Lakes & Forests 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 icecream 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
Now, depending on accommodation, it’s either a short ride to Ristiina or a bit longer to Hanhijärvi. The road is named "Road of Green Gold" to honour the Finnish forests. Ristiina is a small town surrounded on three sides by Yövesi lake, offering some cafes/restaurants and grocery stores. Hanhijärvi has nothing but lakes and forest, and a great B&B. The host will make you dinner and warm up the sauna.

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

Day 8: More lakes and sleepy towns

Pass By: Savitaipale Church, Peltoinlahdentie 32, Savitaipale 54800 Finland
After a good breakfast cycle along quiet roads and sleepy towns southwards. At Suomenniemi there is a very traditional small town pub/cafe. Not many of these to be found anymore. Ask for something to eat, they will prepare what’s in stock. Also a grocery in town. For photos, you might want to climb the observation tower. Some hours south and you will arrive in lakeside town Savitaipale. Take a swim in Lake Kuolimo and cruise around town. Overnight in Savitaipale.

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

Day 9: Arrive in Lappeenranta, then train back to Helsinki

Pass By: Lappeenranta Fortress, Kristiinankatu, Lappeenranta 53900 Finland
This last cycling day takes you along a beautiful road to Lappeenranta. As you cycle on this ridge created by ice age you will see a lot of water. Bridges connect the islands to make a unique chain. Admire the views and stop for a swim. In Lappeenranta we recommend the port and old fortress areas, excellent cafes and restaurants to be found. Slowly make your way to the train station to catch the evening train (2 hours) to Helsinki. Hand over the bikes at our office.

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