Canoe
|Lieksa
Häähnijoki River
A small, nice, calmly flowing river with a few small rapids. The route runs partly through swamps and small lakes between ridges. It joins the Jongun River, the Jongun River canoeing route, which can also be combined with other routes.
Description
The water level and flow along the route varies somewhat and in summer some stretches of the river are shallow. The trail passes through desert landscapes, there are ridges, small lakes, sandy banks and small sandbars. The river runs partly through a protected area and there is a shelter at the end of the route.
Safety
The river runs through a wilderness area. Phone reception may be poor in the area. Be careful when the river joins the Jongun River. The termination point is on the crossing side of the Jongun River before Viitakoske. The Viitakoski should not be lowered before the preliminary inspection. So be careful that the current does not take you to the rapids.
Location & Parking
From Lieksan Nurmijärvi take Kivivaarntiet-Puuruuntiet- Olkikoskentie Navigator: Olkikoskentie 157
There is no actual parking at the departure point. It is advisable to take your equipment to the river and move your car to a more distant parking or rest area.
Directions
The route is a water route and it is difficult to get lost. The starting point is a small bridge on Olkikoskenti, from where you follow the river flow to small lakes and small rivers, until the river joins a larger river (the Jongun River). At the head of the Viitakoski, you can launch a kayak/canoe on the north side of the river. The end point is on the cross-river side of the Jongun River before Viitakoski. The Viitakoski should not be lowered before the preliminary inspection. So be careful that the current does not take you to the rapids.
Tools and equipment
Appropriate equipment for independent activities along the route, chosen according to the weather and activity.
Starting point
Olkikoskentie, 81970 Jongunjoki
Destination
Viitakoski, 81970 Jongunjoki
Length
20.2km
Estimated time
05:00h
Ascent meters
10m
Descent meters
38m
Highest point
142m
Lowest point
104m
Author tips:
It is advisable to take light equipment, especially in mid-summer the water can be shallow and you may have to carry a kayak or lift it over a beaver nest, fallen trees, etc. An open canoe is also a suitable hiking tool, as long as you carry a moderate amount of equipment. There are some trees on the route that have been felled by beavers and erosion in the river. It is possible to continue along the Jongun River Canoeing Route, and I recommend that you read the description of the route. There is a "private" rest stop/tent site for hire along the route, as well as kayaks and canoes for hire. There are a few private cabins, houses and campgrounds along the riverbank, please respect their residents and private property. There is no actual parking at Olkikoske, same for Viitakoske, the rest stop is across the Jongun River before Viitakoske. Viitakoske should not be lowered before the preliminary inspection. So be careful that the current does not take you to the rapids.
Updated: 04.02.2026