Kannuskoski: Village Life, Water and Nature Trails

In Kannuskoski, water, forest and village landscape go hand in hand: the lively village landscape itself is an attraction, and a section of the Väliväylä canoe route leads from here to Kuusaanlampi. There are also nature trails, a sawmill and planing mill that operates as a museum, and opportunities for fishing. You can choose between trips on the water, walks through the landscape and a glimpse of village life during your stay.

Canoeing on the Väliväylä

The section from Kannuskoski to Kuusaanlampi is 56 km long. The route alternates between river and lake sections and also includes four short portages. If you are planning a canoe trip, take these changes into account when planning your route. Some of the rapids are quite rocky. When water levels are low, sturdy equipment is needed to navigate them.

A good starting point in Kannuskoski is the car park at the crossing on Väliväyläntie 851. Signs from there point to the canoe launch. Otva also has a good place to moor canoes. Right beside the canoe route is a sawmill and planing mill that operates as a museum and is still powered directly by water. This gives you the opportunity to complement a trip on the water with a glimpse into local working history.

Fishing and time by the water

There are many lakes, ponds and rivers in the Kannuskoski area, and the Väliväylä also offers opportunities for fishing. Special rules apply in the Kyykoski fishing area: only spinning and fly fishing are allowed, and you need a special permit for the area. A likely catch in Kyykoski is a trout-like fish without an adipose fin.

Otva Beach is the village’s public swimming beach. It also has a campfire site and an ecological toilet. If you are looking for a place to spend time by the water, you can include this beach in your choice of destination; if you prefer to head out by canoe, Otva also has a place to moor.

Nature trails of varying lengths

The Tolpankangas Nature Trail passes through heathland sheltered by high ridges. It starts at the nature trail car park in Kannuskoski. A map or GPS track is important for navigating the rest of the route: after the lean-to shelter, there are no more trail markings. Bear this in mind, especially if you plan to explore beyond the shelter.

Another option is the Kukkovierun Trail. It runs through coniferous forest from the village of Sydänmaanlakka to the village of Kannuskoski and is about 2.5 km long one way. You can extend the route into a loop via Kannuskoskentie. The information makes clear the difference between a one-way hike and an extended loop, without specifying the length of the loop.

Winter route and village life

The Hiihtolatu ski trail starts at the Kannuskoski village hall. The round trip is about 12 km: it passes through fields and forests to Tolpankangas, loops around Karhulampi along the ridges and returns to the village hall on the same route. If you would like to include a ski trail in your travel plans, this round trip is one concrete option; the stated length refers to the outward and return journey.

Kannuskoski Day is also part of the village’s annual calendar: it takes place every year in July. If you are looking for a holiday home, the nature and water experiences may be a reason to consider Kannuskoski as a destination.

More local pages to explore: Lappeenranta, Rauha, Lemi, Imatra, Joutseno, Taipalsaari, Säimen and Parikkala.

For the wider travel overview: South Karelia.