancient trail markers.
The Seal Trail also adjoins a part of the legendary
Salmon Highway, a series of connected lake and
river routes, used by hunters and fishermen from
Carelia for over 1000 years until the late 16th
century as their preferred route into the Lakeland
Wilderness. From history we know that wooden
boats and barges remained as the chief means of
transportation in this vast and sparsely populated
country well into the 19th century, when the first
steamers appeared. In time the wooden boat also
became a freighter carrying first furs and tar and
later butter and lumber out, and supplies, like salt,
in for the back-country settlers. In order to enhance
steamship traffic on inland waterways altogether
eight canals were constructed between 1895-1915
The Saimaa Ringed
Seal The most
endangered seal
in the world
The ice-inhabiting ringed seals are the most northerly
seal species. The Saimaa ringed seal (Phoca hispida
saimensis) is subspecies of the ringed seal. The
retreat of ice during the last glacial period caused the
Baltic ringed seal to become separated from the arctic
ringed seal about 11 000 years ago, and also caused
the Saimaa seals to be trapped in this large freshwater
lake about 8000 years ago. The journey of the Saimaa
seals started in this sub-divided lake district.
Adult Saimaa seals reach lengths up to 1.4 m and
weights of 50-90 kg. The adult coat varies widely but
individuals are usually fairly dark with numerous
rings and spots on the back. Saimaa ringed seals are
solitary animals and usually haul out alone or in pairs
along shorelines. Adult seals appear to remain in the
same vicinity all year-round, often using the same
shoreline or even the same rock especially for
moulting. Saimaa seals feed on small schooling
fish such as perch, roach and vendace.
The Saimaa seal can reach the age of 35 years. The
females are known to give birth to their grey-coated
pups from late February to early March. The pups
are born in lairs constructed in snowdrifts on the ice.
These lairs, serving as nests, are built close to the
shore of small islands and islets in late December.
The Saimaa seal is capable of giving birth to only
one pup a year.
The subspecies has no natural enemies in Lake
Saimaa. Human activities have always been the only
threat to its existence. Saimaa seals were freely hunted
until 1955, when they were first protected by law. By
that time the subspecies was totally eradicated from
many parts of the lake. It has been estimated that
there were approximately 5000 seals living in Lake
Saimaa 5000 years ago. The present size of the
population is some 220 to 250 individuals and Saimaa
seals are found only in certain parts of the Lake
District. The Saimaa ringed seal is listed as
endangered in the IUCN Red List.
The most serious threats to the Saimaa seal at present
are from small-scale fishing using strong nets and
expanding lake-shore development, which destroys
suitable breeding grounds. Especially careless snow-
mobile use is very harmful during the seals breeding
period. In summer seals can be frightened off their
favourite rock by loud noises.Thus if you come across
such a spot be careful not to startle the creature
because with a little luck you may be able to observe
it for years to come.
The Saimaa ringed seal and its nest are protected by
the law on nature conservation. In harmony with the
Habitats Directive of the EU, Finland is committed
to the protection of the only endemic mammal in
Finland. Lake-shore building is now highly restricted
in the vulnerable habitats and some seal sanctuaries
like the National Parks of Kolovesi and Linnansaari
have been set aside. Fishing with nets has also been
restricted by voluntary agreements. The main
breeding grounds of the Saimaa ringed seal by the
waterways of the Seal Trail are marked on the canoe
route map.
Information from
The Saimaa Ringed Seal protection
The Natural Heritage Services,
Eastern Finland of Metshallitus
Akselinkatu 8
FIN-57130 SAVONLINNA
Tel. +358 (0)205 64 5900
Internet: http://www.metsa.fi
How to Get Here
PLANE Daily scheduled flights from Helsinki to Plan ahead using our canoe
the Savonlinna, Varkaus, and Joensuu airports. route map and visitors guide,
which may be purchased at local
CAR Approximately 6 hour drive northeast from
Helsinki. Several route options available. council offices or by mail from
tourist information bureaus and
Rental cars are available at nearby towns.
outfitters.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION There are
daily bus services from nearby towns and from
Helsinki to several access points. Nearest railway
stations are located in Heinvesi, Kerimki,
Savonlinna, Varkaus and Joensuu. Cab service
is available in the Enonkoski, Heinvesi, Kerimki,
and Savonranta areas.
Fishing
The waters of the Seal Trail Canoe System are in
near-pristine condition. Known as some of the
best sports fishing areas in Finnish Lakeland,
the lakes like Puruvesi or Paasivesi and
the famous streams of Heinvesi attract
anglers from all over the country. Your
quest for lake salmon or trout can be
best met in these legendary waters.
Before fishing, become familiar with
the regulations. More information
can be found on the Internet
(http://www.mmm.fi/english/
fisheries/licence/) or by con-
tacting local tourist infor-
mation offices.
 Facilities, Resorts and Activities for All
Against this magnificent natural and cultural backdrop are water sports
activities for every taste. The Seal Trail Canoe System offers 541 km of
canoe routes, along with water accessible designated campsites, day hike
trails, quality fishing, wildlife viewing and opportunities for heritage
appreciation. Ranges of canoe and kayak trips are available, from day-
trips to journeys lasting over a week. Seal Trail offers you and your
family endless opportunities for fun and adventure!

While in the area stop and find out about the wide range of visitor
attractions the Seal Trail has to offer. For peace and tranquility, as well
as orthodox cultural atmosphere, Valamo Monastery in northern
Heinvesi is one of the most beloved places to visit in Finland. Tourism
goes further back in Heinvesi than almost anywhere else in this region.
Steamers have cruised on the winding waterways of the Heinvesi Route
for over a century. Even todays travellers can take a leisurely sail from
Kuopio or Savonlinna to Heinvesi, enjoying the breath-taking scenery
of this heritage landscape. Boat tours are also available on the sparkling
waters of Lake Puruvesi.

The Kolovesi National Park Visitor Centre in Enonkoski provides an

excellent overview of the parks natural and cultural resources. Numerous
museums, like the Lake Fishing museum and Hyterm open-air museum
in Kerimki or the milling museums of Savonranta will acquaint you
with the local history. Popular attractions also include the church of
Kerimki, known as the largest wooden-built church in the world, and
Raikuu scenic trail .

Seal Trail area resorts, lodges, hotels, marinas and outfitters cater to
a vast array of individual tastes ranging from all-inclusive resorts to
rustic cabins. For details of all activities and holiday accommodation
facilities available in the Seal Trail area contact any tourist information
centre or bureau in the region.

We invite you to explore the vacation opportunities that the Seal Trail
has to offer. Welcome to the Canoe Country of the North !

Enonkoski Tourist Information

Enonkoskentie 3T FIN 58175 ENONKOSKI
Tel. +358 (0)15 345 300 Fax: +358 (0)15 345 3011
E-mail: enonkosken.kunta@enonkoski.fi www.enonkoski.fi

Kerimki Tourist Information

Puruvedentie 59 FIN 58200 KERIMKI
Tel. +358 (0)15 575 4211 Fax +358 (0)15 543 000
E-mail: info@kerimaki.fi www.kerimaki.fi

Savonrannan Sampo Oy
Vuokalantie 214 FIN 58300 SAVONRANTA
Tel. +358 (0)15 679 170 Fax. +358 (0)15 679 171
GSM +358 (0)400-372 945
E-mail: helasi@co.inet.fi www.savonranta.fi

EAKR
GSL Graafinen suunnittelutoimisto Latvala

Outfitter services
Lappeenrannan Kirjapaino 2001

Kolovesi Retkeily Co. Heinvesi Tourist Information

Text: by Jouko Siivonen/

Pirttimentie 1451 Kermanrannantie 7

FIN 58300 SAVONRANTA
Kolovesi Retkeily Co.

FIN 79700 HEINVESI

Tel. +358 (0)40-558 9163 Tel. +358 (0)17 578 1273
Fax +358 (0)15 673 628 Fax. +358 (0)17 578 1280
E-mail: E-mail:
canoe.lakeland@kolovesi-company.inet.fi matkailutoimisto@heinavesi.fi
www.heinavesi.fi