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Water trails
· Vuokatti-Sotkamo
Paddling around Sapsojärvi, 16 km, Sotkamo - Vuokatti
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Kayaks on the shore of Rytilahden, Sotkamo - VuokattiPhoto: Pasi Korhonen, CC BY-ND, Outdoors Kainuu
Experience some of the most stunning scenery of Lake Finland Lakeland at Sotkamo's Sapsojärvi. On the northern shore rise high eskers, and on the west side is the silhouette of the Vuokatinvaara ridge. Also take a dip at Hiukka.
From the Sotkamo harbor's canoe dock, you can conveniently paddle onto Lake Sapso. Sapso is the largest of the lakes surrounding Sotkamo center. It actually consists of Big and Little Sapso. They are separated by Kumpusaari Island. On the north shore of Sapsojärvi is Hiukka beach and a diverse outdoor area with various trails. Hiukka also has a pesäpallo stadium, which is the home field of Sotkamo Jymy.
While paddling around Sapso, you will experience diverse lakeshores ranging from sandy reed shores to steeply deepening rocky shores. In the western end of the lake rise the peaks of the Vuokatinvaara ridge. Half of the route is paddled along one of Finland's longest esker formations. On the Hiukka area, the shore cliffs rise straight from the water to high walls. In many places there are quiet sandy beaches, perfect for stopping to stretch your legs.
Author’s recommendation
You can extend your trip by paddling an additional loop to Kiantajärvi or Little Sapso.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Hiukka Beach, Accessible, SotkamoSafety information
There is occasionally busy boat traffic near Sotkamo harbor and Hirvensilta bridge.
Paddlers must yield to other water traffic.
Wear a life jacket while paddling and preferably paddle close to the shore.
It is safest to move on the water with a friend or group, especially if you are unfamiliar with the water area. Before your paddling trip, it is advisable to check the weather forecasts. Take note of wind direction and strength on the open lake.
Bring a change of clothes as well as snacks and drinks.
Take your phone packed in waterproof packaging.
Tips and suggestions
Good landing places: Loma Luonnonlapsi, Kuolanniemi strait (by the bridge), Rytilahti (parish camp center), Hiukka, and Little Hiukka.
Roadbook
Start at the Sotkamo harbor's canoeing dock (behind Satama Cafe next to the breakwater).
Paddle under the nearby visible Hirvensaari bridge towards Sapso. You can circle the lake clockwise or counterclockwise; consider the wind direction when choosing.
When going counterclockwise, the first good landing spot is about 5 km along at the shore of Loma Luonnonlapsi (cafe services). After that, the next is about halfway along the route by Kuolanniemi bridge (approx. 9 km from the start). Then you can land, for example, at Kumpusaari (behind Kaatoluoto) and Rytilahti, approximately 12 km from the start. Hiukka beach is about one kilometer before returning to the harbor. There are good and diverse services there.
There are no official fire sites open to everyone along the route.
Sotkamo marina, Sotkamo Finland
Hiukan kota upeissa harjumaisemissa, Sotkamo-Vuokatti
Hiukka Beach, Accessible, Sotkamo
Sotkamo farmers market, Sotkamo Finland
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
You can reach Sotkamo center by bus from Kajaani and Vuokatti. It is 400 meters from the bus station to the route starting point at the harbor.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Drive to Sotkamo center on road number 76. Coming from the Vuokatti direction, Sotkamo harbor is shortly after Hirvensilta on the left.
Parking
Free parking at the harbor
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
More about the area's tourism at www.vuokatti.fi
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Accessible along the shore with canoe, kayak, and rowboat. Especially on the Hiukka beach side, the water is very shallow far from the shore.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions