Six days on Lake Inari – The Kyynelniemi Circuit
Lake Inari lies in the far north of Finnish Lapland and is one of Finland’s largest and most spectacular lakes. Its vast open waters, thousands of islands, rocky shores, and crystal-clear water create a unique setting for a multi-day canoe expedition.
This classic six-day paddling adventure takes us around the Kyynelniemi Peninsula and through the island wilderness of Lake Inari. Our route winds between islands, through narrow channels, and across open stretches of water. Along the way, we will enjoy peaceful paddling, navigate between islands, make landings, and camp on the shores of the lake.
The Kyynelniemi Circuit
The Kyynelniemi Circuit is a classic way to explore the island-studded waters of Lake Inari. Over six days of paddling, we will travel around the Kyynelniemi Peninsula and experience the lake’s wonderfully varied landscapes.
Our route alternates between wide-open stretches of water and more sheltered passages through the archipelago. At times, we will paddle across broad expanses of open water; at others, we will weave our way between islands and rocky islets. The journey also includes landings and short portages, allowing us to reach different parts of the archipelago. This variety is part of what makes Lake Inari such a rewarding destination for canoeing.
Each evening, we will look for a suitable campsite by the water. We pull our canoes ashore, pitch our tents, and prepare dinner after a day on the lake. As the paddling comes to an end, the lake grows quiet around us, and the evening unfolds at its own unhurried pace.
Five days in the Lake Inari Wilderness
Day 1 – Arrival in Inari
We arrive in Inari and check into our hotel. We meet the group, go through the plans for the expedition, and make our final preparations.
The evening is free to explore the village of Inari and get ready for the adventure ahead.
Day 2 – Setting out onto Lake Inari
We transfer to the starting point of our expedition, load our canoes and equipment, and set off onto the water.
Our first day gradually introduces us to the island wilderness of Lake Inari. Shores, islands, and open stretches of water begin to shape the landscape around us as we settle into the rhythm of the journey.
In the evening, we find a suitable spot on the lakeshore and set up camp for our first night in the wilderness.
Day 3 – Exploring the labyrinth of Island's
Our canoe journey continues through a landscape of scattered islands and rocky islets.
The day takes us through a mixture of sheltered channels and open water. We stop at suitable beaches for coffee breaks and lunch, adapting our progress to the conditions of the day.
There is no need to rush across Lake Inari. Some of the most memorable places are discovered when we let the landscape set the pace and take the time to enjoy our surroundings.
Day 4 – Around the Kyynelniemi Peninsula
At the heart of our expedition, we continue around the Kyynelniemi Peninsula, following the classic circuit.
The scenery is constantly changing. One moment, a vast expanse of open water stretches out before us; the next, we are paddling in the shelter of small islands.
Rocky shores, pine forests, and clear water create a landscape that looks different from every direction. At the end of the day, we find another peaceful lakeside campsite and settle in for the evening.
Day 5 – In the quiet Wilderness of Lake Inari
Our fifth day takes us deeper into the island landscape. We paddle at a relaxed pace, enjoy the scenery, and adapt our plans to the weather and water conditions.
By now, the rhythm of expedition life has become familiar. In the morning, we take down camp and load the canoes. During the day, we paddle, explore, and take breaks along the shore. In the evening, we look for another beautiful place to spend the night.
Life on the lake becomes wonderfully simple, shaped by the weather, the water, and the changing light of the northern landscape.
Day 6 - We continue exploring the wilderness, spending another day on the water, paddling among remote islands and discovering the beauty of Lake Inari.
Day 7 – Final Day of Paddling and Return to Inari
Our final day on the water takes us back towards the starting point. We enjoy one last opportunity to experience Lake Inari’s islands, open waters, and ever-changing scenery before bringing our expedition to a close.
After paddling the final kilometres, we pull our canoes ashore and pack our equipment for the transfer back to Inari. We return to the village and check into our hotel. The evening is an opportunity to enjoy a sauna, relax, and share stories and memories from our days on the lake.
Day 8 – Departure
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Inari and begin our journey home.
Our expedition on Lake Inari has come to an end, but the memories will stay with us long afterwards: remote islands, vast stretches of open water, rocky shores, and peaceful evenings in the northern wilderness.
Date. 9. - 17.9.2027
Duration. 8 days. 6 days of canoeing.
Participants. Min 4 - Max 7.
Price: 1200€
Difficulty: Moderate 
Accommodation. Tent and two nights in a hotel.
Transportation. Participants will make their own way to Ivalo in Finland which has good flight and train / bus connections to Helsinki. We will meet participants in Ivalo.
Guide. Two guides.
Insurance. Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Travel insurance is recommended.
Included. Two guides (BCU 4* or 5* leader), High quality canoe fitted for paddling, all food during trip from dinner first night to breakfast last morning, tent, transfers, hotel nights, visit to Sami museum.
Not included: Travel to Ivalo, Insurance.