CyclingLength160 km
Duration(2-7d)
The Saimaa Archipelago Route, located in the southern Saimaa region, offers cyclists a stunning scenic road and the opportunity to explore unique cultural sites. Following the shores of Lake Saimaa and the pine forests of the Salpausselkä ridges, the approximately 160 km route showcases the attractions of the two towns Lappeenranta and Imatra and also four charming municipalities of Taipalsaari, Savitaipale, Ruokolahti, and Joutseno.
- Getting to know the centuries-old history of the border area
- South Karelian cheerful cities Imatra and Lappeenranta
- Saimaa Geopark sites in urban areas and in nature along the route
- Ferry trip between Sarviniemi and Kyläniemi
- Five charming smaller towns / villages
Length
233.0 km
Unpaved
10%
Duration
-
Forest path
-
Uphill section
-
Degree of difficulty (1-5)
2
Downhill section
-
Suited for biking
100%
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Contact information
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ou can start the route from anywhere along its path, and it can be cycled either clockwise or counterclockwise. For those interested in geology, Saimaa Geopark offers many fascinating destinations. In Imatra, you can explore Alvar Aalto's architecture, while Lappeenranta's lively fortress area captivates with its rich history. Hiking spots and swimming beaches invite you to relax in nature, while restaurants and cafés offer local delicacies to enjoy.
The route includes several alternative sections, allowing you to choose the one that suits you best. Between Ruokolahti and Utula, you can cycle via the scenic road through Äitsaari and take a boat across the waterway to Utula. Alternatively, you can take the busier Puumalantie 62, which also offers an opportunity to visit the Salpa Line stone obstacles in Syyspohja.
Unique historical landmarks include the Kutvele Canal, visible from the Kyläniemi ferry, and the Kärnäkoski fortress in Savitaipale. These were constructed in the 1790s along the border between Sweden and Russia, which once ran through this southern Saimaa region.