Varistaipale Canal

Vuoksi Basin
Heinävesi route
Nautical chart: M243

Permitted vessel dimensions
31.2 x 7.1 x 1.8 x 12.5 [m]
(Length x width x draught x height)

Mooring: To ropes hanging from the lock platforms.
Services: Varistaipale guest harbour below to the lock, kiosk, canal museum
Difference in water level: 13.30 - 14.20 m

The canal  together with Taivallahti Canal connects Juojärvi and Varisvesi. The canal has four back-to-back locks (steps). The 1,100 m-long canal was built in 1911–13. The clearance of the of the swing bridge that crosses the canal is 1.7 m. Finland’s only 4-lock canal. The total duration of locking is approximately 50-60 minutes.

The canal is manned. When approaching from below, the point for calling the lock and instructions for its use are on the pier to the right , when approaching from above these are on the upper canal’s pier to the right, near the bridge.

Tel. + 358 (0)295 34 4150

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.