Taipale Canal

Vuoksi river basin 
Varkaus-Kuopio route
Nautical chart: M230

Permitted vessel dimensions
160.0 x 12.2 x 4.35 x 24.5 [m]
(Length x width x draught x height)

Mooring: Your own ropes or a boat hook, to fasten your boat to the fixed hooks at the edge of the lock. The fastening point is changed from one hook to another as the water level changes.
Services: Taipale guest harbour above the canal, Canal Museum.
Difference in water level: 4.60 - 6.00 m

The canal connects Lakes Unnukka and Haukivesi. The 500 m-long canal was built in 1835-40, and renewed in 1867–71, 1917-71 and 1962-67. The old canal is a sightseeing destination. The clearance of the movable railway bridge that crosses the canal is 4.7 metres and that of the movable road bridge is 4.5 metres.

Tel. + 358 (0)295 34 4156

The Taipale Canal is a Lake Saimaa deep-water channel lock, which has an extended traffic season. The canal is available 24 hours a day.

The bridge is not opened only for leisure traffic.
Mon-Fri 6.30-8.00 and 15.00-18.00.
Clearance is 4.5 metres

Note. Exception to opening hours above the channel page. 

May: at 9–21 
June: at 9–23
July: at 9–23
August: at 9–23
September: at 9–18
October: closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, open on other days 9–17 Bookings no later than at 15.00 the previous business day.