2 Days on the Wild Valamajoki & Jongunjoki – A Border River Adventure

A kayaking adventure through untouched wilderness, quiet forests, and thrilling rapids—right on the Russian border.

This two-day tour takes you deep into the wilderness of North Karelia: The wild Valamajoki River winds its way through dense forests, past beaver dams, rocky banks, and small islands—far away from any sign of civilization. After a night in a rustic wilderness cabin or in a tent, the journey continues along the tranquil Jongunjoki River, accompanied by gentle rapids and fascinating natural scenery. A true adventure for anyone who loves unspoiled nature and isn’t afraid of getting their feet wet.

What to expect:

  • A Wild River Adventure: Paddle through secluded, completely undeveloped wilderness—with a lively current, Class I–III rapids, and narrow passages full of natural obstacles like fallen trees.

  • Unspoiled Landscapes:
    Experience a spectacular setting of marshy riverbanks, dense forests, and wide, tranquil stretches of river—far from civilization.

  • Traces of the Wilderness:
    With a little luck, you might spot beaver tracks, birds of prey, or other animals that call this remote area home.

  • Staying in a wilderness cabin:
    At the end of the day, you’ll find the simple, cozy Valama Cabin or a tent in the middle of nowhere—with the romance of a campfire and dinner under the open sky.

  • Refreshments on the go:
    A simple, nutritious lunch by the river will give you new energy.

  • Challenges at portages:
    In some shallow spots, you may need to get out briefly and pull the kayak—it’s all part of the real river experience!

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Free stock photo of biodiversity, bog, calm
A graceful mute swan glides across a tranquil lake in Finland, surrounded by lush greenery.

Day 1 – Pure Wilderness on the Valamajoki River

Please arrive at Eräkeskus by 10:00 a.m. at the latest —of course, anyone who’d like to can arrive the night before and spend the night at the guesthouse. After a brief introduction and loading the trailer, we’ll drive together toward the Russian border, where we ’ll set out on the Valamajoki River.

As soon as the kayaks are in the water, the adventure through the wilderness begins: a paddling route of about 18 km lies ahead of us—no roads, no civilization, just nature. The Valamajoki winds its way through tight bends, past beaver dams, over sandbars, through marshy shorelines, and rocky sections. Nineteen smaller rapids provide excitement along the way—sometimes gently splashing, sometimes surprisingly lively. Along the way, we’ll have lunch on the riverbank.

In the afternoon, we reach our destination for the day: the Valama Hut —a simple, traditional wilderness hut with a fire pit and sleeping areas inside. Alternatively, you can spend the night in your own tent. After a warm dinner by the campfire, the day comes to a close in the silence of the wilderness.

Day 2 – Back toward civilization along the Jongunjoki River

After a hearty breakfast, we continue on our way: After just a few minutes, the Valamajoki flows into the wider, gently meandering Jongunjoki, which will accompany us on our second day.

The daily leg is about 25 km —but if you get tired, you can have someone pick you up after about 10 or 15 km. The route winds through peaceful wooded landscapes with occasional gentle currents and one major rapid: the Kaksinkantaja (difficulty level II, approx. 80 m long; can be portaged if necessary).

At noon, we’ll stop at a laavu with a fire pit —time for a break, a small campfire, and a hearty snack. Afterward, we’ll continue paddling downstream until we reach our destination, Viitakoski, where we’ll load the kayaks back onto the truck.

In the late afternoon, we headed back to Eräkeskus—with tired arms, happy faces, and our hearts full of the wilderness.

Note on the route:
This tour is only navigable when water levels are sufficient. If water levels are low, we will automatically switch to the Aittokoski route.
If you’d prefer to paddle the calmer route right away, you can find our separate offer at “2 Days on the Jongunjoki”.

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night.
  • Distance: approx. 45 km (on the second day, flexible pickup is available after 10, 15, or 25 km).
  • Character: A varied, nature-filled river tour through wild rapids, narrow passages, and calm stretches—ideal for adventure seekers with a basic level of fitness who enjoy unspoiled nature.
  • Highlights: the wild Valamajoki River, pristine river landscapes, beaver dams and wildlife viewing, 19 rapids (Class I–III), a rustic wilderness cabin or overnight camping, an evening around the campfire, the Jongunjoki River with calm stretches and gentle currents, the Kaksinkantaja rapids.
  • Meeting point: Eräkeskus , at the lodge (tour starts no later than 10:00 a.m.).
  • Guide: German, English, Finnish speaking guides.
  • Group size: Experience the tour as an exclusive private tour or in small, personal groups for an intensive experience.
  • Dates: from May 1 – September 30 Depending on the weather, later dates in autumn can also be booked.
  • Booking: Exclusively on request. Contact us for your individual tour planning!

Our prices are per person and include all services mentioned.

  • Price per person: €329  
  • Children under 14: not permitted to participate
  • Minimum number of participants: 2
  • Solo travellers can join for an additional 50% exclusive-use supplement.
  • Groups of 5 or more: on request

Included:

  • German- and English-speaking guide: Your guide will lead you safely along the river, give you paddling tips, and share fascinating facts about the wildlife!
  • All transfers.
  • Equipment:
    A kayak, paddle, and life jacket—as well as a waterproof stuff sack if needed—are, of course, included in the price to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddling experience. The same goes for a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and cooking gear.
  • Comprehensive catering: Full board from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 2.
  • Unique memories and lots of fresh air!

Bring along:

  • Clothing suitable for the weather (depending on the weather also rain jacket).

  • Comfortable shoes or sandals that can get wet.

  • Sun protection (sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses).

  • Water bottle.

  • Small daypack.

  • At will: Camera, binoculars, mosquito repellent.

Physical Requirements: This tour is designed for athletic and adventurous individuals with good basic fitness and paddling experience. The Valamajoki is technically challenging: currents, rapids (up to Class 3), natural obstacles, and portage points require confident boat handling and sure-footedness.

Tip: If you’ve never paddled before but are interested in a multi-day paddling trip, you should check out either our “3-Day Pankajärvi” or “2-Day Jongunjoki” tour first.

  • Cancellations must be made in writing (by e-mail to office@eraekeskus.com). In the case of declarations received on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the next working day shall be decisive.
  • Cancellation up to 7 days before the start of the tour is free of charge.
  • If you cancel 7 days or less before the date of the event, we will charge a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking price.

Tips:

  • We recommend that you take out cancellation insurance.

General Terms and Conditions:

Eräkeskus stands for authentic experiences in the untouched wilderness of Finland – far away from mass tourism and in a family-like atmosphere. You can expect real adventures, a deep connection to nature, and a truly relaxing slowdown.

  • Family atmosphere: With us, you are not just guests, but part of a small, family-like community. You can look forward to personal service, a warm atmosphere and very small groups of guests for an intensive experience.
  • An untamed river, a pure experience of nature: The Valamajoki takes you through wild rapids, tranquil expanses, and natural obstacles—a true adventure far from civilization.
  • Authentic experiences: We offer you unique tours that bring you closer to the wilderness of Finland in a very special way – be it through an open fire lunch or spotting animal tracks.
  • Gentle tourism & respect for nature: We focus on sustainable experiences with minimal impact on the environment. With us, you can experience adventures in harmony with nature in order to preserve its beauty for future generations.
  • Quite simply, because we want to give you unforgettable moments in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. With us, you will experience pure nature – in a way that you are guaranteed to remember.

As we plan each tour individually and adapt it to the current conditions, we ask you to send us a request. This way we can guarantee you the best possible experience! We will check your request immediately and get back to you as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours) with all the details!Advance reservations for day activities – ideally a few days in advance – are essential. Unfortunately, we cannot always fulfill spontaneous requests directly on site.

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