Finland. Kayaking on Lake Saimaa

 From Helsinki, we headed towards the small village of Anttola, north of the city of Mikkeli. Our plan was to embark on a 35-kilometer route through one of the remote parts of Lake Saimaa, which we aimed to conquer with our kayak and spend two nights on the islands. 

  Route map...

  

 After parking near the pier and gathering our belongings, we inflated the kayak and started our journey around 6 PM through the wild expanse of Finland's largest lake, Lake Saimaa...   

  For our first night, we stopped just two and a half kilometers from the pier...

 Sunset...

  

  The next morning, after fueling up with berries, we continued along the route...  

   After two hours, we arrived at one of the islands on our route and stopped for breakfast...

  The small rocky islands are covered with moss and pine trees...

   

  We stopped for lunch on another island...

  After kayaking for 18 kilometers, we settled for the night on a small and very cozy island... 

  The camping spot was spectacular... At the highest point of the island, on a relatively flat area covered with moss and surrounded by pines...  

  In the morning, a calm lake and mist awaited us...

  It was the first time we experienced how amazing it is to paddle on a lake as calm as a mirror... 

  To navigate and avoid getting lost in the winding waterways, there are colored markers... Navigation on the lake was truly something new for us... 

  At noon, we completed our short route, covering the last 14 kilometers... Despite having experienced various hiking and camping adventures, kayaking with overnight stays on islands was something truly special and incredible...