Experience the roar of the rapids, the gently flowing rivers and the wide open stretches of lake. Three free-flowing bodies of water meet in the Hossa area: the rivers Somerjoki and Peranganjoki, and the Iikoski Rapids. From Hossa, the watercourses continue south via Lake Kiantajärvi to Lake Oulujärvi and then continue all the way to the Bothnian Bay.
Hossa is one of Finland's best canoeing destinations. There are suitable routes for both beginners and the more experienced, for trips from a couple of hours up to several days of canoeing. The lakes are narrow and are therefore perfect for canoeing. The rapids in the area are not very demanding.
Depending on the water level, they range from a classification of I to II+. The most demanding rapids, the Lounatkoski Rapids along the Peranka Route, are not recommended for canoeing. During dry times it is best to have plastic canoes as they are less likely to be damaged by touching the bottom. The canoeing routes pass through barren-looking pine heaths and eskers. The waters are clear and there are several maintained resting places along the routes.
The canoeing routes in Hossa are mainly easy and suitable even for beginners. The routes mostly consist of narrow rivers that occasionally expand into ponds or lakes. The biggest lakes are Iijärvi and Tormuanjärvi, which are best canoed close to the shore in windy weather. The rapids are rocky, and in low water you should be prepared to float or pull the canoe. There are portage trails to by-pass the most demanding rapids on the Peranka-Hossa route.
Beginners should first learn the basics by canoeing on shallow lakes close to the shore. For information and guidance, contact Hossa Visitor Centre and Experience KL Oy, You can rent canoeing equipment at the Visitor Centre, Camping Hossan Lumo and Norwide Hossan Lomakeskus.
More information on the canoeing routes, e.g. the rapid-running routes, can be found in the Hossa Canoeing Guide. The maps in the guide indicate boat launches, resting places and other services along the routes.
Classification of Rapids
The Hossa rapids are classified in accordance with the international scale of rapids difficulty (I - VI). The rapids on the canoeing routes in Hossa range from class I to III.
