Lakeland Explorer E-Bike Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Cycling through protected wetlands and bird habitats

Pass By: Vanhankaupunginkoski, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
We kindly ask you to arrive at our office at 8:30 in the morning, so we can prepare your ebikes and other equipment. When everything is set, you will start the tour and head for the Viikki nature sanctuary and arboretum. Before you enter the protected area, have lunch by the Vanhakaupunki rapids. This is where Helsinki was founded in year 1550. Viikki is an important bird watching site and home to more than 300 species of shrubs and trees. Climb a bird watching tower and take some pictures! After Viikki the trail follows Eastern Helsinki shoreline, often just meters from the sea. Stop for a coffee in old Puotila mansion. In the afternoon you will arrive in Sipoo River delta. There’s a kayak rental service here. Overnight in Söderkulla area.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: B&B in Söderkulla area

Day 2: Cycle through coastal landscapes and farmlands to Porvoo

Pass By: Porvoo Old Town, Jokikatu and Mannerheiminkatu, Porvoo 06100 Finland
In the morning you will cycle north along Sipoo River. If it’s a warm day, you may want to stop by Lake Pilvijärvi. There is a delifghtful small beach and swimming is possible. In Sipoo town be sure to visit cafe Kaksi Verantaa for the special atmosphere and delicious pastry. Also some good lunch restaurants near town center. Journey continues through countryside towns towards Porvoo. Just before Porvoo the trail takes you to a small harbour by the Baltic Sea. It’s nice to have an ice cream and watch the boats come and go. Ride along Porvoo river and arrive right at the center of town. You will have plenty of time to walk around old town, which is one the National Landscapes of Finland. Overnight in Porvoo area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: B&B in Porvoo

Day 3: National landscapes in Porvoo River valley

Pass By: Loviisa Market Square, Kauppatori, Loviisa 07900 Finland
Morning starts with nice cycling along the beautiful Porvoo River valley. Just before Koskenkylä, have lunch in a big ABC gas station. Still riding near the coast, you will cycle past Suur-Sarvilahti mansion to Loviisa, a bustling summer town next to Baltic sea. Check out the Laivasilta area by the harbour for food, drink and people. Overnight in Loviisa area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: B&B in Loviisa

Day 4: Old ironworks in Ruotsinpyhtää

Pass By: Stromforsin ruukki, Ruukintie 10 07970, Ruotsinpyhtaa 07970 Finland
The old ironworks in Ruotsinpyhtää has developed into a lively area with cafes and artisan shops. Well worth visiting. Then head north towards Myllykoski and other industrialization era towns. They were all built along the Kymijoki river to process wood and pulp. There are some nice and cozy homestays and B&B's in this area. Overnight south of Kouvola.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: B&B in Kouvola area

Day 5: Lakes and Unesco Heritage Sites

Pass By: World Heritage Site - Verla Groundwood and Board Mill, Verlantie 295 Verla, Kouvola 47850 Finland
In the morning you will cycle along Kouvola’s outskirts. Stop in Iitti or 30 km later in Jaala for lunch and supplies (snacks) for day 6. (TIP: A very Finnish thing would be to buy sausages and grill them on open fire in Repovesi park. Wood and sites for grilling are provided. You need matches and sausages.) After Jaala the route takes you to Verla, on old cardboard factory and a Unesco Heritage Site. Wander around and check out the small shops and museum. Also a cafe here. Overnight south of Repovesi National Park.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: B&B south of Repovesi

Day 6: Cycling in Repovesi National Park forest roads

Pass By: Repovesi National Park, Kuismantie 990, Kouvola Finland
Now it’s time for Repovesi National Park. Take some snacks and water and go easy on the battery! The trail twists between small lakes and steep forested hills. You might hear the typical call of the red-throated diver. Keep an eye on the old woods; there is a healthy flying squirrel population here. A quiet gravel road takes you up to Mouhu, from where it’s about 3km to a nice summer café called Linkkumylly. If your running low on power, top up the battery here. Continue to Mäntyharju. Art center Salmela has interesting exhibitions. As for architecture, the wooden church is the second largest in Finland.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: B&B in Mäntyharju

Day 7: Cycle along the "Green Gold" cultural heritage road

Pass By: Ristiinan kirkko, Kissalammentie 2, Ristiina 52300 Finland
First you will cycle to Ristiina, along the "Road of Green Gold". Ristiina town is surrounded by water on three sides. Small boat harbour is busy in summer time and the nearby walking bridge takes you to a swimming beach. The hills in Linnanniemi offer good views over the Lake Yövesi. Gränna summer café is enchanting and the buns are delicious. After lunch head east. Anttola village is situated on an isthmus with lakes on east and west sides. “Poiju” restaurant has nice views over the water. Overnight in Anttola area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel in Anttola

Day 8: Scenic road to heart of Lakeland

Pass By: Puumala harbor, Satamatie 2, 52200 Puumala, Finland
Buy some cinnamon buns from the local bakery and head east. At 30 km is a perfect resting point: the legendary Pistohiekka area has beautiful beaches, a dancehall and a summer café, where you can buy some basic food. Continue to Puumala town. This area is a real hot spot for summer vacationers. You can choose from swimming, sauna, SUP and canoes, etc. Ask for specifics from the town center tourist info. Most of the action is by the bridge and harbour. Be sure to visit the Saimaa Lounge roof top terrace. It’s a great place to watch the boats pass by. Overnight in Puumala area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Lodging in Puumala area

Day 9: Remote gravel roads to Sulkava rowing capital of Finland

Pass By: Pisamalahti Hill Fort, Linnavuorentie 306, 58700 Sulkava, Finland
Now you will cycle to Sulkava through islands Viljakansaari and Partalansaari. There are some bridges and a ferry on the way. Not many facilities here, so bring snacks. Irina’s village store might be open. By contrast, Sulkava itself is a lively place. Walk around the old wooden houses in Uitonrinne. The neighbourhood also has a harbour and a rowing stadium, as Sulkava hosts every July the world’s largest rowing competition called Sulkavan Suursoudut. Overnight in Sulkava area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: B&B in Sulkava

Day 10: Savonlinna and medieval castle

Pass By: Savonlinna Market Square, Kauppatori, Savonlinna 57130 Finland
Cycle along very small roads to Savonlinna. At Pihlajanlahti (15km) there might be a kiosk open. Savonlinna is built on islands so you won’t be far from water anywhere here. Head straight for the famous market place in town centre, by the harbour. It’s easy to get into summer vibes here. Taste smoked vendace (“muikku”), “lörtsy” and “möttönen”, just to name a few local delicacies. Local craft beers can be sampled in restaurant Panimoravintola Huvila. Top attraction is probably castle Olavinlinna from the 15th century. Every July it hosts an international opera festival, “Savonlinnan Oopperajuhlat”. Spa-hotel Casino rents SUP-boards, canoes, kayaks, electric outboard motors and rowing boats. Overnight in Savonlinna area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel in Savonlinna

Day 11: Worlds largest wooden church

Pass By: Kerimaki Church, Kerimaentie, Kerimaki 58200 Finland
Cycling east, you'll arrive in Kerimäki village. Check out the size of the wooden church, it's the world's largest. Continue through peaceful countryside to the legendary Punkaharju Isthmus. It's a protected nature habitat with beautiful beaches, islands and some of the tallest trees in Finland. Overnight in isthmus area.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Hotel on Punkaharju Isthmus

Day 12: Backroads near Russian border

Pass By: Siikalahti Wetland, Kaukolantie Parikkala, Parikkala 59100 Finland
Continue cycling on the isthmus for a bit, then head on gravel roads towards the Russian border. Stop for refreshments in Röksä village store, oldest in Finland. The road takes you within 1km of the border, then you turn towards Parikkala train station. Catch the train to Helsinki. What a tour!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.