Saimaa Archipelago Route by Bike – With Two-Night Tactic

The magnificent bicycle route in the Saimaa archipelago takes us deep into the edge of nature. Saimaa offers a good setting for cycling. The nature around is beautiful and clean. Admiring the diverse scenery, the mind relaxes and the rich summer scents of nature give a unique touch to a bike ride.

During a memorable bike ride, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery from the back of the saddle and sense all the scents of nature and the colors of summer. The laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery, beach sauna steam and bathing in a clean lake - what more could you ask for on a perfect bike ride?

Bike tour highlights

- Cycling through three church villages and the summer city life of Imatra and Lappeenranta
- Stunning and diverse water bodies: Saimaa follows us for part of the journey. The waterways are crossed by ferry and bicycle ferry, which in itself is a great experience, the Saimaa canal, Imatrankoski and the Vuoksi landscape road.
- Cultural-historical sites: Alvar Aalto Church, Ruokolahti Church Hill and Saimaa Geopark sites.

To whom is this trip for?

During the 3 days the day trips are not very challenging and we take appropriate breaks. If you want a more challenging trip, choose a 2-day trip. The cycle path runs mainly on paved flat terrain. The hills along the route bring a nice variety. From Taipalsaari to Lappeenranta, people cycle along cycle paths. Most of the trip is driven to the edge of small quiet roads. During the trip, about 20 km from Ruokolahti to Virmutjoki, the traffic is busier. Along the way there is a stretch of sand road about 10 km.

Route

- Ring route, departure from and return to Vuoksi Fishing Park in Imatra. Along the route castle and bike ferry.
- The total length of the route is about 160 km
- Imatra - Lappeenranta - Taipalsaari - From Sarviniemi to the ferry to the top of Kyläniemi - Kyläniemi - Utula - Ruokolahti –Imatra

ITINERATY

Day 1 (about 45km) Imatra - Lappeenranta

Our journey starts from Imatra. We cycle along the Vuoksi river towards the national wonder, Imatrankoski. The countryside is buzzing in the eyes as the bike transports Ahola along the countryside towards Joutseno. In Joutseno, it is possible to have a coffee break. Crossing the Saimaa canal bridge takes us high above the bridge, where from we can see passengers of the tourist boats wave happily at us. In Lappeenranta, we visit the harbor to experience the authentic Karelian city life. After another coffee break we head towards our accommodation.

Day 2 (about 50km) Lappeenranta - Taipalsaari - Utula

From Lappeenranta, we head towards Taipalsaari along Finland's most beautifully acclaimed bike path in a beautiful ridge landscape. The beautiful wooden church in the village of Taipalsaari greets us upon arrival to the village. The scent of the local bar's pizza is a real temptation to a hungry cyclist.

From Taipalsaari, the journey continues towards Sarviniemi in soothing forest landscapes. A small section of sand road section is obtained along the way, which brings variation to the paved surface. From Sarviniemi, the ferry takes us to the village's fishing port. On the way, you can happily see a Saimaa ringed seal. In Utula, we spend the night in the magnificent Utula Nature. A delicious dinner in the stunning scenery of Lake Saimaa will surely bring a smile to your face!

Day 3 (about 55 km) Utula - Imatra

Leaving Utula, we stop at Utula's village store, which has survived for more than 80 years. In the same building with the store operates a café. Ruokolahti Kirkonmäki is definitely worth a visit. The church is located in a scenic location on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Café Kaiku in Kirkonmäki offers us delicious dishes made by the hostess, as well as interesting stories about history and an exciting story about the lion of Ruokolahti.

Our last stop is the Church of the Three Crosses in Vuoksenniska, Imatra. The church is designed by Alvar Aalto and it is one of the most significant buildings in Finland's newer church architecture. In addition to that the church belongs to the most internationally acclaimed productions of Alvar Aalto. In Vuoksi Fishing Park there is a possibility to bathe in a sauna on the shore of the Vuoksi River or enjoy a delicious Vuoksi fish soup.

The price includes:

- A guided and expert cycling tour of the Saimaa archipelago route
- Accommodation for 1 night in shared double rooms
- Lappeenranta accommodation
- Ferry trips according to the program
- Breakfast x 1 and dinner x 1 according to the program
- Sauna in Utula

For an additional fee:

- Carriage of luggage during a bicycle journey
- Single room in Rakuunanmäki
- Guided tour in Imatrankoski before and after the trip
- Booking / arranging accommodation in Imatra before or after a bike ride
- Guided tour to the historic Salpa station of Syyspohja
- Bicycle rental (the bike can be rented through our partners).

Accommodation

1. Overnight stay in a hotel in Rakuna in double rooms on Rakuunanmäki, built for cavalry at the end of the 1880s, or in Salpalinjan Hovi in Rutola, in a wonderful rural landscape. Accommodation is confirmed by the itinerary, during the week we stay mainly in the courtyard of Salpalinja and on weekends in Rakuunanmäki.

2. Overnight stay at Utula Nature

After registration, you will receive an e-mail with more detailed information about the trip and a list of equipment. Payment instructions will also arrive in the same email. A booking fee of €280 has to be payed after registration. Reservations are binding.

Coronavirus

We monitor the coronavirus situation and always follow the instructions and recommendations of the authorities, such as distance and hygiene guidelines. According to current knowledge, the virus is not as easily transmitted in the open air. If you have had even minor symptoms or information about possible exposure before you leave, you should refrain from cycling. If the bike trip has to be canceled due to a coronavirus situation or official recommendations, we will refund the participation fee to you.

Discover Saimaa operates from Imatra in the southern Saimaa region. Discover Saimaa is a 100% Finnish company. Discover Saimaa organizes trips and events and offers services. We organize nature adventure trips, bike rides, canoe trips, cultural cycling, etc. In the autumn we also organize mushroom and berry trips and in the winter we can be found amongst the snow activities.

Our "office" is in nature, by Lake Saimaa. Nature itself is the largest activity center, open to all of us around the year. Nature is an empowering thing; it produces strength and energy, increases well-being and broadens our minds.

In nature tourism, we implement a responsible and sustainable tourism service. We operate in an environmentally responsible manner and are aware of the effects of our own operations on the environment. We strive to manage the environmental impact and pass on awareness to others.

The founder of Discover Saimaa is Taru Kaljunen. Taru is from Imatra, on the shores of Lake Saimaa. "The nurse's work took me to the metropolitan area, where I spent 20 years. The nature experience training gave me the enthusiasm to start my own company, Tarude Travels, which took me to the French Alps and the Italian Dolomites amongst ski hiking". Coronavirus drove Taru back to her hometown. Love to homeland and the enchantment of Saimaa were the key factors behind the creation of Discover Saimaa. What would be a better place to take nature tourism than the Saimaa region.

We listen our customers with a “sensitive ear” and fulfill their wishes whenever possible. We recommend asking for customized tours and events!

Level of difficulty: easy to medium

The tour operator has liability insurance. It is safe if the damage is caused by the company's operations during the trip. Travel and accident insurance must be provided by the customer.

Coronavirus:

If you have had even minor symptoms or information about possible exposure before you leave, you should refrain from cycling.

After registration, you will receive an e-mail with more detailed information about the trip and a list of equipment