Canoeing route around the central island of Lempäälä

You can paddle or row around the island of Lempäälä for an interesting ten-kilomteter route. However, the dam bypass in Herralankoski is not recommended for non-experienced paddlers. Due to fluctuations in water level, conditions change even daily. The dam can be bypassed by landing before the dam on the left bank and carrying a canoe under the bridge. From the shore on the other side of the bridge, you can re-enter into the rapids.

The Herralankoski and Kuokkalankoski rapids form one of Finland's best-known fishing destinations. There are several fishing piers, campfires and a shed in the area. To ensure safety, an alarm system has been built in which a paddle coming into the rapids pulls the ring. In this case, fishermen will hear a beep below the dam and see a warning light.

A unique route in the middle of the village

Together the Canal, Herralan Vuolle and Kuokkalankoski form a great recreation area and waterway route. The route, which is about 10 kilometers long, is suitable even for beginners, except for the Herralankoski dam. It is easily accessible and easy to implement. There are also companies offering equipment rental, guidance and excursion services in Lempäälä. Along the route you can go to the campfire sites, a cafe or a restaurant.

Where can I get to the waters?

Lempäälä has several piers and beaches from which you can go around the central island by water.

More information about the route

Walking through the canal is an easy. The channel is open annually from the beginning of May to the end of August. Check the opening hours on the fairway website:
www.liikennevirasto.fi/vesivaylat/kanavat/lempaalan-kanava

After the canal, the tour continues north under the bridge of Valkeakoski road to Ahtialanjärvi and from there on to Hääkivi, from where the route already narrows into Herrala.

When approaching the Herralankoski dam, you must choose to take the water through the dam bypass on the right or walk around the dam along the left shore.

Option 1: When using the bypass, it is advisable to approach the dam along the right edge of the backwater, which leads to the fairway for hikers. The middle fairway is for rapids and the left side is closed by a boom. The bus on the right has a signal ring that can be used to activate an alarm.

Option 2: To bypass the dam along the land route, it is advisable to land on the left bank before the dam. A canoe or boat can be safely moved under the bridge to the other side of the dam along the path.

After Herralankoski, you can choose either a longer route around Salonsaari or a more direct route towards Kuokkalankoski. The flow is no longer strong, but the underwater rocks on the shores should be watched out.

After almost two kilometers of Kuokkalankoski, Lempäälä's Kirkkojärvi opens in front, and you will soon be at the starting point.