Boating

Gentle waves in the capital of Lakeland.

Boating services and guest port

In the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, Kuopio, the Capital of Lakeland, has thousands of picturesque lakes and countless waterways. It’s the perfect place to experience by boat.

Why not consider renting a vessel, or if you’re unsure about boating by yourself, you can join an inland cruise.

Kuopio’s passenger port is the liveliest port of the Vuoksi waterway and a good base for a boater. Connected to the sea via Saimaa canal and further to the north via waterway to Tahko and Iisalmi, you can reach Kuopio via boat from anywhere – near or far.

Close to Kuopio passenger port, you will find many beautiful scenic waterways to explore. There are also plenty of easy landing spots which are perfect for relaxing, swimming, hiking or for stopping to forage for wild berries and mushrooms.

There’s plenty of options for longer routes too.

Veneily

Waterway to Tahko

The distance between Kuopio passenger port and Tahko Tourism Center by water is 72 kilometers. The route runs through the Karjalankoski and Juankoski self-service terminals and the Lastukoski channel and is one of Finland’s most beautiful routes.

As well as by boat, the route is well suited for canoe or traditional wooden church boat, allowing you to truly feel the magic of the waterways. Along the route, you’ll discover sheltered coves where you can have a break or stay overnight, as well as guest coves and excursion harbors.

Whichever direction you’re traveling in there you’ll find plenty of delicious restaurants and good accommodation options along the way. The waterway between Kuopio and Iisalmi also attracts plenty of visitors with its beauty. Along the route there are two beautiful channels, Ahkiolahti and Nerkoo to explore. In the port of Iisalmi and Iisalmi city, you can pamper yourself with the best restaurants and plenty of summer activities and celebrations.

If you really want to understand the reason why Kuopio is called the ‘Capital of the Lakeland’ – and truly experience all of the unspeakable beauties that lakeland has – you must visit the lakes by water. Try boat, canoe, cruise ship, or stand up paddleboard in the summer, or skis, snowmobile or ice-skates in the winter.

So, what are you waiting for? The water awaits.