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Paddling Routes

“Enontekiö” means the source of great rivers. It’s no surprise that the region has fantastic paddling routes for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.

The free-flowing river Ounasjoki includes mellow routes as well as challenging sections. Beginners should take a look at Käkkälöjoki and Palojoki. The Käsivarsi Wilderness Area is home to the famous Lätäseno, the hardest whitewater paddling route in Finland. A local guide is your key to a safe journey into these waters. Many local companies also provide transport services.

Top routes

Lake Ounasjärvi, 1 - 20km

Lake Ounasjärvi, 1 - 20km

Ounasjärvi for as long as you want. The lake is quite narrow, so you won’t have to cross open waters. You can stop at the Perunkavuoma campsite or go ashore on Karjalansaari. Many companies in Hetta rent kayaks and canoes.

River Käkkäläjoki, 40km

The river runs through marshlands from Kalmankaltio all the way to Ounasjoki. There are some relatively easy rapids on the way. A wilderness hut is located midway on the route. You can stay for the night, if you wish. You can reach the starting point in Kalmankaltioby car. You can end your journey on Ounastie by the bridge between the villages of Vuontisjärvi and Peltovuoma. You can also keep going towards Ounasjoki.

River Käkkäläjoki, 40km

River Pöyrisjoki, 43km

River Pöyrisjoki, 43km

This route is a combination of unique wild landscapes and challenging rapids. The route is only recommended for experienced whitewater paddlers. The river is at its best during high water.

There is a wilderness hut at the route starting point at Pöyrisjärvi. Camping is allowed along the way. We suggest having a local company take your canoe to Pöyrisjärvi. From there, the river flows down all the way to the village of Vuontisjärvi.

River Palojoki, 60km

River Palojoki joins the villages of Palojärvi and Palojoensuu through the Tarvantovaara wilderness. This is an easy paddle apart from one rapid. However, due to its remoteness and length, wilderness survival skills are necessary. During low water, the river can get rocky.

There is a wilderness hut at the route starting point at Pöyrisjärvi. Camping is allowed along the way. We suggest having a local company take your canoe to Pöyrisjärvi. From there, the river flows down all the way to the village of Vuontisjärvi

River Palojoki, 60km

Poroeno - Lätäseno, 100km

Poroeno - Lätäseno, 100km

Route runs through the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area. This demanding route is only recommended for skilled paddlers who are also at home in the wilderness. There are several rapids along the way. Check the current conditions before setting off, as both floods and droughts make the route impassable. However, with the right circumstances, this is a spectacular journey for seasoned paddlers.

There are several wilderness huts along the way and camping is allowed as well. It’s a good idea to start by having your canoes transported to Porojärvi.