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Kolovesi Seal Trail®
Kolovesi National Park is one of the most respected nature reserves and it’s a very popular canoeing area. It’s one of the few parts of Lake Saimaa, where motor boating is prohibited in order to secure the peace of nature. The rare Saimaa ringed seal lives in this area and in the Kolovesi area the seal population is at its densest. The forests of wilderness-like islands are mostly in their natural state. Many rock-paintings tell the story about the ancient history of the region. Lake Kolovesi is very clean and rich in fish. So for many reasons it’s impossible to find a similar wilderness-like canoeing destination in the whole southern Finland. Kolovesi tour suits best for campers, who don’t long for modern conveniences and services. It is also a good destination for a one-day family trip.
Duration of the tour: 3 or 7 Days
Degree of difficulty: Easy
Guidance: Independent/self-guided
Starting and returning point:
Kirkkoranta canoe launch
How to reach:
Kolovesi Nationalpark is almost inaccessible using public transports. Nearest railway stations are located in Heinävesi (40 km) and in Savonlinna (57 km). Nearest bus stations are located in Savonranta (21 km) and in Enonkoski (25 km). Taxi transfers available all-around the region.
Accommodation:
Three wilderness cottages inside the park area (from 4 to 14 persons). Hostels nearby in Savonranta, Enonkoski and Heinävesi.
Day programmes / Route description:
A full tour around the Park and its main islands Mäntysalo and Vaajasalo is only ca. 37 km. That’s why this route suits well for example to be canoed during a weekend (Fri-Sun). The route is easy to canoe independently using designated camp sites. If you are going to stay longer in the area, it’s recommended to canoe first from the northern end of the island Mäntysalo towards the narrow stream of Vaaluvirta, and then around the island Pyylinsaari and to return along the stream Ruokovirta back to lake Kolovesi (tour lenght 33,8 km). If you don’t mind one portage, you can also return to Lake Kolovesi via Käkötaipale (13,1 km). This way the length of the whole tour can be 70 - 80 km. The whole Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Park circuit starting from Kirkkoranta is about 110 km long.
Description of difficulty:
The Kolovesi tour is a sheltered lake route without any portages. It is suitable for the whole family as well as for paddlers having only little experience. Both Canoes or sea-kayaks can be used. In Linnansaari wind delays are possible.Basic canoeing experience is required.
Group size:
2 - 12 persons. The camping sites are planned only for small groups.Especially during the high season (July) the park can be pretty crowded (on good weather during weekends) if you try to find a place to pitch a tent.It's illegal to camp outside designated campsites.
Availability:
1.6. - 15.9. (reservations beforehand).
Equipment:
Customers should have clothing and shoes according to the weather. Advice for tour preparations can be found in Visitors’ Guide of the Seal Trail (Norppareitti) on www.sealtrail.com
Price:
Self-service prices: Double canoe (C-2) EUR 25,-/Day or EUR 118,-/Week. Also sea-kayaks available. For basic package/tailor-made trip prices contact our office.
The price includes:
Self-service package: a canoe/kayak, paddles, safety vests and spray skirts for kayaks.
For extra costs the following services:
Extra equipment, transfers, maps,trip planning and assistance included in the basic/tailor-made packages.
Service languages: Finnish, English
Reservations and contacts:
Kolovesi Retkeily Canoe Outfitters Co.
Pirttimäentie 1451
58300 SAVONRANTA
mobile +358 40 558 9163
www.sealtrail.com
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South Savo
