Rent a kayak at Kivinokka in the centre of Helsinki and head towards the Vanhankaupunginkoski. Kayaking trips and kayak rentals are provided by Natura Viva.
Kivinokka is a beautiful nature area and a peninsula on the outskirts of Herttoniemi. It is also an excellent starting point for a canoe trip in the middle of Helsinki's inland areas. This kayaking trip heads towards Vanhankaupunginkoski. Grab a Natura Viva rental kayak at Kivinokka, paddle to Vanha kaupunki and admire the old brick buildings at the mouth of the rapids.
A beautiful sight in Helsinki
At Kivinokka, you can kayak and admire colonial gardens and walk along nature trails. The Kivinokka beach, where the Natura Viva kayaking point is located, is a nice place to take a dip in the water.
From Kivinokka, you can plan a variety of canoe trips within Helsinki, towards South Helsinki, the archipelago and canals of East Helsinki - and north towards Vanhankaupunginkoske. This kayaking route heads almost directly towards the terminus of the Vantaa River.
First, kayak across the peaceful Vanhankaupunginsel towards the Hermann Beach Park, a huge green space next to the Arabia and Hermann districts. The park is popular with joggers, exercisers and dog walkers - take a break from kayaking and check out the park's activities.
Then follow the shoreline northwards until you reach the mouth of the Old Town Creek. The total length of this paddle is about eight kilometres, or four kilometres in each direction.
Back towards Kivinokka, you return at a leisurely pace along the same route. The Vanhankaupunginselkä should be crossed at its narrowest point when paddling towards the Kivinokka beach.This route is also suitable for less experienced paddlers, as the sea is likely to be very calm and the overall length of the route is not too long.