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At the Tainionvirta river section, SysmäPhoto: Tiina Riikonen, Salpausselkä Geopark
A shorter "Sysmä version" of the well-known Tainionvirta river paddling route (Hartola-Sysmä). In this route proposal about half is lake paddling and half is gently flowing river. The highlight of the route is the cultural-historical Virtaankoski. The rapid is being restored back to a "natural rapid".
The connecting route to the Tainionvirta route starts from Lake Joutsjärvi at Hiekko beach in Valittula. The route continues through Tainionvirta to Majutvesi and to the Sysmä church village. It is worth stopping in the cultural-historical landscape of Virtaankoski. The old power plant dam of the rapid is being dismantled and the rapid is being restored back to a "natural rapid". In the future, Virtaankoski will also have a white-water paddling spot, but for now the dam is bypassed by carrying the canoe (along the left bank of the current, carrying distance about 80 m).
As a shorter section, you can end your trip at Virtaankoski (about 22 km / approx. 5 hours) or alternatively paddle only a short section by starting from Virtaankoski to the Sysmä church village (about 8 km / 2 hours).
Author’s recommendation
- The route can be paddled downstream, i.e., towards Sysmä. The rapids on the route are easy class 1 rapids and smaller currents.
- Canoes must be carried past two dams: The Maatiaiskoski dam is bypassed on the right and the Virtaankoski dam on the left.
- Due to carry points, the route is not suitable for rowboats or larger vessels.
- The Tainionvirta paddling route has several landing spots.
- You can end your paddling at Virtaankoski or alternatively start there and paddle to Sysmä or continue even further to Päijänne.
- Virtaankoski is a well-known fishing spot. Please be considerate of anglers while paddling.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Lintan Kammari, café and design boutique, SysmäMeijerin Maitobaari, Sysmä
Safety information
- The route has easy class 1 rapids, but the water level may affect paddling conditions on the rapids. Watch out for rocks!
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Always check the condition of your equipment.
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Mandatory equipment: Life jacket, spray skirt, whistle and either a bilge pump or sponge.
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Bring a change of clothes packed waterproof.
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Remember to use sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat while on the water!
Tips and suggestions
- The route can be paddled downstream, i.e., towards Sysmä.
- The restoration work at Virtaankoski may cause temporary changes in the area (summer season 2025-2026). In the future, it may also be possible to practice white-water paddling there!
- Read more about the restoration of Virtaankoski and the schedule of the restoration.
Roadbook
The route is not marked on the waters but the route is an indicative example route.
Haavistonniemi lean-to shelter, Sysmä
Virtaa canoe lean-to shelter, Sysmä
Virtaa Manor, Sysmä
Sysmä Marina
Lintan Kammari, café and design boutique, Sysmä
Meijerin Maitobaari, Sysmä
Camping Sysmä
Directions
Vaittula beach is located along the Sysmä - Hartola road (413).
Parking
Rest area along road 413.
Parking at Virtaankoski south of the river (via a side road from road 314 / Väyksyntie)
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
The entire Tainionvirta paddling route (Hartola-Sysmä 43 km)
Salpausselkä Geopark lake district Water Hiking Map 1:100,000 (2025)
Equipment
- Open canoe or kayak.
- Packraft backpack boat is well suited for flowing river sections, but note possible windiness on lake sections.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions