The famous wilderness village of Lentiira in northern Kuhmo is located by the lake of the same name. The Lentiirajärvi route runs from its northern part through the fish-rich lake all the way to the Lentiira holiday village.
Lentiirajärvi is a two-part lake, with the northern part running north-south about 10 km long, and the southern part running southeast-northwest about 8 km long. Between them is Käntinsalmi and the village of Lentiira built around it.
The paddling route begins along Lentiirantie, at a spot where the road runs right by the lake. From the parking area, launching a canoe or kayak into the water is possible. From the end of Laajanlahti Bay, paddle first to Sääskenselkä, then to Vehmasselkä and further to Aittoselkä. After this, go under the Käntinsalmi bridge and continue towards Niskaselkä. These open water areas are not large as the lake is relatively narrow and there are peninsulas and islands here and there.
The Lentiirajärvi paddling route is also well suited for beginners or as a destination for family paddling.
The route ends at the shore of the Lentiira holiday village, where you can order a tasty meal and enjoy the smoke sauna heat to finish the day.
An alternative endpoint is the Käntinsalmi boat landing south of the strait (distance about 10 km).
The northern end of Lentiirajärvi's Laajanlahti also serves as an alternative starting point for the Kainuu Tervareitti water trekking route instead of Änättijärvi. This avoids the challenging bypass of Änättikoski rapids (paddlable only in high water conditions).
Author’s recommendation
The waters of Lentiira are good fishing spots.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
The Piirakkapuoti Café, Lentiira KuhmoLentiira Holiday Village
Safety information
- The route is suitable in good summer weather also for beginners or as a destination for family trips.
- Note that on the lake sections there are wind-exposed areas that can raise waves.
- In summer, there may be some motorboat traffic. Paddlers must yield to other water traffic.
- Plan the paddling route according to your skills. On lake sections, paddle close to the shore and scout rapids from the shore in advance.
- Wear a life jacket while paddling and preferably paddle near the shore.
- Secure all equipment well to the canoe, preferably in a dry bag or container.
- Pack waterproof first aid supplies, change of clothes, matches, and a phone.
- It is safest to travel on the water with a friend or group, especially if you are unfamiliar with the water area.
- Check weather forecasts before your paddling trip. Note the wind direction and strength on open lakes.
- Bring change of clothes as well as snacks and drinks, as there are no replenishment opportunities along the route.
- If you get into trouble during your trip, call 112 and make an emergency call.
Tips and suggestions
Equipment rentals
Roadbook
The starting point is a parking area along Lentiirantie. Launching a canoe or kayak is possible from the shore, which is somewhat rocky. There are no services at the starting point.
Begin paddling along the eastern shore of Lake Lentiirajärvi towards the south. The lake is relatively narrow, running south-north up to Käntinsalmi.
Before the Käntinsalmi bridge, on the eastern shore, there is the Lentiira church. After the bridge, on the eastern shore, there is the Käntinsalmi boat landing.
From here, continue along the northern shore towards Petäjäniemi and the Lentiira holiday village.
The only official landing site along the route is the Käntinsalmi boat landing. Otherwise, landing is permitted under everyman's rights—respect the inhabited shores.
The Church of Lentiira, Kuhmo
The Piirakkapuoti Café, Lentiira Kuhmo
Käntinsalmen veneranta ja veneenlaskupaikka, Lentiira Kuhmo
Monument of the Church of the Axe People, Lentiira Kuhmo
Lentiira Holiday Village
Taiga Spirit, nature and wildlife experiences, Kuhmo Finland
Lake Lentiira, Kuhmo
Public transport
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Get Timetable to destination
Directions
From the center of Kuhmo to Lentiira and further towards Suomussalmi / Kostamus. Drive along Lentiirantie about 8 km north from the Käntinsalmi intersection.
Parking
Parking area.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Accessible by canoe and kayak. Along the route, in many places, the water is shallow far from the shore.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions