Spending time on the water is an important part of summer in Rovaniemi. This page brings together the City's boating and paddling services in one place.
Rovaniemi offers a wide range of services for boaters and paddlers. The city's rivers provide plenty of opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing, and there are several places around the city where you can easily access the water.
Easy access to the water
Rovaniemi has a total of 40 boat launching sites located across the city. All launching sites can be found in the map service, where most locations also include a photo to help you find the right place. You can use the map to choose a launching site based on your location or your planned destination.
Marinas and boat berths
If you need a permanent place to keep your boat, the City of Rovaniemi offers boat berths for rent at several docks across the city.
There are two marinas near the city centre: Ounaspaviljonki and Lainaanranta. Altogether, there are 13 docks with 294 boat berths available for rent. Many of the docks are equipped with lighting and camera surveillance. In addition, 142 shoreline mooring spaces are available for rent.
Boat berths can be reserved, paid for, and managed through the City's online booking service. Please note that the booking service is available in Finnish only. If you need assistance, you can contact Osviitta service point.
Returning customers will receive instructions by email on how to renew and pay for their seasonal boat berth.
Boating routes and paddling opportunities
Rovaniemi has approximately 42 kilometres of marked waterways for boating. You can explore the routes in the City's map service and plan your next trip on the water.
In addition to boating, Rovaniemi offers excellent opportunities for paddling. Getting started is easy – all you need is basic fitness and swimming skills. There are routes suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.
Tips for safe boating
Safe boating helps ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone on the water. Remember to follow local speed limits and be aware of other people using the waterways. Always wear a life jacket and make sure you have a fully charged phone with the 112 Suomi mobile app installed. It is also a good idea to check the weather forecast before heading out.
Waterways of the past
Before roads became the main way to travel, waterways were an essential part of everyday life in Rovaniemi. People, goods, and messages were transported along the rivers, and in the early 1900s, steamships also became an important means of transport. The historical photographs below offer a glimpse into river traffic in Rovaniemi more than 100 years ago.
People boarding the Wiiri, 1916. Photo: Iikka Paavalniemi, Regional Museum of Lapland.
Färinranta – Lainaanranta, Rovaniemi, 1910s–1920s. The Vanttaus ship and Lainaanlautta 1 are at the pier, with a seaplane between them. Lainaanranta was the centre of ship and ferry traffic in Rovaniemi. Photo: Unknown, Regional Museum of Lapland.
Färinranta, with Pullinsaari (later Lainassaari) in the background, 1910s–1920s. The Vanttaus ship and Lainaanlautta 1 are at the pier. Lainaanlautta 2 and the boat Lainas 1 are approaching the shore. Photo: Pekka Parviainen, Regional Museum of Lapland.
Wiiri at Puurosen ranta on Kemijoki, 1911–1912. Photo: Hildur Larsson, Regional Museum of Lapland.
Wiiri and Wanttaus at Färinranta, with Ounasvaara in the background, c. 1910–1916. Wanttaus and Wiiri operated on Kemi- and Ounasjoki from 1910 until the early 1920s. Both ships had a capacity of 99 passengers. In the foreground are Herman Kouri and his daughter Aino. Photo: Iikka Paavalniemi, Regional Museum of Lapland.