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Discover the happiness – Cycling at lake Saimaa

Discover the happiness – Cycling at lake Saimaa

Explore Southern Saimaa by Bike - Cycling holiday for 5 nights

TOUR DETAILS

Duration: 5 nights / Length: 160 km / Available: 1.5.-15.10. / Group Size: 2-8 people

Holiday Includes:

• Welcoming guests at the train station in Kouvola

 • Instructions for the trip

• Elektrical bikes or gravel bikes

• Digital route guidance

• Map of the bike trail

 • Luggage transportation (from Kouvola railway station to Tuhannen Tarinan Talo to Salpalinja Manor to Lappeenranta railway station)

• 5 nights accommodation in double rooms: 2 x nights at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo 1 x night at Olkkolan hovi 2 x nights at Salpalinjan hovi

Meals:

Breakfast x 5

1 x lunch 2 x dinner and packed lunch at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo

• Activities nearby the accomodations

• Sauna x 5

DAY 1 Kouvola – Tuhannen Tarinan Talo approx. 60 km

The route winds through idyllic rural and forest landscapes. The starting point of the route is located in the center of Kouvola at the railway station, from where you cycle along the Väliväylä river route towards the beautiful rural village of Kannuskoski. At the beginning of the stage, there are a couple of nice spots by the Käyrälampi lake where you can enjoy lunch. Early in the stage, you will reach Valkeala, where you can find the necessary services for cyclists. Along the way, there are several pleasant rest stops by flowing water. The rapids and wooden bridge at Kyykoski are particularly recommended. In Kannuskoski, you will stay at the idyllic Tuhannen Tarinan Talo farm. Upon arrival, you can wash up and relax in a Finnish sauna, followed by a delicious local dinner. At Tuhannen Tarinan Talo, you can shake off the travel fatigue and rest comfortably in the atmosphere of a more than 100-year-old farmhouse. Accommodation is provided in the main building or in cozy double rooms in the renovated old barn.

DAY 2 Explore Kannuskoski Village by cycling, hiking, or canoeing. Rest and relax while getting to know the local lifestyle

After a good night's sleep and a delicious breakfast, you can get to know the local lifestyle at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo. If you wish, you can participate in farm animal care and explore the nearby nature by cycling, hiking, or canoeing. Canoes can be rented on-site. You can also go fishing or rowing on the nearby lake – fishing rods are available for loan. This day includes full board (lunch can be replaced with packed lunch), so you don't have to worry about meals

 

DAY 3 Tuhannen Tarinan Talo – Olkkolan Hovi 45-60 km

After a restful day in the rural village, the journey continues by cycling along peaceful gravel roads to Olkkolan Hovi in Savitaipale.

From the buffet breakfast at Tuhannen Tarinan Talo, you can also prepare packed lunches for your day trip. The route mainly consists of varying levels of gravel roads, with curves and hills adding variety to the journey. Small paved sections are mostly found in village centers. The most interesting spot on this stage is likely the Takomäki quarry. It is an old open-pit quarry where granite was once extracted. Nowadays, the quarry has filled with crystal-clear water, making it a stunning location where you can take a break and enjoy your packed lunch.

 

DAY 4 Olkkolan Hovi – Salpalinjan Hovi 50-85 km

The journey continues by cycling towards Lappeenranta.

On this section of the route, the beautiful lake views of Saimaa will leave you in awe. The first part of the stage runs along gravel village roads to the town of Savitaipale, where you can find shops and other basic services. Along the route, there are stunning beaches and the Röytyn local history house. The beautiful wooden church and the region's famous large ice cream scoops guarantee a pleasant break in the village center of Taipalsaari, where basic services are also available.

At the end of the day, you will arrive at Salpalinjan Hovi.

The manor-like Salpalinjan Hovi is built in a former log village school in Lappeenranta. Each room is unique and decorated according to different school subjects. The hotel offers the opportunity to explore the surroundings of the old village school and enjoy the gentle heat of the traditional juniper-scented teacher's sauna.

The hotel is located in the middle of beautiful South Karelian nature, near the hiking trails of the UNESCO Saimaa Global Geopark. The exciting war history sites of the Salpalinja are also right next to the hotel and freely accessible. The hotel has an EcoCompass certificate.

Accommodation is in spacious double rooms.

 

DAY 5

From the hotel, you can explore the interesting sights of Lappeenranta.

Spend a day in Lappeenranta. Lappeenranta is a vibrant city where history, culture, high-quality cuisine, and Finnish design come together. Founded in 1649, Lappeenranta has long been an important meeting point between East and West, shaping its unique atmosphere.
The Fortress area, with its cobblestone streets, museums, and cozy cafés, tells the story of the city's past as a center of trade and cultural exchange. Today, the fortress is home to museums, art galleries, and charming boutiques that bring history to life.

Lappeenranta is also known as Finland's coffee capital, boasting a diverse café culture. Local artisan roasteries provide top-quality coffee, while traditional cafés serve beloved Finnish pastries in atmospheric surroundings.

The city's restaurant scene is rich in flavors. Historic buildings house fine dining experiences inspired by local traditions, while cozy bistros and the vibrant market hall showcase regional delicacies, including fresh fish from Lake Saimaa and Karelian specialties. Craft breweries add to the city's dynamic food culture, offering innovative flavors for beer enthusiasts.

The harbor area is the heart of the city, where visitors can relax in cafés, enjoy summer events, and experience the lively atmosphere of the local market. Nature is always close – the shores of Lake Saimaa, lush parks, and the scenic waterfront boulevard offer breathtaking views and peaceful moments amidst the city's energy.

Beyond the city, Lappeenranta's surroundings offer even more to explore. The stunning Saimaa Geopark, unique rock formations, and picturesque countryside landscapes provide perfect destinations for a short getaway.

With its rich history, culinary delights, and stunning lakeside scenery, Lappeenranta is a place where the past and present blend seamlessly – welcome to experience its magic!

DAY 6

After the tasty breakfast in Salpalinjan Hovi you can take the train  back to Helsinki.