Stage 1: Lappeenranta - Hotel Salpalinjan Hovi 30 km
The first few kilometres of the route, starting from Lappeenranta, are on the waters of Lake Saimaa, where the paddler has several route options to choose from. The landscape of Pien-Saimaa is dotted with numerous small rocky islands and beach cottages. The stage is broken up with rest points at intervals of about 5 km. Paddlers can learn about military history here, for example on Naurissaari island, or stop at the huts for a break. Admire the height of the cliff walls of Turasalo island in Ruusi, adorned with rock paintings. On Turasalo's shores, paddlers can enjoy a moment of shelter from the wind before the several kilometres of open water that open up on the western side of Pulkkaselkä.
After the Orjainniemi rest stop, the route turns to more sheltered waters. The big fjard stretches of the initial journey are now over and the landscape changes to the old narrow timber floating bridge, the Kähönsalmi. Just before the Mikkeli road crossing, there is a suitable rest point at the Rutola crossing with its huts and canoe piers. There you can learn about the history of Finnish timber. The 800m long Rutola timber floating bridge connected the Saimaa waterway with the Kymijoki River for timber floating.In the vicinity you can find a place to stay, for example the Salpalinjan Hovi with its bunkers.