Lentuan järvimelontareitti

The day paddling route through the Lentua Nature Reserve offers a stunning introduction to the rugged, wilderness-like beauty of Kuhmo’s largest unregulated lake.

The Lentua area is ideal for both short and extended paddling adventures, and the route through the nature reserve is especially well-suited for a full-day excursion. Lentua has become familiar to many through Akseli Gallen-Kallela’s Kalevala illustrations and the “blue thoughts” of Konsta Pylkkänen, the philosopher of Havukka-aho, created by author Veikko Huovinen. Paddlers are drawn to Lentua’s wide open waters as well as its sheltered maze of islands. The shores are natural and easily accessible by canoe or kayak, with numerous campfire sites and wilderness huts along the route.

One of the highlights is the Lehtosaari wilderness hut, located roughly halfway along the route. Originally built as a fishing cabin, the hut also features a lakeside sauna, making it a perfect stop to include in your trip.

Lake Lentua is part of the main Tervareitti paddling route between Lake Änättijärvi and Kajaani, and it is also the endpoint of the Kalliojoki paddling route.