Saapaskoski canal
Saapaskossen kanava

Building of the lock
Building work began in 1877 in Saapaskoski and it was the last canal of all Pielisjoki canals.
The canal line was dug through a narrow cape about 500 metres east of the rapid. Digging began after cutting the trees and building the dams. During the first winter, canal keepers buildings were constructed and the rock under the chosen place for the lock was dynamited. A wooden lock and a basin for meeting ships were ready for traffic on the 10th of October 1878.
The wooden lock was replaced by a lock made of stone between 1912 and 1913. The lock became useless when a new hydroelectric power plant was opened in Kuurna in 1971.

© Photos Riitta Kankkunen 2004

A detail of the old breaker. The stones are held together by using thick iron wire.	The pier between the canal and the rapid (= current channel).	Once upon a time the lock was opened for ships but not anymore. Old bollards are still left in the beaches.	Canal keepers house in summer 2004. Saapaskoski sign is above the door.

© Photos Riitta Kankkunen 2004

The lock seen from the canal island.	A path follows the canal, turns toward the forest and finally takes you to the current Kaltimo canal.	A basin for meeting ships.	The canal towards upstreams and an example of mother natures power: the stone-covered canal wall begins to disappear under moss.

© Photos Riitta Kankkunen 2004

The upper end of the canal.	A spruce has fallen into the canal. The canal towards downstream.	The upper end of the canal is seen between trees.	A winch is needed when boats are transferred between two water areas with different levels. Both areas belong to river Pielisjoki.

© Photos Riitta Kankkunen 2004

Canal dimensions

Total length	Elevation	Number of locks	Length of lock	Breadth of lock	Depth of lock
510 m	? m	1	35,6 m	7,7 m	2,1 m

Saapaskoski canal today
The lock, the canal keepers house and the breaker are still left in Saapaskoski. The lock gates have been removed. A wooden bridge takes you safely over the lock. Water streams freely in the lock and the stream is very strong. The upper threshold is visible and prevents sailing. Some years ago, a sailor drowned after his boat hit the threshold and he fell over board. Prohibitory signs no sailing are in the both ends of the canal.The old stone paving is still visible along the canal but Mother Nature begins to hide it. The canal environment is beautiful and well-kept and it is private area.
A local newspaper wrote in 1998 about a possibility of building a self-service lock in Saapaskoski. Currently, boats are transferred over the dam by a winch. However, a lock would be a great relief for sailors.
Saapaskoski is seen as a valuable object of protection from the perspective of cultural history like the canals in Kaltimo and Häihä.

Riitta Kankkunen © 2005

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