Natura Viva's pop-up Paddling Point in Kaisaniemi, Helsinki, serves kayaking enthusiasts. Helsinki's kayaking routes are stunning - get out on the waves!
Helsinki is a maritime city and the sea is everywhere - Natura Viva's pop-up paddling point in Kaisaniemenranta is ideally located for paddlers, right near the centre of Helsinki and at the start of excellent paddling connections.
SUP to Tokoinranta and Töölönlahti
Grab your SUP board from the pop-up paddling point and turn the board tip westwards. From Kaisaniemenranta you can immediately reach the sheltered Kaisaniemenlahti for a paddle. The bay opens out to the north into the larger Tokoinlahti, at the end of which is Tokoinranta Park - where Helsinki residents flock to picnic on a beautiful summer's day.
From the western side of Tokoinlahti, you can reach Töölönlahti Bay under the Töölönlahti Bridge, a swimmer's dream with its sheltered breezes and gentle waves. Take a tour of Töölönlahti and go ashore for a cup of coffee or an ice-cream while you flip - there are numerous kiosks and summer cafés along its shores. On the eastern side of the Lahti, the cliffs on which some of Helsinki's most famous villas are built, including Villa Kivi, now an artist's house, and the incredibly beautiful and impressive Blue Villa.
Heading east for a tour of the islands
Heading east from Kaisaniemenranta, you'll find many kayaking opportunities. The first one is Merihaka, which lies to the left of the paddler's port side. Then paddle across a small ridge towards Sompasaari, which also looms ahead on the left. In front of you you can already see Korkeasaari, which can be circumnavigated clockwise or anticlockwise. Perhaps you can catch a glimpse of the island's bustle. Starting from Kaisaniemenranta, the Korkeasaari loop is about six kilometres long.
To the north of Korkeasaari is the larger Mustikkamaa Island, home to a picturesque beach and a varied sports park, among other things. The Mustikkamaa tour first heads east along the south side of the island along the beach, paddling between the Norppa Lagoon at the eastern tip of the island and the adjacent Honka Lagoon, and then under the Hopeasalmi Bridge connecting Mustikkamaa to Kulosaari. From the Loupu, you return under the new Kalasatama arch bridge along the shore of Sompasaari. The Mustikkamaa loop is about seven and a half kilometres long.
Paddlers who enjoy longer paddling routes can also take a detour from the eastern tip of Mustikkamaa to the Kulosaari loop by continuing directly eastwards and to the Tullisaarensalmi, located off the south-eastern tip of Kulosaari. From here, head directly north along the Kulosaari shoreline and the beautiful Tullisaarenselkä opens up on the paddler's right hand side, or starboard side. At the northeastern tip of Kulosaari, head west under the Naurissalmi bridge towards the old town island, again following the island's coastline. At this point on Kulosaari, paddlers can view the stately manor buildings on the northern shore of the island. Varjosaari and Leposaari are already looming ahead, and after passing them, the paddler heads back towards the centre of Helsinki and Kaisaniemi. This route is about 12 kilometres long.
Paddling to the sights
With a kayak and a professional guide in the centre of Helsinki and Kaisaniemenranta as your starting point, many of Helsinki's great sights are just a short kayaking trip away. Paddling along the northern shore, you can quickly reach Katajanokka and the aforementioned Uspenski Cathedral. Heading to Taivallahti Bay, you can beach yourself at the Soutustadion and walk to the Sibelius Monument, which attracts busloads of tourists all year round.
Paddling out to the sheltered Töölönlahti Bay, you can gaze out to sea at the magnificent Alvar Aalto-designed Finlandia Hall and the stately Opera House, and admire the most modern gems of contemporary architecture, the Oodi Central Library and the Kiasma Museum of Modern Art. If you paddle a little further, you can head towards Korkeasaari and Mustikkamaa, for example, or, after a tour of Katajanokka, hop from one small island to the other and head towards Suomenlinna, Helsinki's famous sea fortress and visitor destination. Behind Suomenlinna, Vallisaari is another fascinating place to visit, with old village buildings and works of art. To the west of Katajanokka are Merisatama and Kaivopuisto.
Kayak or SUP board under Natura Viva in central Helsinki
Natura Viva's pop-up leisure centre in Kaisaniemi is located in the heart of Helsinki with excellent transport connections. Whether you are a more experienced kayaking enthusiast or want to discover a new and fascinating summer sport. Get a season pass and go out on the water on your own or take a guided tour from Kaisaniemenranta! The city of Helsinki is fun to watch while sitting in a kayak or balancing on a SUP board. Paddling in the centre of Helsinki is a great summer experience.