Go to content
Border Waters – Kayaking Trip from Nellim to Virtaniemi

In the southeastern corner of Lake Inari, right on the edge of the Russian border, a landscape unfolds that few ever get to see. Beyond its vast open waters and thousands of islands, Lake Inari is also known for its narrow fjords.

On this trip, we paddle from the village of Nellim along the Paatsvuono fjord to Virtaniemi, a former border guard station. In this remote borderland, history feels close and tangible. The trip is well suited for those who enjoy the tranquility of nature away from busier waterways. You'll experience a professionally guided paddling trip that combines active outdoor adventure with discovering something new, all in truly unique surroundings.

We paddle on stable touring kayaks at an easy pace, taking breaks as needed. Before setting out, we'll go through the equipment and cover the basics of kayaking and water safety. During the trip, we paddle approximately 12 km. After the paddle, a car will take us back to the village of Nellim.

No prior paddling experience is required, though a reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the time on the water. Please note that participants must be able to swim and must be at least 15 years of age. Participants under 18 may only join when accompanied by a guardian or with written permission from a guardian.

What to bring: Dress for the weather in suitable outdoor clothing, and pack a change of clothes in case you get wet. Bring sunglasses, a hat, something to drink, and a snack if you'd like. Shoes may get wet when landing onshore, so we recommend bringing a separate pair of light, water-friendly footwear for paddling.

What's included: Guide services, kayak, and all paddling equipment, and the return transfer from Virtaniemi to Nellim. On request, we can also lend you a dry bag for spare clothes, a waterproof phone case, and a sunglass strap.

Duration: approx. 4 hours
Departure point: Nellim harbour, Nellimintie 4247, 99860 Nellim
Time: Trip departs at 1:00 PM. Please arrive on time.
Price: Inari 150 Anniversary year € 95 (reg. price € 110)

Make a full summer day of it in Nellim! This trip pairs perfectly with a self-guided visit to the Log Flume or the Iron Gate, and you can round off the evening with dinner at the cosy restaurant at Wilderness Hotel Nellim.