Experience Pure Joy – Cycling Through the Breathtaking Landscapes of Saimaa!
The cycling route offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Saimaa. Along the way, you’ll ride past crystal-clear lake shores, lush forests, and charming villages. Discover local attractions, historical sites, and the unique nature of Saimaa – home to one of the rarest seals in the world, the Saimaa ringed seal.
Stay in idyllic countryside accommodations, indulge in delicious local delicacies, relax in a traditional Finnish sauna, and enjoy every moment of your journey.
Explore Southern Saimaa by E-Bike
TOUR DETAILS
Duration: 7 nights, 8 days
Length: 160 km
Available: 1.5.-15.10.
Group Size: 2-8 people
Holiday Includes:
• Welcoming guests at the train station in Kouvola
• Instructions for the trip
• E-bikes or gravel bikes
• Digital route guidance
• Map of the bike trail
• Luggage transportation (from Tuhannen Tarinan Talo to Olkkolan Hovi to Salpalinja Manor to Lappeenranta railway station)
• 6 nights accommodation in double rooms: 3 x nights at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo 1 x night at Olkkolan hovi 3 x nights at Salpalinjan hovi
Itinerary
Day 1
Kouvola – Tuhannen Tarinan Talo
Transportation from the Kouvola railway station to Tuhannen Tarina Talo.
Welcome to Tuhannen Tarinan Talo!
Sauna
Dinner
- Overnight stay at Tuhannen Tarinan Taloaccommodation.
Day 2 – Cycle in Kannuskoski village
After a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, you can get to know the local lifestyle at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo. If you wish, you can participate in farm animal care and explore the nearby nature by cycling. Cycle independently to the rapids and wooden bridge at Kyykoski or Tolpankangas nature trail in Kannuskoski village. Cycling trip about 20 km. This day includes full board (lunch can be replaced with packed lunch), so you don't have to worry about meals
Sauna
Dinner
- Over night stay at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo
Day 3 Explore Kannuskoski Village by cycling and hiking, or canoeing.
The third day is also warming up for the longer cycle tour. You can cycle independently to Vuorenpeikko nature trail and explore the nearby nature by cycling and hiking. Cycling trip altogether aprx. 30 km, Nature Trail – hiking 3,5 km.
On the Vuorenpeikko Nature Trail, you will walk amidst magnificent cliffs along the Väliväylä river route. By the river, there is a lean-to where you can enjoy lunch and even take a dip in the stunning scenery.
If you prefere canoeing it is possible to rent canoes on-site. You can also go fishing or rowing on the nearby lake – fishing rods are available for loan.
This day includes full board (lunch can be replaced with packed lunch), so you don't have to worry about meals.
Sauna
Dinner
- Overnight stay at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo
Day 4 Tuhannen Tarinan Talo – Olkkolan Hovi 45-60 km
After two days in the rural village, the journey continues by cycling along peaceful gravel roads to Olkkolan Hovi in Savitaipale.
From the buffet breakfast at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo, you can also prepare packed lunches for your day trip. The route mainly consists of varying levels of gravel roads, with curves and hills adding variety to the journey. Small paved sections are mostly found in village centers. The most interesting spot on this stage is likely the Takomäki quarry. It is an old open-pit quarry where granite was once extracted. Nowadays, the quarry has filled with crystal-clear water, making it a stunning location where you can take a break and enjoy your packed lunch.
Highlights of the Savitaipale tour include the Kärnäkoski fortress area in Partakoski.
Built by Russian General Aleksandr Suvorov as part of the defense of St. Petersburg, the Kärnäkoski bastion fortress was completed in 1793. Next to the fortress are a mill and a sawmill built in the 19th century, which are worth visiting as part of the authentic cultural environment near the fortress area. Partakoski is also nearby. The Hakamäki museum area, located on a green hill near the Savitaipale church village, offers a beautiful view of Lake Kuolimo.
Have your dinner independently in the restaurants in Savitaipale or Olkkolan hovi restaurant.
- Overnight stay in Olkkolan Hovi.
Day 5 Olkkolan Hovi – Salpalinjan Hovi Hotel 50-85 km
After buffet breakfast Breakfast at the hotel and off you go From Olkkolan Hovi, the journey continues by cycling towards Lappeenranta. On this section of the route, the beautiful lakeside landscapes of Lake Saimaa will make you sigh with delight. The first half of the stage runs along sandy village roads to the settlement of Savitaipale, where there is a shop and other basic services. There are wonderful beaches along the route. In the Taipalsaari village centre, you can visit the Röyty homestead house, a beautiful wooden church and you can also find the region's famous large ice cream scoops, which guarantee a pleasant break. Basic services are also available.
After cycling through the beautiful coastal scenery, you will arrive in the centre of Lappeenranta. Depending on your schedule, you can take a break or look for a place to have dinner in the beautiful harbour area of Lappeenranta. The area has a variety of nice restaurants and cafés to rest in. For example, two ship restaurants. At the end of the last, approximately 9-kilometer cycling section of the day trip, you will reach Salpalinjan Hovi.
There are shops along the way for drinks and food. Arriving at Salpalinjan Hovi Hotel.
The manor-like Salpalinjan Hovi hotel is built in a former log village school in Lappeenranta. Each room is unique and decorated according to different school subjects. The hotel offers the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the old village school and enjoy the gentle heat of the traditional juniper-scented teacher's sauna. The hotel is located in the middle of beautiful South Karelian nature, near the hiking trails of the UNESCO Saimaa Global Geopark. The exciting war history sites of the Salpalinja are also right next to the hotel and freely accessible. The hotel has an EcoCompass certificate.
At Salpalinjan Hovi, you will be greeted by the relaxing steam baths of a traditional wood-fired sauna and comfortable rooms.
- Overnight stay in Salpalinjan Hovi
Day 6 Salpalinjan Hovi
A delicious breakfast.
Morning swim at the village beach.
You will switch from cycling to hiking and go hiking with a guide in the UNESCO Saimaa Global Geopark to explore the traces of the ice age. The trails follow the beautiful shores of Lake Saimaa. The trails start directly from the hotel and are over 10 kilometers long. At the magnificent Näkkiniemi lean-to, you can make fires and enjoy a snack break. At the end of the day, you can cycle to the center of Lappeenranta to explore interesting sites and enjoy restaurant services and lively nightlife on weekends.
The city’s restaurant scene is rich in flavors. Historic buildings house fine dining experiences inspired by local traditions, while cozy bistros and the vibrant market hall showcase regionaldelicacies, including fresh fish from Lake Saimaa and Karelian specialties. Craft breweries add to the city’s dynamic food culture, offering innovative flavors for beer enthusiasts.
The harbor area is the heart of the city, where visitors can relax in cafés, enjoy summer events, and experience the lively atmosphere of the local market. Nature is always close – the shores of Lake Saimaa, lush parks, and the scenic waterfront boulevard offer breathtaking views and peaceful moments amidst the city's energy.
- Overnight stay in Salpalinjan Hovi
Day 7 Explore the interesting sights of Lappeenranta
Delicious breakfast
Overnight stay in Salpalinjan Hovi
You will get to know the history of the former elementary school and the village's history of rafting and sawmilling, as well as the hotel's nearby World War II defensive forts. The guide will lead you to its exciting accommodation caves, bunkers and field forts.
Cycling to the sights of Lappeenranta.
Lappeenranta is a vibrant city where history, culture, high-quality cuisine, and Finnish design come together. Founded in 1649, Lappeenranta has long been an important meeting point between East and West, shaping its unique atmosphere. The Fortress area, with its cobblestone streets, museums, and cozy cafés, tells the story of the city's past as a center of trade and cultural exchange. Today, the fortress is home to museums, art galleries, and charming boutiques that bring history to life. Lappeenranta is also known as Finland’s coffee capital, boasting a diverse café culture. Local artisan roasteries provide top-quality coffee, while traditional cafés serve beloved Finnish pastries in atmospheric surroundings. Beyond the city, Lappeenranta’s surroundings offer even more to explore. The stunning Saimaa Geopark, unique rock formations, and picturesque countryside landscapes provide perfect destinations for a short getaway. With its rich history, culinary delights, and stunning lakeside scenery, Lappeenranta is a place where the past and present blend seamlessly.
Cykling back to Salpalinjan Hovi.
- Overnight stay in Salpalinjan Hovi
Day 8
After the tasty breakfast in Salpalinjan Hovi you can take the train back to Helsinki. Transportation to the railway station.
You can leave the bikes in Salpalinjan Hovi.
Price: 2100€/Person | Sinlge room + 45€/day
Incl. E-bikes, helmets, bike bags. Route info. Digital route guidance, Map of the bike trail. Transportation from Kouvola railway station to House of a Thousand Stories. Luggage transportation from House of a Thousand Stories to Salpalinjan Hovi. Transportation to Lappeenranta Train Station.
Tuhannen Tarinan Talo:
3 nights accommodation in double rooms:
3 x breakfast, 3 x dinner, 3x packed lunch, 3 x sauna
Olkkolan Hovi:
1 nights accommodation in double rooms:
1 x breakfast, 1 x sauna
Salpalinjan Hovi:
3 nights accommodation in double rooms:
3 x breakfast, 2 x sauna
Notice: Travel insurance
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage, and a toll-free 24-hour travel assistance hotline. Comprehensive travel insurance usually costs 5 to 12 percent of your trip cost. Before purchasing, check your existing insurance policies.
