Savonlinna, Lake Saimaa
About this trip.
Before you book: Canal du Midi vs UK narrowboating — same week, different country, very different holiday · How we vet operators — and the questions you should ask any small-group operator yourself
Lake Saimaa by Linssen motor yacht
Lake Saimaa is a labyrinth of blue water and green islands, and the largest lake district in Europe. Stretches of open water are linked by straits and dotted with islands, narrow strips of land and green headlands. It is Finland's largest natural freshwater lake and the fourth largest in Europe.
This is a charter holiday on board a Linssen motor yacht, run with Linssen Boating Holidays. Finland is known as the "land of a thousand lakes", and lakes and the sea are a vital part of Finnish nature.
Peace and quiet on the water
The idea is to get away from the noise of the cities and enjoy the silence on board. You can keep to your own thoughts, or take inspiration from the vast, clear lakes around you.
The operator lists several contacts by phone, including people who speak German and Russian, as well as a website at saimaacharter.com.
Booked through Linssen Boating Holidays
Saimaacharter Vuokravenho is one of the charter firms in the Linssen Boating Holidays network. Its page there has the booking and availability links.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1Do I need a licence?
No. The hire base gives you a short handover covering steering, locks, and safety before you set off. Speed limit is 4 mph on UK narrowboats — slower than a walking pace. If you can drive a car, you can drive a canal boat.
Q2How many locks will I do?
Depends on the route. The Llangollen has about 20 over a week — leisurely. The Caen Hill flight on the Kennet & Avon has 29 in one stretch — a full day's work. Some European routes (Canal du Midi, Camargue) have almost none. The operator's map shows lock counts per day so you can pace yourself.
Q3Can I travel solo?
Most hire companies require two adults on board, mainly so one person can work locks while the other steers. A few allow solo hire on quieter routes — ask the operator before booking.
Q4What's included?
Typically the boat, fuel for the engine, a handover briefing, mooring ropes, fenders and a starter pack (tea, coffee, washing-up kit). Bedding is sometimes included, sometimes £10-20 extra. Food is your own, shopped from towpath-side villages.
Q5What if something breaks?
The hire base has a 24/7 support line. A fitter will usually come out within a few hours. Engines are robust and well-maintained — the most common failures are blocked weed hatches (clearable yourself) and flat domestic batteries.
Q6Is it good for kids?
Yes — lifejackets are provided and kids love working locks. Older children (6+) can help steer under supervision. Toddlers need constant watching near open decks. A reinforced guard rail helps.
Q7Can I bring my dog?
Most hire companies allow one or two dogs for a small supplement (£20-30 per dog per week). They love the towpath walks. The boat will lose its deposit if the dog damages upholstery — bring a blanket.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a 25% deposit at booking, balance 8-12 weeks before departure. Each operator has its own cancellation ladder (steeper close to departure). Travel insurance with cruise cover is recommended.
Three canal holidays, side-by-side.
The closest canal holidays on Mooch, by trail, then region, then country. Prices are the operators' own, per boat.
