Boat Trip on Keitele Part 1

In July, we explored the magnificent waters of Keitelejärvi and some of its fascinating islands. We chose Saturday for our boating day. In the morning we set off around nine o’clock from Mustaniemi harbor toward Petäjäsaari. Out on the lake we could boat in peace and forget the everyday rush and crowds.

Heading out

Mustaniemi marina info:

Coordinates: 62°37', 25°44,1'

Nautical chart series: J-K

Nautical chart: 331

Harbor number: 3630

Our ride was waiting at the boat ramp and we loaded all the ”essential supplies” for the trip into the boat. The weather was calm and cloudy, though there was a slight chance of rain. Our skilled skipper knew how to pick our route to dodge the showers, and our first destination was Petäjäsaari in Sumiainen.

The purpose of the trip was to map and photograph boating destinations maintained by the City of Äänekoski in the Keitelejärvi area.

Charming Petäjäsaari

We haven’t visited Petäjäsaari in summer before, but in winter we’ve hiked there over the ice. In winter the island is also popular with hikers and skiers. From the village center marina, a snowmobile track and ski trail lead to Petäjäsaari, about 2 km.

Today, however, summer is at its finest and we are gradually arriving at our destination. The boat dock is located at the southern tip of Petäjäsaari along the western fairway leading to Sumiainen. This time there was only one boat at the dock.

Seeing the island in summer was well worth it, especially with the weather being partly cloudy and calm.

On Petäjäsaari, in addition to the pier and free for everyone to use, you’ll find a kota (Lapp hut), an earth cellar, a campfire site, an outhouse, a woodshed, and best of all: a sauna on the shoreline rocks. After a brief look-around, we lit the stove and started heating the sauna.

There could hardly be a more beautiful location for a sauna. This time Milla got (had) to be the sauna model, and apparently the steam was very pleasant. It’s lovely to plunge into the embrace of Keitele and then return to the warmth of the sauna.

We would gladly have continued enjoying the steam for longer, but our journey already had to move on to the next destination. Our next stop would be located in Matilanvirta Matilan Ankkuri.

Petäjäsaari info:

Coordinates: 62°39,7', 26°01,1'

Nautical chart series: J-K

Nautical chart: 332

Harbor number: 3660

Maintained by: City of Äänekoski

Part 2 of the boating trip on Keitele will be published soon, and with it you’ll get to discover the slightly lesser-known, yet even more stunning island of Viukari. Stay tuned, and remember to follow Visit Äänekoski on Instagram and Facebook, where you’ll find tips for travel in Äänekoski.