2 / 3 A paradise for canoeing Saimaa is the largest lake system in Europe, only a couple of hours away by air from Paris, London or many other European cities. It is a labyrinth of waterways, open waters, and islands. Peaceful and silent, with crystal clear water, it is waiting to be discovered by you. Canoeing from Mikkeli to Savonlinna you can travel for more than 150 km without ever having to leave the water. The Saimaa lake area is an enormous network of lakes and rivers over 300 km long with some 3000 km of marked routes. Because of the clean lakes with their thousands of islands, small rivers and rich nature, it is often called "a paradise for paddlers". For recommended routes see www.wildcanoe.com. There are bivouacs at selected sites on the lake shores, open for everybody. You can pitch your tent anywhere - but open fires are prohibited. Finland's traditional everyman's rights guarantee everyone - Finnish or foreign - unhindered access to forests, whether they are privately or publicly owned. Everyone has the right to walk, ski, swim, cycle or ride in natural areas, as long as this does not result in any damage. Everyone has the right to pick flowers, berries and mushrooms. The rights are restricted on cultivated land, including plantations, and in