Six days of kayaking on Lake Inari
Lake Inari, located in Sápmi, 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 kayaking expedition.
Sápmi is the traditional homeland of the Sámi people, the Indigenous people of northern Europe. It stretches across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia. In Finland, Sápmi includes much of the northern part of Lapland, including the Inari region.
This classic six-day kayaking adventure takes us around Kyynelniemi, through the beautiful archipelago of Lake Inari. The route winds between islands, through narrow passages and across open stretches of water. Along the way, we occasionally need to carry our kayaks short distances to reach different parts of the archipelago.
Each day offers a combination of relaxed paddling, navigating between islands, landing ashore and camping by the lakeside.
The Kyynelniemi Circuit
The Kyynelniemi Circuit is a classic way to explore the archipelago of Lake Inari. Over six days, we make our way around Kyynelniemi and experience the lake’s diverse landscapes. The route alternates between large open stretches of water and more sheltered passages through the islands. At times, we paddle across expansive open water; at others, we weave our way between small islands and rocky islets.
The days also include landings and short portages, allowing us to access different parts of the archipelago. It is precisely this variety that makes Lake Inari such an interesting kayaking destination.
In the evening, we look for a good campsite by the water. We pull the kayaks ashore, pitch our tents and prepare dinner after a day on the water. Once the paddling is done, the lake grows quiet around us, and the evening unfolds at its own pace.
Six days in the archipelago of Lake Inari
Day 1 – Arrival in Inari
We arrive in Inari and check into our hotel. We meet the group, go through the plans for the upcoming expedition and make the final preparations.
In the evening, there is time to explore Inari and get ready for the following day's departure.
Day 2 – Heading out onto Lake Inari
We transfer to the starting point of the expedition. After loading our kayaks and equipment, we set off onto the water. Our first day gradually introduces us to the archipelago of Lake Inari. Shores, islands and open stretches of water begin to shape the landscape, and we settle into the rhythm of the expedition during the first hours of paddling. In the evening, we set up camp by the lake.
Day 3 – Exploring the maze of islands
Our kayaking journey continues through a landscape of islands and rocky islets. The day alternates between sheltered channels and open stretches of the lake.
We stop at suitable beaches for coffee and lunch, adjusting our progress to the conditions of the day. There is no need to rush on Lake Inari. Often, the most interesting places reveal themselves when we let the landscape set the pace.
Day 4 – Around Kyynelniemi
Around the halfway point of the expedition, we make our way around the Kyynelniemi area and continue along 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 once again set up camp beside the lake.
Day 5 – In the silence of Lake Inari
On the fifth day, we continue paddling through the heart of the archipelago. We take our time, enjoy the scenery and let the day unfold according to the weather conditions.
After several days on the water, the rhythm of the expedition has become familiar: in the morning, we take down camp and load the kayaks; during the day, we paddle and take breaks; in the evening, we look for a new shore to spend the night.
Day 6 – Among remote islands
We continue exploring the wilderness, spending another day on the water as we paddle among remote islands and enjoy the unique natural environment of Lake Inari.
Day 7 – Final day of paddling and return to Inari
Our final day of paddling takes us back towards the starting point. We enjoy one last opportunity to experience the archipelago and its ever-changing landscapes before the expedition comes to an end.
After paddling the final kilometres, we bring the kayaks ashore and pack our equipment for transport. We then return to Inari, where we check into a hotel. In the evening, there is time to enjoy a sauna, relax and share stories and experiences from our six-day kayaking adventure.
Day 8 – Departure and journey home
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to Inari and begin our journey home.
Six days in the archipelago of Lake Inari are now behind us. The islands, open waters, rocky shores and peaceful evenings will remain in our memories for a long time.
What makes Lake Inari a special kayaking destination?
The greatest appeal of Lake Inari lies in its sheer scale and the diversity of its archipelago. The lake is so vast that parts of it feel almost like the open sea. At the same time, its countless islands, rocky islets and sheltered bays offer an endless variety of routes to explore by kayak.
Crossing the open stretches of water brings a sense of space and adventure to the expedition. The passages between the islands, meanwhile, provide shelter from the wind and opportunities to explore the lake more closely.
From a kayak, the lake looks very different than it does from the shore. Small islands, rocky coastlines and low-lying islets become part of the journey, and each day's route is shaped by what lies around the next headland.
The archipelago of Lake Inari
Lake Inari is famous for its archipelago, made up of thousands of islands and rocky islets. Its landscape is characterised by rugged rocks, pine forests and crystal-clear water. A kayaking expedition allows us to experience the archipelago up close. There is no need to look for a designated landing spot or a ready-made pier – a suitable rocky shore or sheltered cove is all we need.
In the evening, we pull our kayaks ashore and pitch our tents beside the water. In the morning, the same landscape looks different again as the surface of the lake, the light and the weather have changed overnight.
What is included in the expedition?
We provide high-quality tents, group equipment, fully equipped kayaks and all the necessary shared camping equipment for the expedition.
You will need to bring your own personal kayaking gear, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, other personal equipment and food.
Getting to Inari
Inari serves as the base and meeting point for the expedition. You can reach Inari by flying to the nearest airport and continuing by bus.
It is also possible to travel north by train and bus. One option is to take a train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and continue from there by bus to Inari. Travelling north also gives you the opportunity to see Finland’s landscapes gradually change along the way.
Expedition details
Dates: 9 - 16.9.2027
Duration: 8 days, including 6 days of kayaking
Group size: 4 – 6 participants
Price: 850€
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping in tents and two hotel nights
Transport: Participants make their own way to Ivalo, which has good flight and train/bus connections. We will meet participants in Ivalo.
Guide: Roope Roine
Insurance: Participants are responsible for arranging their own insurance. Travel insurance is recommended.
The price includes: High-quality kayak. Tent. Local transport in Lapland. Hotel accommodation. Visit to the Siida Museum
The price does not include: Travel to Ivalo. Food. Insurance
Fishing during the expedition
If fishing is one of your favourite pastimes, you are very welcome to bring your fishing gear along on this expedition. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Inari offer excellent opportunities for fishing between our kayaking days. You can fish using either a fly rod or a spinning rod.
We will arrange the necessary fishing permits in advance, so all you need to worry about is bringing your own fishing equipment.