Self-Guided Canoeing Trip on the Oulankajoki River

Thank you for your booking! Below you will find the essential information for your canoeing trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION Starting point: Mataraniemi Parking: Könkään Kuohu parking area Self-guided departure from Mataraniemi Life jackets must be worn at all times on the water The fixed pickup time is 4:00 PM The return shuttle brings you back to your car in Mataraniemi

Arrival at the Canoeing Starting Point

The starting point for the lower Oulankajoki River canoeing route is Mataraniemi. The parking area does not have its own street address.

Parking is at the Könkään Kuohu parking area, located at the end of a forest road branching off from Liikasenvaarantie.

The forest road turns right from Liikasenvaarantie approximately 350 metres after the Oulanka Visitor Centre. At the junction, there is a sign to the left for Oulangan Leirintä and wooden signs to the right reading Mataraniemi and Könkään Kuohu.

Departure and Equipment

Canoes and kayaks are located at the starting point. They are marked with Oulangan Taika and/or Basecamp Oulanka stickers.

The equipment includes:

• Paddle
• Life jacket
• Dry bag for storing your belongings during the trip
• Map showing the canoeing route
• Spray deck for kayaks

Move the equipment to the shore and make sure your life jacket is worn and fastened before entering the water.

Rest Stops Along the Route

When paddling along the river, take breaks and enjoy the scenery. Fires are only allowed at official campfire sites.

• Merenoja lean-to shelter, 5 km from the start, on the right bank
• Nurmisaari campfire site, 8 km from the start, on the left bank
• Ansakämppä wilderness hut, 8 km from the start, on the right bank
• Sirkkapuro lean-to shelter, 14.8 km from the start, on the right bank
• Alaniemi lean-to shelter, 21.6 km from the start, on the right bank

When landing, pull the canoe or kayak far enough onto the shore so that it stays securely in place and cannot be carried away by the current.

Please follow litter-free hiking principles: carry all rubbish out with you.

REMEMBER Our fixed pickup time is 4:00 PM.

Canoeing End Points

The canoeing end points are located at Nurmisaari, approximately 8–9 km from the start, and Jäkälämutka, approximately 25 km from the start.

Nurmisaari Pickup Points

There are two pickup points at Nurmisaari. The first is located near the Nurmisaari campfire site, approximately 800 metres from the campfire site. The second pickup point is approximately one kilometre downstream from Nurmisaari.

The pickup points are marked on the riverbank with signs like the one shown below.

Jäkälämutka Pickup Point

There is one pickup point at Jäkälämutka, located at the end of the route.

The Jäkälämutka pickup point is marked by a sign at a 90-degree right-hand bend in the river. From this point, turn left to reach the Jäkälämutka pickup point.

When You Arrive at the Pickup Point

When you arrive at the pickup point, pull the canoe or kayak onto the shore so that the water cannot carry it away.

If the driver has not arrived yet, you can send us a message to let us know that you are already at the pickup point.

Safety Instructions

• Always wear and fasten your life jacket while on the water.
• Do not stand up in the canoe or rock it from side to side.
• Always pull the canoe far enough onto the shore when taking breaks.
• Bring dry spare clothes and fire-making equipment in case of an accident.
• Download the 112 Suomi app to your phone for emergencies.
• If you have any questions before the trip, ask us in advance or at the starting point.
• Contact us in case of any problems.

Canoeing Safety Guidelines

Before Canoeing Check the weather forecast. Dress according to the weather. Please note that it may be windy on the river, so a windproof jacket is recommended. In rainy weather, bring a rain poncho or waterproof clothing. In sunny weather, bring a hat and sunscreen. Bring spare clothes in case you get wet. You can store them in the dry bag during the trip. Bring enough food and drinking water. Inform us of any special requirements, such as life jackets for children or pets. Upon Arrival at the Starting Point Make sure you know how to use the life jacket. Make sure your life jacket is worn and fastened before entering the water. Pack your belongings into the dry bag and close it carefully. During the Canoeing Trip Always wear your life jacket while on the water. Do not stand up in the canoe, kayak, or packraft while on the water. Observe the river, its depth, and currents. This helps you find the easiest route downstream. Take enough breaks and remember to eat and drink during the trip. Paddle at a calm pace so that you have enough energy for the whole route. In threatening weather, such as thunder, heavy rain, or stormy winds, land immediately and continue only when conditions are safe. If necessary, stop the trip and contact us by phone or text message. We will advise where we can pick you up and help you continue safely.

Enjoy your canoeing trip on one of Europe’s most enchanting paddling routes!

CONTACT INFORMATION Basecamp Oulanka Phone: +358 400 509 741 Email: [email protected]