
A vivid travelogue invites listeners to glide through Finland’s inland waterways at a time when canoeing was still a daring adventure. The author, a seasoned explorer turned canoeist, shares practical tips on building and equipping a craft, then sets off from Viipuri toward the great Saimaa lake system. Early mishaps—like a sudden leak that forces a stop at a bustling market town for repairs—give a tangible sense of the challenges and improvisations that shape every journey.
Beyond the mechanics, the narrative captures the sheer freedom of paddling beneath midsummer skies, where quiet currents reflect emerald forests and the occasional curious waterfowl. The trio of travelers revels in the open water, letting the landscape dictate their pace rather than a fixed itinerary. Listeners will feel the gentle rhythm of the oars, the rustle of reeds, and the exhilaration of discovering hidden bays, all while gaining a timeless glimpse into 19th‑century Finnish travel culture.
Language
fi
Duration
~2 hours (125K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
Finland: Werner Söderström, 1891.
Credits
Tapio Riikonen
Release date
2023-06-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1859–1943
A Finnish banker, civil servant, and politician, he worked at the center of the country's financial life during a period of major change. His career linked government, banking, and public administration in late 19th- and early 20th-century Finland.
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