Kolovesi National Park

Kolovesi covers a section of the Saimaa lake system where steep rock shores, narrow channels and wooded islands make a maze that is best seen at water level, and because motorboats are prohibited in the park the way to travel it is by canoe or kayak, which is unusual in Finland and is the reason people come. The prohibition exists for the Saimaa ringed seal, a freshwater subspecies isolated in this lake since the ice age and numbering only a few hundred, which uses these shores for resting and pupping. Prehistoric rock paintings in ochre are on cliff faces at Ukonvuori and Vierunvuori, visible from the water. Camping sites and huts line the routes.

What you actually see

• Saimaa ringed seals - a freshwater seal found in this lake system alone.
• Paddling with no motorboats - the prohibition that shapes the park.
• Rock paintings on the cliffs - ochre figures visible from the water.
• Narrow channels between rock shores - the maze the park is made of.

When to go

June to September for paddling; seals are most often seen in early summer, though sightings are never likely. A day or two. Boat hire and shuttles are arranged in advance.

Honest expectations

Seal sightings are rare and approaching them is prohibited; do not plan the trip around seeing one. Access is by paddle only, which rules out visitors who cannot manage a boat. Weather on open sections can be difficult. Facilities are camping sites and dry toilets.

Nearby

Enonkoski is south; Savonlinna lies further south.