Laajasalo is a large island in eastern Helsinki. Rent a kayak from Natura Viva in Kivinokka and go on a tour of the island.
It takes some time and 18 kilometres of kayaking, but the trip is worth it. You can admire the stunning scenery and beautiful nature during the trip.
Laajasalo is one of the largest islands in eastern Helsinki, stretching from Herttoniemi to Vuosaari, Villink and Santahamina. The island tour takes five hours and requires previous paddling experience.
Rent a kayak in Helsinki and go paddling
Jump on a Natura Viva rental kayak on the Kivinokka peninsula, north of Herttoniemi. From Kivinokka, you will paddle south towards Naurissalmi. After Salme, you will reach Tullisaarenselkä and head east along the Herttoniemenrannan, which is on the left side of the paddler.
After paddling under the Laajasalo traffic bridge, you reach Tilliruukinlahti. Laajasalo is now on the paddler's right. The narrow Laajasalo canal leads to Jatasalmi and via Reposalmi to Karpinselkä. At this point, the first open water is crossed if the paddler does not want to paddle along the shores of Laajasalo to Repossaari. The Jollas district is circumnavigated via Villasaarenselkä and Villinginsalmi. Then turn west towards the Hevossalmi bridge, under which you reach Hevossalmi. Now at the southern end of Laajasalo, turn back north towards Tullisaarensalmi and Kulosaari, leaving Kulosaari on the paddler's left as you continue through Tullisaarenselmi and Naurissalmi back to Kivinokka.
Lots to see in East Helsinki
The Laajasalo loop has many interesting sites and attractions. At Hevossalmi, south of the paddler, is the Santahamina garrison. On Villasaarenselkä the outer island opens up. This is an attractive kayaking route requiring good physical fitness and previous kayaking experience. Stay close to the shore at all times, bring enough drinking water and allow plenty of time.
