tilaus@oulujarviristeilyt.fi or +358 20 730 7390
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Usein kysyttyä höyrylaivaristeilyistä
Where is the departure pier for Steamship Kouta cruises?
Steamship Kouta public cruises depart from the Kalkkisilta pier in Kajaani. The address is
Kalkkisillantie 4, Kajaani. If you are coming from the city centre, you can access the pier by crossing the Linnansilta bridge and turning left after the bridge. You need to move about 400 metres and pass by Lussitupa and Tervakanava, and you will arrive at the pier in front of an old red wooden building
Is there a parking lot by the Kalkkisilta pier?
You can park your car next to the Kalkkisilta pier during your cruise. However, there are limited parking spaces in the area which is why we recommend that you arrive on foot or find an alternative parking space
Where can I buy tickets?
You can buy your cruise tickets for Steamship Kouta public cruises on our website, from Kajaani Info (address: Pohjolankatu 13, Kajaani) and from our Kalkkisilta pier terrace from June to July. If there are tickets available, you can also purchase your tickets straight from the steamship before departure. There is limited seating on our cruises so be sure to get your tickets in time!
I have a gift card for an evening cruise, how can I use my gift card?
You can use your gift card online on our website by choosing your cruise and typing the code "LAHJAKORTTI2020" in the shopping cart. Once you arrive on your cruise, be sure to take your gift card and your confirmation with you
Do I need to print out my ticket to get on board?
Your order confirmation is your ticket for public cruises. You can present your confirmation by printing it out or loading it on your electronic device
How much earlier should I arrive at the pier?
You should arrive at the Kalkkisilta pier at least 15 minutes before departure. If you wish you can enjoy coffee or other beverages on the pier terrace while watching the cruise preparations, or the steamship’s arrival from a previous cruise. The ship departs as scheduled and we are not able to wait for passengers who are not on time.
How do I know if there are tickets available for the cruise?
You can check the current availability of tickets from our online store.
Is there a toilet on the ship?
There is a toilet on the ship. The toilet is located on the front deck, on the righthand side of the ship when facing the front.
What are the payment options on board?
We accept cash (in euros) as well as most bank and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard) on the ship and on the pier terrace. You can use your card also during the cruise, even on the open Lake Oulujärvi.
Can I get online on Steamship Kouta?
You are free to use our internet connection during the cruise. You can find our password in the salon.
Can I bring my own snacks on board?
Yes, you can bring your own snacks on board. On public cruises you can also buy small snacks as well as Finnish fish soup from the steamship bar. We recommend that you order the soup in advance so that we can reserve enough for everybody.
Can I bring alcoholic beverages on board?
It is not allowed to have your own alcoholic beverages on board the steamship or on the pier terrace. The ship is fully licenced, and you can also buy alcoholic beverages on the terrace.
Can a person with reduced mobility join a steamship cruise?
Even though a ship that has been built about a hundred years ago is not the easiest to access, you can very well join our cruise if you are using a wheelchair or other aids for reduced mobility. Our customers with wheelchairs can join us on the front deck or on the middle of the ship, under the steamship roof. The ship salon door fits up to 70 cm wide wheelchairs and you can access the toilet with assistance. The steamship crew will help you board the ship and get back on the pier after arrival.
Can I bring my pet on board?
If you wish to take your pet on the cruise, we kindly ask you to notify us in advance by email to: tilaus@oulujarviristeilyt.fi. There is limited space on the ship and the sound of the whistle might be scary to some pets so we recommend that you leave your pet at home but if it is not possible, we can always fit in a few pets.
Am I allowed to smoke on board?
We hope you do not smoke like a steamship chimney, as smoking is only allowed on the front deck and on the back deck. Smoking is not allowed in the salon or other indoor facilities. We hope that you will be considerate of other passengers.
Are there life jackets for all passengers on board?
Steamship Kouta has modern and fully approved life jackets for 70 adults and 15 children. The ship also carries two open sea approved life rafts.
Can I spend time indoors during the cruise?
Yes. The ship has a salon with seats for up to 40 people. You can also find seats under a roof on the back deck as well as in the middle of the ship. So, in case of rain or wind you can always find a warm and dry area and enjoy your cruise.
How should I dress for a cruise?
A casual, relaxed, summer outfit is best for our cruise. However, please note that it is often much chillier on the open lake than in the city – especially on evening cruises and on the last cruises of the summer. High heels might be challenging on the deck with a lot of doorsteps.
How do extreme weather conditions affect steamship cruises?
The steamship departs according to schedule even when it rains. A rainy or windy weather is not a problem when it comes to our cruises as you can find seats in our warm salon or under the roof on the back deck as well as in the middle of the ship. More often than not the weather is much clearer and sunnier on River Kajaaninjoki and Lake Oulujärvi than in the city so even if the weather is not promising back home it might be the opposite on a Steamship Kouta cruise. There is also no need to worry about thunder on the ship or on Lake Oulujärvi.
It is always safe to travel with us on Steamship Kouta and the steamship crew, along with our captain, is always responsible for the safety of the passengers. During heavy wind or storms, we stay close to River Kajaaninjoki and the Lake Oulujärvi shores and islands. In case the weather conditions are too challenging, it is up to the captain to determine whether the cruise will be cancelled altogether. In case your cruise is cancelled due to weather conditions, your registration will be applied to a replacing cruise or alternatively you will get a full refund for your ticket price.
What is the refund and exchange policy for cruise tickets?
Public cruise tickets include no refund or exchange.
Are the cruises suitable for small children?
Yes, the cruise is also suitable for small children. Children under 4 years old can join our cruise without charge, with their guardian (1 child / adult).
Does the ship really run on steam?
Yes. Steamship Kouta is currently the northernmost steamship in Europe registered in passenger transport. The ship is run by a steam engine built in 1920, and there are no additional engines on the ship.
Is the steamship heated with wood or an oil burner engine?
The steamship boiler is heated with wood. For wood we use 1 metre long birch wood blocks. It takes about 2 m3 of wood to heat up the boiler and, during the cruise, a little under 1 m3 per hour. The ship also had an oil burner engine from 1977 to 2013, but it is no longer in use.
How long does it take to heat up the steamship?
It takes from 8 to 12 hours to heat up the 5000-litre steamship boiler. We do this every week before the first public cruise. On the following days it takes about 3 to 4 hours to re-heat the boiler. So, the preparations for your cruise begin well in advance before departure.
Where does the name Steamship Kouta come from?
Steamship Kouta is named after Koutaniemi on Lake Oulujärvi. In the Saami language, Kouta means “the one in the middle” or “the highest peak”.