Finland, lake, nature, forest

3 Days in Pankajärvi – Unwind Amid Rivers and Islands

A gentle adventure for beginners, nature lovers, and families

Treat yourself to a break from everyday life and enjoy a relaxing paddle through the unspoiled nature of North Karelia.

This leisurely 3-day tour takes you directly from Eräkeskus on a varied journey through tranquil river landscapes and the fascinating archipelago of Lake Pankajärvi —past secluded sandy beaches and dense forests.

Ideal for beginners, families, and anyone who wants to experience the tranquility of the wilderness.

What to expect:

  • River Idyll & Island Paradise: You’ll start right in Eräkeskus and follow the gently flowing Lieksanjoki River until you enter the tranquil island world of Lake Pankajärvi—a true paradise for nature lovers.

  • Paddle freely & camp in the wild: With no set stages, you can set your own pace—we’ll set up camp wherever we like. Cook over a campfire or on a gas stove, camp on the shore, and enjoy the sunset.

  • Experience unspoiled nature: dense forests, clear waters, secluded beaches—North Karelia reveals its most pristine side. It’s the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the silence.

  • Campfire romance: Evenings under the open sky, the crackling of the fire, good food, and long, bright summer nights—that’s pure Nordic outdoor bliss.

  • Ideal for beginners and families: No prior experience required—this tour is leisurely, safe, and a wonderful introduction to the world of canoeing. We tailor the daily distances to your preferences and the group’s pace.

Send a non-binding inquiry
Free stock photo of biodiversity, bog, calm

Day 1: From Nurmijärvi along the Lieksanjoki River

We’ll start right at Eräkeskus in the morning. First, we’ll pack our snacks, and after a brief introduction to the equipment and paddling techniques, we’ll glide leisurely across Lake Nurmijärvi and then along the tranquil Lieksanjoki River. The landscape is characterized by dense forests and quiet stretches of shoreline; here and there we catch a glimpse of a typical Finnish mökki. We’ll decide when to take our lunch break on the spot, depending on how we feel.

In the late afternoon, we’ll find a cozy spot to camp —either at a laavu with a fire pit or on an idyllic stretch of open shoreline—and set up our tents. Here, we’ll enjoy dinner together under the endless light of the Nordic summer night.

Day 2: Along the Lieksanjoki River to Lake Pankajärvi

After a hearty breakfast, we set off and continue along the tranquil Lieksanjoki River. The landscape becomes increasingly varied: dense forests alternate with open stretches of water and small islands. Along the way, we stop frequently to enjoy nature or take a break at scenic spots.

For lunch, we find a cozy spot on the shore and enjoy a warm meal cooked over an open fire. In the afternoon, we reach the impressive archipelago of Lake Pankajärvi, where we choose a nice spot to spend the night. Once again, we enjoy dinner together under the starry sky and listen to the sounds of the wilderness.

Day 3: Paddling Through the Archipelago & Return Transfer

The final day begins with the freedom to explore the islands of Lake Pankajärvi one last time. As you paddle leisurely, you might have the chance to spot animals like beavers or other native wildlife. We glide through hidden coves and past secluded beaches before heading back to Eräkeskus in the afternoon. During the final kilometers, we take in the tranquility and vastness of the Nordic wilderness one last time before wrapping up the tour together and saying our goodbyes.

  • Duration: 3 days / 2 nights.
  • Distance: approx. 30–50 km (variable; distances are adjusted individually based on the group’s pace and preferences)
  • Description: A leisurely, nature-filled paddling tour through rivers and islands—ideal for beginners, families, and nature lovers.
  • Highlights: The Lieksanjoki River, Lake Pankajärvi with its pristine islands, idyllic laavus and free camping spots, evenings around the campfire under the midnight sun, wildlife viewing—including beavers—and peaceful water landscapes.
  • Meeting point: Eräkeskus, at the lodge.
  • 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: 430 €
  • Children up to age 14: €330
  • Minimum number of participants: 2
  • Individual participants are welcome to join the tour with a 50% exclusivity surcharge.
  • Groups of 5 or more: on request

Included:

  • German and English speaking guide: Your guide will accompany you safely along the river, give paddling tips for beginners and share fascinating knowledge about the wildlife!
  • All transfers.
  • Equipment:
    Canoe/kayak, paddle and life jacket and, if required, a waterproof pack sack, are of course included in the price – for a safe and enjoyable paddling experience. As well as a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and cooking equipment.
  • Full board: All meals included, from lunch on the first day through lunch on the third day.
  • Unique memories and lots of fresh air!

Bring along:

  • Clothing appropriate for the weather (including a rain jacket, depending on the weather).

  • Comfortable shoes or sandals that can get wet.

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

  • Water bottle.

  • Small daypack.

  • Optional: camera, binoculars, insect repellent.

Physical Requirements: This tour is ideal for anyone with a normal level of basic fitness who is looking forward to a relaxing nature experience on the water. You should be able to sit in a canoe or kayak for several hours and paddle on your own. The tour takes place on calm waters without rapids and is particularly suitable for beginners. No prior canoeing experience is required—we’ll take the time to give you a gentle introduction.

  • 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.
  • Still waters, a grand natural spectacle: The Lieksanjoki River shows you the tranquil side of Finland. Off the beaten path, we paddle through vast forests, across sparkling lakes, and past animal tracks—maybe even past a beaver lodge.
  • 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.

First and Last Name
DD.MM.YYYY - DD.MM.YYYY