Putkilahti and Putkisalo in Rantasalmi are good places for bird watching. The wetland area consist narrow water routes along country side between some mosaic like more open areas. Reed is growing every where, but it is nice cover for us and the birds.  You can watch closely some very fine and delicant species like Bluethrouth or Marsh warbler. The cranes and whooper swans are nesting near by and ospreys are fishing big carp breams. Western marsh harriers are very common here and they are flying low when trying to find something to eat from the reed.

It is always pleasure to paddle in these waters even you are not a bird enthusiast! Calm and shallow waters brings you thru typical Finnish landscape and there are always lot to watch and see.

Ecological aspect of this trip:
All the guides and other participants are local people. Using these services You support the local employment and help peolple to survive of living in this rural area. In this trip we are visiting in the protected nature area. It is forbidden to visit this area by Your own, only with guided trips. We have to take care of not disturbing the bids or other animals. This trip is planned together with local authorities and ornitologists.

Price:
1-2 person 140€, 3-10 person 75€/person

Include:
Rent of the canoe, canoening equipments and guiding services

Participant:
1 – 10 persons

Available:
1.5 – 31.9

Duration:
4 - 6 hours

Guiding languages:
English, little Germany

Equipments:

Customers should have appropriate clothing. Spring time in the waters is very cold! You should have at least a hat, gloves and jacket.

Route and neede skills:

There are two different option:

Route1: Paddling route 25km, duration 6 hours. Starting at the center of Rantasalmi city. Paddling thru lake Raudanvesi, stopping at bird watching tower and then paddling back. Include several short stops, as many as needed. Recommended only for experienced paddlers.

Route2: Paddling route 10 - 15km, duration 4 hours. Satrting at nera by Putkisalo, Ukonniemen swimming beach. Padlling thru Putkisalmi and Puikonkoski, visiting at Putkilahti bird watching tower and the coming back by paddling. Include several stops, if needed. Recommended also for persons witout any paddling skills.

Water area is very shallow and shore line is always near. We also pass a small easy flowing river. You don’t have to have paddling experience before. Only thing which is neede, is capability to paddle your own canoe.

Starting point:

FinnTrek (trek point and gift shop), Ohitustie 7, Rantasalmi

Ordering:

At least a week advance by e-mail

Extra services:

Picknick lunch 12€ Include soup, bred, soft drinks, someting sweet and coffee / tee

More information and reservations:

elina.enho@trillivikla.fi