Discovering Finland and Lake Saimaa by bike

Name: Discovering Finland and Lake Saimaa by bike
Brand: Cyclando
Price: 1093 EUR
Availability: InStock

Finlandia

discovering-finland-and-lake-saimaa-by-bike

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Tour

Bike Tours, E-bike tours

Duration

7 days

Distance

397Km

Self-guided

The beauty of this package is in the freedom it offers: without a guide, you are free to decide the timing, pace, and stops of your journey. Travel freely, travel your way!

3/5 Medium

Moderate, between 35 and 85 kilometers per day with an elevation gain between 300 and 1000 meters.

Ring

The starting point is the same as the ending point, with overnight stays in different hotels and daily stages.

Description

Day 1: Arrival in Helsinki - Mikkeli (0 km; +/- 0 m)

Welcome to Helsinki! After your landing at Helsinki International Airport, you will transfer to Helsinki Railway Station to take a direct train to Mikkeli (2h 45 min). Mikkeli, the provincial capital of Etelä-Savo, is located in the heart of the Lake Saimaa region. This charming summer town offers numerous attractions, restaurants, and bars where you can relax and recover from the journey's fatigue. Your accommodation will be in a comfortable hotel in the city center. Get ready, your bike adventure is about to begin!

Day 2: Mikkeli - Puumala (Pistohiekka Resort) (60-80 km; +/- variable)

Your day begins with a meeting with your host in Mikkeli, where you will receive your bicycles for the first day of cycling in the magical Lake Saimaa region. Your guide will help you choose the best route to Puumala based on your preferences for distance and road quality. You have two options: a shorter, scenic, and easy route with little elevation; or a longer, even more picturesque route with 16 km on hilly gravel road, ideal to avoid traffic. You will arrive at Pistohiekka Resort, a paradise for active holidays on the shore of the magnificent Lake Saimaa, known for its award-winning architecture, enchanting nature, and delicious local cuisine. In the evening, you might enjoy the natural trails of Pistohiekka, and the resort's sauna will await you for some well-deserved relaxation.

Day 3: Puumala Archipelago Route (60 km; +/- variable)

Today you will tackle one of the best cycling routes in Finland: the Puumala Archipelago Route. With its 60 km of breathtaking scenery, bridges, and elevated roads where Lake Saimaa is almost always visible, the route also includes a scenic 40-minute ferry crossing. You will return to Pistohiekka Resort in the late afternoon for a delicious dinner and to rest after a sporty day. If you wish, you can also try kayaking.

Day 4: Puumala - Sulkava (47-68 km; +/- variable)

Your adventure continues towards Sulkava, a charming village at the heart of Lake Saimaa. You will have three routes to choose from, with distances ranging from 47 to 100 km, each well-maintained and rich in unique landscapes. The longest option includes spectacular bridge crossings and ferry rides from one island to another. Once in Sulkava, you can explore village life and stay in a cozy cottage near the village.

Day 5: Sulkava - Puumala (47-99 km; +/- variable)

The return to Puumala will allow you to choose again between three charming routes, each with unique features. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the village of Puumala, a lively summer market and one of the most picturesque lake villages in Finland. After a day of exploration and cycling, you will relax again at Pistohiekka Resort, where you can go rowing, kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoy the sauna and a rejuvenating swim.

Day 6: Puumala - Ristiina and back (90 km; +/- variable)

You will start the day cycling along the iconic Lietvesi elevated road, an image you will surely recognize from Finnish tourist brochures. With 32 km of gravel road, today's stage will lead you to discover old canals and the largest ancient rock paintings in the Nordic area, dating back to 2500-3000 BC. You will cycle a total of 90 km, stopping for lunch at Varkaantaipale or Nikinsalmi Canal, and then take a reinforced inflatable boat (RIB) to the Astuvansalmi rock paintings. The images and the beauty of the place will leave you speechless. You can return to Pistohiekka Resort by bike or opt for the return by inflatable boat (for an additional fee).

Day 7: Return to Mikkeli - Helsinki (0 km; +/- 0 m)

It is time to say goodbye to Lake Saimaa, but we hope to see you again soon. After a rich breakfast at the resort, a transfer to Mikkeli will be organized to take the train back to Helsinki. If you wish, we will be happy to offer you accommodation and sightseeing in Helsinki before your flight from Helsinki International Airport.

By choosing to travel by bike with us, you help us make the world a better place: we plant a tree for every trip sold

Why book online on Cyclando?

Because we guarantee you the lowest price and if your tour is not available or confirmed, you can always opt for the refund of the amount paid, or choose another tripfrom the over 800 on the platform.

Our cancellation insurance is the most advantageous you will find around!

Cancel for any reason

Trip cancellation for any documentable reason: pregnancy, illness, work and more, guaranteed.

Coverage of all costs

Full insurance covers all travel costs and penalties from companies, without worries.

Refund in 7 days

With Smart Claims, we guarantee fast refunds in just 7 days for complete peace of mind.

✅ What is included in the trip?

Travel/Medical Insurance 24/24
Overnight stay and breakfast
GPS or navigation APP
Luggage transfer
Local telephone assistance 7/7
Bike rental

❌ What is not included?

Transfers not listed as "Included"
City tax
Tips
Journey to/from the starting point of the tour
Meals and drinks not listed as "Included"
Extras
Entrance fees, ferries and anything not listed as "Included"
Welcome briefing
Detailed description and maps of the itinerary

💸 Cancellation fees

Time Range
Full refund
More 29 days of departure
75%
From 29 to 13 days before departure
50%
Up to 7 days before departure
Not refundable

Discovering Finland and Lake Saimaa by bike

To start a unique adventure, surrounded by nature, discovering Lake Saimaa by bike
To choose between scenic and scenic cycling routes that avoid traffic
To relax at the Pistohiekka Resort with its award-winning architecture and delicious local cuisine
To cycle along the renowned Puumala Archipelago Route, one of the best cycling routes in Finland
To experience the thrill of a ferry crossing on Lake Saimaa
To explore the picturesque village of Sulkava and stay in a cosy cottage
To discover the lively summer market and lakeside village of Puumala
To admire the ancient rock paintings of Astuvansalmi, dating back to 2500-3000 B.C.
To enjoy an unforgettable North European cycling tour through beautiful natural landscapes

Package only on request.

Some of our tours are not available or bookable at the moment. If you are interested in this tour, then ask our team for more information on upcoming availability, or on a similar tour available or bookable immediately!

🙋 Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my own bike?
Of course! You can participate in any tour with your own bicycle or rent one. However, we recommend renting because not all spare parts are the same, and only with our bikes can we guarantee the best mechanical assistance.
What kind of assistance will I have during the trip?
You will always have an emergency phone number to refer to. In self-guided trips, you should be able to perform minor repairs, like replacing a tube in case of a puncture, or fixing a dropped chain, but you can always count on local assistance for more serious breakdowns.
How do I know if a tour is within my capabilities?
We classify tours on a scale from 1 to 5 based on length, elevation, and complexity of the itinerary, but if you have doubts, contact us and we will help you find the most suitable journey for you.
What is the cost of renting bicycles?
The rental cost varies depending on the bicycle model and the duration of the tour. For some tours, we offer the possibility to rent different types of bicycles. During the purchase process for each route, you will be asked to indicate your preferred bike type and the corresponding price will be shown, so you can choose freely and without surprises.
Are rented bikes equipped with accessories like lights or bags?
Yes, rented bicycles are equipped with all necessary accessories to comply with road traffic regulations (lights, bell, etc.). A lock, repair kit, and a bag to carry everything you need for a day in the saddle are always included in the rental. Additionally, we offer the option to request extra accessories based on your needs.