Island Hopping on Lake Puruvesi aboard the Traditional Aurora Church Boat
Reserve Your Seat
You can reserve your rowing seat in our online shop by selecting Reservation Request at checkout. In this case, you will pay for your trip at the departure harbour.
If you prefer, you can also pay for your seat immediately when making your reservation by choosing MobilePay or Online Payment at checkout.
One of Finland's Clearest Lakes
Lake Puruvesi is one of the clearest lakes in Finland. The vast Hummonselkä open water stretches for nearly 20 kilometres and has only a few islands. In spring 2026, the lake's underwater visibility was measured at an impressive 12.3 metres, making it one of Finland's purest freshwater lakes.
Experience the Atmosphere of the Aurora Church Boat
The beautifully crafted wooden Aurora Church Boat seats 14 rowers, one ship's dog (on the bow seat without an oar), and an experienced coxswain.
Our trips are relaxed recreational rowing experiences—not competitive races. You'll meet like-minded people, find a shared rowing rhythm together, and enjoy the unique team spirit that naturally develops during the journey. As we travel by muscle power, you'll get gentle exercise while respecting and protecting nature.
Island Hopping: Tiirosaari & Nilos
Rowing across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Puruvesi is a peaceful experience where the only sound is the gentle splash of the oars. Travelling by human power allows us to slow down and fully enjoy the beauty of the lake and its surrounding nature.
During the trip we land on Tiirosaari for a refreshing swimming break and continue to the rocky island of Nilos, where you'll admire the scenery—and who knows, there may even be a small surprise waiting for you.
We spend as much time on the islands as the group wishes, relaxing, swimming, taking photos and videos, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings before rowing back to the fishing harbour.
Rowing distance: approximately 10–12 km
Duration: approximately 3-4 hours
Departure Harbour – Kesälahti
Please choose your preferred departure date when making your reservation.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before departure to allow time for preparations.
Departure address: Väärämäentie 53C, 59800 Kesälahti, Finland
There is plenty of free parking available. Please park considerately so that your vehicle does not obstruct other traffic.
We will meet at the harbour dock inside the breakwater.
What's Included
The price includes:
a rowing seat and oar
services of an experienced coxswain
life jacket
company insurance during the excursion
Weather reservation: Trips operate only in safe weather conditions. If a trip must be cancelled due to weather, we will notify participants by SMS or WhatsApp no later than 3 hours before departure.
Reservations & Payment
Reserve Now – Pay at the Harbour
Choose your departure date, click Book, proceed to Checkout, enter your details, and select Reservation Request as your payment method.
Payment is made at the departure harbour by MobilePay, cash, or card.
Reserve & Pay Online
If you wish to pay immediately, choose your departure date, click Book, proceed to Checkout, enter your details, and select either Online Payment or MobilePay.
Cancellation Policy
If the excursion is cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions, we will first offer you an alternative departure date.
If rescheduling is not possible, your payment will be refunded in full.
For safety reasons, all trips are operated only in suitable weather conditions.
Useful Links
www.lakelandkarelia.fi
https://veneilysaimaa.com/satama/mantsin-matalikko-puruvesi/
www.kesalahti.fi
Enquiries & Reservations
Lakeland Karelia Oy – Your Captains & Coxswains
Sisko +358 40 750 2921
Taina +358 400 418 933
