Saimaa Cycle Tour and Saimaa Gravel Tour routes
Finland has over 188 000 lakes and around 180 000 islands, many located in the Saimaa lakeland area. The Saimaa lakeland area is a blue labyrinth of lakes, islands, rivers and canals, interspersed with forests and ridges. The Saimaa area is full of beautiful scenery and roads which enables us to build an amazing route for the Saimaa Cycle Tour.
The Saimaa Cycle Tour route has been designed by three-time Elite road cycling Finnish Champion Juho Suikkari. The route is based on his former training routes.
Saimaa Cycle Tour 300 km
The entire 300 kilometer route is driven along an asphalt road. Both the start and the finish is located at the Imatrankoski bridge which crosses the Imatra rapids, the very first tourist destination in Finland.
The route departs west towards Lappeenranta and the first service point will be situated next to Lake Saimaa just before the the Lappeenranta harbour area.
From Lappeenranta the route continues over roads surrounded by lakes to Taipalsaari and Savitaipale. Many roads are esker roads and offer beautiful views before entering the vast forest areas. The route make a turn at the Mikkeli city center and you can relax at the route's furthest service point at Mikkeli Park before continuing towards Puumala. On your way to Puumala you will ride over rolling hills and by the numerous lakes. The highlight of the whole route will be the Lietvesi area before Pistohiekka beach where you will ride through a picturesque road which twists in the middle of the lake from island to island.
After you have crossed the Puumala bridge you will ride through the rolling hills to the town of Ruokolahti. At Ruokolahti you will climb to the famous church hill where you will find the last service point before turning back towards Imatra for the final stretch to the finish line.
There will be eighth service points of which two offer a warm meal. All service points will also offer first aid, bike service and massage services.
- 50 km Lappeenrannan harbour
- 89 km Municipality of Savitaipale
- 120 km 10 Paikka / Puolmatka - Suomenniemi (includes a warm meal)
- 162 km Mikkeli Park - Mikkeli
- 191 km Elovena service - Anttola rest stop
- 214 km Pistohiekka - Puumala (includes a warm meal)
- 248 km Foodin service - Old province border - Puumala
- 280 km Church Hill - Ruokolahti
- 300 km Finnish - Imatra rapids
More information about the food and drink available at the service points will be published in the Saimaa Cycle Tour 2025 Event Guide, which will be published in June 2025.
GPX file updated on 20 June 2024.