Timber rafting

Rafting is a historically important mode of transport and was the most important mode of timber transportation until the 1960ties. After that, rafting has decreased its popularity, but it is still a very important for one major company in Finland, to UPS Metsä. Lake Saimaa is the only Place in Finland where rafting is still done, nowadays 0,3 tons in a year.

Rafting is the most economic and by far the most environmentally friendly mode of moving timber. In addition to being a transportation mode, the water keeps the bugs away from the timber and the water also acts as a storage at factory site.  

Picture: Rafting in the lock of Joensuu