Lake Saimaa, Finland by bike
In a country with thousands of lakes (there are more than 180,000 lakes in Finland), Saimaa is one of the most breathtaking. It is also the largest in the country and the 4th largest in Europe. There are nearly 14,000 islands and its shores are 14,500 kilometers long. Some sandy beaches are more than 1 km long. The Wall Street Journal has also put Saimaa in its "top 5" of the most beautiful lakes in the world!
Beyond unique landscapes, this route is an opportunity to discover authentic gastronomy: taste the many local specialties such as "muikku" (a freshwater white fish) or "lörtsy" (croissant-shaped pastries).
Visit the idyllic lake towns with their eccentric art, the beautiful fortress town of Lappeenranta, the rapids of Imatrankoski and enjoy the hospitality of the Karelian people.
Highlights of the trip:
- Cycling around the lake The wild nature of this lake region
- The lively atmosphere of Lappeenranta harbour
- The rapids of Imatrankoski
- The garden full of statues of Parikkala
- The village of Savonlinna, built on islands in the lake, and its castle Olavinlinna
- Huuhaaranta beach
Day 1 - Arrival in Lappeenranta
Enjoy the city atmosphere by going out and exploring its lively streets.
Day 2 - From Lappeenranta to Imatra (48 km)
Start this first stage by bike, passing the most important sites of Lappeenranta: the marina, the fortress and the view of the lake. Discover the over 160-year-old Saimaa Canal, which connects Lake Saimaa to the Gulf of Finland. The Saimaa Canal Museum is a must-see if you want to learn more about the history of the region. Continue to Imatra, a city with a long industrial heritage and a gateway to neighboring Russia. Overnight at the elegant art nouveau Imatra Valtionhotelli, located right next to the extraordinary Imatrankotelli (Imatra Rapids).
Day 3 - Imatra to Parikkala by bus | Bike from Parikkala to Punkaharju (45 km)
Start the morning with a transfer to Parikkala, where you can enjoy contemporary Finnish art in one of the most interesting forest gardens, with over 500 human-like statues. Then start your day of cycling towards Punkaharju. Enjoy the best views of Finnish lakes as your route follows a narrow strip of land between the lakes. Stop to learn about Finnish forests at the Lusto Forest Museum. Overnight right next to the lake. Enjoy a room with a private sauna and terrace/balcony.
Day 4 - Punkaharju to Savonlinna by bike (35 km) | bus transfer to Puumala
Continue your bike ride through nature to Savonlinna. This town is famous for its opera festival every summer. Olavinlinna Castle is located on one of the town's many islands. Visit the medieval castle, stroll through the wooden old town and sample local specialties on the market square before taking the bus to Puumala. Repeatedly ranked among the top three summer destinations in Finland, Puumala offers a picturesque setting for two nights.
Day 5 - Loop around Puumala (60 km)
This loop around Lake Saimaa offers a wide variety of landscapes and natural beauty. You can feel and even sense the lake right next to you as you cycle along quiet country roads, sandy ridges, picturesque bridges and narrow passes. A ferry crossing is planned. Be careful, you might spot the endangered Saimaa marbled seal! Enjoy the day, stopping for a refreshing swim for example. Return to Sahanlahti Resort for a second night.
Day 6 - Bus transfer to Utula | Utala to Lappeenranta (55 km)
The last leg of the tour is the crossing of Lake Saimaa from east to west and brings you back to Lappeenranta. After a bus transfer, you start the cycle tour from Utula and its one and only grocery store that reminds you of a bygone era. Take a detour to Huuhaanranta, known as the “Riviera of Saimaa”, with a white sand beach over a kilometre long, where you can lay down your towel in peace. A refreshing walk and a ferry ride by bike make for the perfect end to this beautiful lake tour. You return to Lappeenranta, where you started your tour.
Day 7 : Lappeenranta
End of tour after breakfast.
