Canoeing
Keurusselkä is a beautiful lake with many bays and islands. The lake is about 30km long, with the town of Mänttä-Vilppula at the southern end and Keuruu at the northern end, where there are several places to launch and landings.
Here you can also find more information about navigating on natural waters.
From Ahtola harbour, Camping Nyyssänniemi or Hotel Keurusselä there are several landing places.
Keuruu city centre circumnavigation route
The gem of Keuruu's hiking is the canoeing route around the city centre. The route is about 10 kilometres long and runs close to the beach all the way.
Ahtola harbour has a café called Siipiratas and a Megamarket food and grocery store a short distance away, where you can find picnic food. The Megamarket has a hamburger restaurant Hesburger and Mega Cafe, with a dock.
The first thing you pass when you go clockwise from the harbour is Tervanlahti, where the Terva factory was located in the 1900s. In the right weather, you can smell the breezes of tar, which bring a greeting from decades ago.
The route continues along the western bank of Keuruu towards Ketvelnieme, where you will find the most beautiful bridge on the route and the monument to the sons of Herpman. On the northern side of the island you can experience peace and tranquillity. On the way, you can take a refreshing break at Kylmälahti beach.
Soon you will arrive at Kurkisaari, where you will find a family park for families with children, toilets and two campfire sites. There are three atmospheric bridges near Kurkisaari.
After a walk around Kurkisaari, you approach the centre of Keuruu and Kirjastonranta. In summer 2024, the Splash artwork will be erected on the library beach. The route continues under the Lapinsalmi bridges, the latter of which is called the "bridge of love" and some people have hung their own locks on the bridge's railings.
The tour continues southwards around Pappilanniemi and towards the Old Keuruu area. Old Keuruu attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage and interesting sites. The area's churches, museums and exhibitions tell stories from the past to the present day. Soon you will see Ahtola harbour on the horizon and the destination of your excursion.
Recommended starting points. Free parking is available at the departure points.
Other paddling piers: Ketvelniemi paddle pier and Kurkisaari family park (Wegeliuksentie 12, 42700 Keuruu).
Route length: 10 km
Duration: 2-4 hours
Difficulty: easy. The route runs in a sheltered area in the immediate vicinity of the mainland.
Target group: all, also suitable for beginners.
Fire point: Yes, own trees.
Boat launch: Yes, several.
WC: Yes - Kurkisaari (24/7) and Keuruu Library, Ahtola Harbour and Megamarket and café during opening hours.
Shop: Megamarket (Kangasmannilantie 20, 42700 Keuruu)
Cafés and restaurants.
Other eateries and cafés in Keuruu
Attractions: monument to Herpman's sons, Ketvelniemi bridge, Keuruu Old Church, Old Keuruu area, Splash artwork to be completed on the shore of the library in summer 24, Elias Lönnrot wing pirate ship.
Tourist attractions in Keuruu
If necessary,our guide Markku Jokela will deliver canoes and their equipment to the place of your choice at a reasonable price. He will give you good tips on the destinations or guide you through the secrets of canoeing. Guided tours are also possible. We rent out canoes, kayaks (single or double) and a large canoe for about 12 people. Wilderness guide Markku Jokela, tel. 040 5442 976.
Excursion guide service provided by EräKatri, including a paddling instructor from the Finnish Paddling Instructors' Association.
The Keurusselän Soutajat association owns two church boats, which it rents out for various events, etc. Eero Mäkipelto, tel. 040 5380 518.
Heli Peltola040827 2763
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