Low water expected as inland canals and movable bridges reopen from May 1

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto) will reopen a network of shallow inland canals and movable bridges to traffic in stages between 1 and 15 May 2026, and has issued a phased schedule with a warning for boaters to exercise caution at the start of the season.

Openings begin on 1 May at 09:00 with the Vääksy and Kalkkinen locks, the Kellosalmi opening bridge and sections of the Kokemäenjoki watershed, including Valkeakoski, Lempäälä, Murole and Herraskoski. A second wave — including the Keitele canal (Vaajakoski, Kuhankoski, Kuusaa, Kapeenkoski, Paatela), the Heinävesi and Pielisjoki routes, Iisalmi and Rautalampi and the Kuivataipale museum canal — will open on 8 May at 09:00. The final group, such as the Juojärvi and Tahko routes, follows on 15 May at 09:00.

Tero Sikiö, head of the inland waterway unit, warned that forecasts show unusually low water levels for several inland basins this coming summer. "Waterway users must take the low water into account," he said. Channel navigation depths are reported from the season's low reference level and can be checked on nautical charts.

Winter conditions often shift, damage or remove buoys and other marks. The agency asked recreational and professional boaters to report missing or damaged waterway marks and safety equipment via its feedback channel so teams can prioritise repairs before and during the season.

Detailed opening hours for individual locks, bridges and museum canals are available through the agency's service channels and nautical publications. Boaters planning early-season trips should consult updated charts and notices before setting out and be prepared for variable depths on the reopened routes.