Paddling 6 km in the labyrinth of Sotkamo, Sotkamo - Vuokatti

The route starts from Sotkamo harbor at Pirttijärvi. You can easily launch a canoe or kayak into the water, as there is an accessible kayaking dock next to the breakwater, behind the summer café.

The route leaves from the vicinity of Akkoniemi towards Siltasaari. Immediately after departure, it passes by the Aatoksen parsonage. From the open water of Pirttijärvi, there are views over Hirvenniemi to Vuokatti and along the Teneti stream towards Naapurivaara. Behind Siltasaari, a smaller open water area appears, and ahead is Eskonsaari. The route circles Eskonsaari and passes in front of Meijerinranta towards Salmela. You pass under the light traffic bridge connecting the center and Salmela peninsula. After the bridge, on the right shore, there is an old yellow wooden building, Niemelä. In the adjacent bay, there used to be Sotkamo's ship dock, from which steamships operated to Kajaani already in the 19th century. Originally, Sotkamo village center began to form around this water. On the east shore rose the church and parsonage; on the west shore, commercial and administrative buildings, and of course housing. Gradually, the village center's focus has shifted westwards around the current market square.

After passing under the narrow Multisilta, on the left shore is Syntiniemi, and the right shore curves towards the cemetery area. After Kirkkosilta, on the shore of Kirkkolampi is Sotkamo church and an old cemetery.

After Kirkkolampi and the strait, Sotkamojärvi opens up ahead. The route's endpoint is at Makkosenmäki beach, which is located on the left shoreline as you approach.

Alternatively, you can also paddle back to the starting point at the harbor. The round trip is about 11-12 km depending on the chosen route.

Distances:

Sotkamo harbor - Eskonsaari 2 km

Eskonsaari - Multisilta 1.5 km

Multisilta - Makkosenmäki 2 km