SEARCHING „SAIMAA NORPA“

In the southeast of Finland lies the Saimaa - the largest lake in Finland and also the habitat of one of the rarest animals on earth - The Saimaa Seal. With their Touryaks, Dennis Ciminski and Nina Harenberg set off in search of the SAIMA-NORPA. But even if they don't get to see the rare seal, the two North Germans get to know and love an almost unknown kayaking area.

Over the clearest water and in fantastic weather, we make our way through the labyrinth of lakes and islands until we reach Muikunselkä a few days later, where we are supposed to have the best chance of seeing one of the 400 or so seals still alive. But instead of getting the animals in front of the camera, we find incredible landscapes and relaxation that makes kayaking a special hobby for us and that keeps us coming back to the far north and the Scandinavian landscapes.

We enjoy every paddle stroke of the next days and the incredible sunsets around the campfire. If you ever want to know what paddling on the Yukon must feel like, a trip to the vastness of the Saimaa is recommended. Through seemingly endless forests, past the typical vacation homes of the Finns, we return to Sanna's kayak center after 8 days. When she asks us if we have seen the Saimaa-Norpa, we unfortunately have to answer in the negative. "Then you'll have to come back in May, when the warmth of the sun lures the seals out of the water," Sanna tells us.

"What you can count on!" agree Nina and I together! Because Saimaa has cast its spell on us! And we will be back, ready to reload our touryaks - For new adventures in search of the Saimaa-Norpa.