Self-guided canoeing and wilderness cabin holiday in Kuhmo, Finland

For centuries, local tar rowers from Kuhmo used to transport their barrels of tar through the network of rivers and lakes en route to Oulu, a port for the Baltic Sea. Now, you can relive their experiences in unescorted trip along this Tar route. You can choose more exciting route Jongunjoki river – route where is many small but safe rapids. On both routes you can adapt your daily distances to suit your paddling skills and experience.

We will tailor-make a route so you can take in the stops you want to make. At the end of the canoeing trip you will be collected from your assigned meeting place and driven to a wilderness cabin 20 km south of Kuhmo. The second half of your trip gives you time to enjoy the peace and quiet of the taiga forest at your leisure in small lakeside cabin near of  Lake Rastinjärvi.

Route I:
The Tar route consists mainly of lakes connected by short river sections and a few rapids. The route runs along the headwaters of the river Oulujoki and it flows freely to Lake Ontojärvi in western Kuhmo. Along the way there are plenty of wilderness-like shores and several islands. The lakes can be paddled in almost all wind conditions with few exceptions. There are plenty of official landing places you can pitch tent or rest and eat in a forest lean-to. There are numerous places to start or end the trip.

Route II

The Jongunjoki river routeThe river is a natural wilderness river with no permanent habitation or summer cottages along its banks. The route takes you through several easy but exiting rapids. The most difficult rapids are only class II and You can pass them easily. There are plenty of official landing places you can pitch tent or rest and eat in a forest lean-to. There are numerous places to start or end the trip.

Log cabins which sleep 4 are situated on the hillside in the woods overlooking Lake Rastinjärvi. The cabins have a twin bedroom and a further two beds in the loft area. A log sauna is right by the water. Authentic to times gone by, there is no electricity. The cabin is heated by a wood stove and lit by oil/gas lamps. Cooking is done on a gas ring. A chance to catch your own meals as the lake offers excellent fishing!  Free use of a rowing boat is included in the price.