8 days / 7 nights) from £1,105 pp
Departure Dates: 1.6. - 31.8.2008
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding Lake Pielinen as you cycle along this carefully planned route in Finland's lake district. Cycling level of difficulty is moderate and accommodation is in hotels and guesthouses.
The great Lake Pielinen is the northernmost body of water in the Vuoksi water system. The lake's water resource is located across the border in Russia. The shores of Lake Pielinen are lined by steep northern tree-covered hills, of which the peak of Koli rises the highest. The shoreline is rugged and varies from majestic rocks to velvety beaches. Unforgettable attractions around Lake Pielinen, in addition to Koli, include Bomba holiday resort and the surrounding Karelian village, Pielinen Museum at the city centre of Lieksa, the studio of local artist Eva Ryynänen, the church of Paateri in Vuonisjärvi and the most recently opened Finnish Stone Centre in Juuka's Nunnanlahti.
Package price is £1,105 pp based on availability and two people sharing a twin or double room.
Package includes
- Direct flights from London to Helsinki on Finnair
- Domestic flights Helsinki – Joensuu on Finnair
- Airport transfers in Joensuu
- 7 nights accommodation in hotel in guesthouses
- Full board throughout the tour
- Map and directions for the route
- Bike rental
- All taxes
Day 1 Towards Koli National Park Take a direct flight from London to Helsinki and connect for a short flight to Joensuu.
Transfer from Joensuu to Koli. Check in to your cottage on the shore of Lake Pielinen. You can spend the rest of the day biking by yourself along various routes of Koli area.
Day 2 - National landscape and the history of stone (30 km) The stretch runs on even and hilly ground along a paved road. Start off the day with a trip to Koli National Park, known for steep northern tree-covered hills. The national park is full of wonderful sights, such as artists' lookout spots, white quartz rock formations, burn-beaten areas and traditional landscapes. In addition to rare geology and varied fauna and flora, you can find an information point, exhibitions and a multimedia presentation about Koli in an auditorium at Heritage Centre Ukko. On the way to Juuka, stop by at the Finnish Stone Centre in Nunnanlahti. The centre tells the story of stone through exhibitions, a geoinformation centre, treasuries and a stone park. Finish off the day with an hour's ride to Piitteri camping site. Dinner at a restaurant at the centre of Juuka, about 5 km away. Fishing trips available in Piitteri.
Day 3 – Towards the city of birch trees (55 km) The stretch crosses even and hilly ground along a paved road. This is one of the longest days of the trek. En route to Nurmes you’ll enjoy the Karelian countryside of Lake Pielinen. The city of Nurmes is located at the north end of Lake Pielinen. On the way to Hyvärilä Holiday Centre, it's worth cycling through the old part of town, Puu-Nurmes. It is an idyllic area with its wooden houses, located on a ridge between two lakes. The wooden buildings in the area form a part of precious cultural history and are protected in the town plan. Check in to the Holiday Centre in Hyvärilä and explore the Bomba Karelian village. It is a popular holiday resort offering several activities, such as open-air summer theatre and spa. You will also enjoy the Karelian buffet table at the restaurant of Bomba. In Hyvärilä there is a golf course.
Day 4 – Lieksa, the home of Brass Week (58 km) The route follows a hilly gravel road. The day of the trek takes cyclists through the villages of the eastern shore of Pielinen to the finishing point in Lieksa. The stretch is full of lively Karelian villages. At the halfway point bikers will pass the former mining village of Mätäsvaara that was in operation for a short period of time during World War II. At the centre of the old mine, there's a place we recommend for you to see: the quarry of Forström, used as a concert venue during the Lieksa Brass Week festival in the summer. Dinner at a restaurant in the city centre of Lieksa. Accommodation in a cottage at the Timitraniemi Camping by Lake Pielinen.
Day 5 - Karelian hospitality (30 km) The route takes an even paved road. Before leaving Lieksa it's worth visiting the city's famous cruciform church, designed by the architect couple Raili and Reima Pietilä and the Pielinen Museum on the opposite bank. The trek begins along a stretch on a main road, before turning to a scenic route that follows the shoreline of Lake Pielinen. Stop by at the studio of local sculptor Eva Ryynänen and the church of Paateri, and then head towards Vuonislahti. The vibrant village of Vuonislahti next to Lake Pielinen and the tree-covered hills of Koli is the home of Herranniemi Inn. Herranniemi was turned into an inn in the early 19th century and the keepers truly honour the tradition of Karelian hospitality. Sauna and dinner in Herranniemi.
Day 6 – The scenic shores of Lake Pielinen (25 km) Variable terrain, some hilly sections, gravel road for the first section. Start cycling after breakfast. Trekkers will be given a packed lunch from Herranniemi Inn. The route takes, in part, the winding road of Vorna, a scene for historic events during the Finnish War in the early 19th century. It's a beautiful ridge road, and we recommend you take your time to enjoy the marvellous scenery and a break for lunch at a rest stop. Arrive at Haapalahti Holiday Home in a wonderful location by Lake Pielinen. Sauna and dinner. Rowing boats for rent. Try catching fish in the evening on the jetty by the sauna.
Day 7 – To Joensuu via Ahveninen panorama bridge (53 km) This is one of the most beautiful parts of the trek. Early in the day, you will cross the beautiful Ahveninen Bridge where you can marvel at the view over the Pielinen boat route that connects the city of Joensuu to Koli. Enjoy a cup of coffee or an ice cream from the kiosk by the bridge. You bike further via Eno Village towards Joensuu. Accommodation in a cottage of Linnunlahti Camping in the city of Joensuu by the lake. Enjoy the river Pielisjoki in nearby boat harbour.
Day 8 - Joensuu the Karelian town After breakfast visit at Joensuu Market place and taste the Karelian atmosphere there. Transfer to the airport for your return flights.