From Sysmä, you can take our cruises from the central harbor (only charter cruises), Vellamontie 4, from the Suopello pier, Suopellontie 703 or by car to the Karisalmi pier in Pulkkilanharju (Kelvenne tours and charter cruises), Pulkkilantie 960 Asikkala (driving time 20 min).

Route service to Päijänne National Park, departure from Pulkkilanharju 25.6.-2.8.24, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

You can board from Pulkkilanharjun Karisalmi, Pulkkilantie 960 Asikkala, driving time from Sysmä is approx. 20 minutes, the parking area is on the left side of the road before the bridge. We leave the pier at 12:00 and land in Kelvennesaari’s Kirkkosalmi at 12:45. The return journey starts from the same place at 16:15, so you have time to enjoy the nature of the island for 3.5 hours. We will be back in Karisalmi at 17:00. You can also make the trip as a day cruise without leaving the ship. Departure from Karisalmi at 12.00, arrival at Padasjoki at 14.00, the ship is at the dock for an hour, after which departure back at 15.00 and arrival back at Karisalmi at 17.00. Return 35€, 4-12 years 20€, over 100 years free.

“Trips to Hermit’s Island.

Sun 23.6., Sat 20.7., Sun 28.7.
Join us for a summer cruise to hear fascinating stories about the hermit of Lake Päijänne. We depart from the Suopelto ship dock, Suopellontie 703, at 12:00. You can leave your car in the designated parking area on the right side of the road just before the restaurant (Suopellonrantatie); please leave the restaurant’s own parking spaces free for their customers. During the initial part of the cruise, we navigate through Suopellonlahti, allowing you to admire Sysmä’s oldest villa community. After a short cruise, you’ll be greeted by the breathtakingly beautiful Tehinselkä of Lake Päijänne. Weather permitting, you can move to the ship’s deck at this point and experience the best of Finnish lake scenery.

You’ll get to experience the authentic atmosphere of bygone days and contemplate what life was like on the island from the 1930s to the 1970s. On the island, Pylväläinen developed a fishing lure and taught Lauri Rapala how to make baits. As a result, Rapala became a multinational and innovative company, one of the most well-known in its field. The cruise guide, Markku, personally knew Lauri Rapala and can authentically share the history of Rapala.

Päijänne is Finland’s second-largest lake, beautiful and drinkably clean. During the cruise, you’ll see the opposite shore disappearing into the horizon. The atmosphere on the cruise ship is relaxed, and travelers often chat with each other. During the cruise, the local guide, Markku, shares interesting stories and details about the surrounding nature and history. You can ask the guide about your interests, whether it’s fishing, hunting, or the local history.

Throughout the cruise, you’ll learn general information about Lake Päijänne from the captain’s announcements. The journey is also entertained by Riki, the Portuguese Podengo ship dog, who is everyone’s friend. Riki is a kind and affectionate dog companion who loves pets.

The highlight of the cruise is the Koreakoivu Island in the middle of Lake Päijänne. On the island, you’ll walk through the forest on a rocky path to the hermit’s cabin. You’ll hear the hermit’s life story as narrated by Markku Lepistö.

In front of the hermit’s log cabin, you’ll hear about his life, a man who left home at the age of 10, experienced adventures on his travels, and settled on a small island.

Experience the incredible life story of the hermit who taught Lauri Rapala to make lures during the cruise. Reflect on what is important in life while listening to the stories of the hermit’s life in a small cabin in the Päijänne National Park, as told by wilderness guide Markku Lepistö. One curiosity on the island is also the boundary marker of three municipalities.

During the trip to the island, you’ll enjoy a delicious Lake Päijänne fish soup or vegetable soup made from local ingredients (with advance reservation!) and have coffee with the ship’s chef’s berry or fruit pastries from his own garden. The ship has a fully licensed café. During the cruise, you can purchase Toivo Pylväläinen’s book ‘Hermit of Päijänne’ signed by the author, as well as local souvenirs. Adults €60, children aged 6–12 €30, children under 6 and over 100 free of charge. Meals are included in the prices. Duration of the trip approximately 3.5 hours.

Note! Mandatory advance reservation at +358 40 50 555 60. Binding registrations at the latest 2 days before departure, the trip requires a minimum of 15 passengers to take place. Landing subject to wind conditions.

We also organize trips to the island on request according to your desired schedule, minimum charge €900, including 15 people, additional persons €60.”