Saimaa is the biggest of Finland’s 188,000 lakes. This is the best way to get pleasure from its finest components in a day by e-bike.
After I was first invited to cycle Finland’s Puumala Archipelago Ring Highway, I eagerly accepted. Regardless of being a bit of rusty, I satisfied myself that 60 kilometres on an e-bike could be a breeze.
And it was – till 55 kilometres in. Regardless of rigorously conserving the battery for the ultimate hills, the bike started to sluggish and jolt. Then, the horror: my battery instantly died fully. Left by the roadside, I pushed the bike uphill, accompanied solely by a couple of curious cows watching my sluggish progress.
Though totally pleasing, my first biking journey in Saimaa Lakeland left a nagging feeling. I wished to finish the entire 60-kilometre tour, not sit in a van with the bike within the boot for the previous few kilometres.
Quick ahead a few years, and I am again within the Saimaa area with my mum, aunt, dad and uncle – two e-bike professionals and two full novices.
Armed with a bag stuffed with snacks and a thermos of espresso, I’m decided that this time we’ll conquer the Puumala Archipelago Ring Highway in full.
Easy methods to plan an e-bike journey in Finland’s Saimaa Lakeland
Of Finland’s 188,000 lakes, Saimaa is the biggest – and one of the vital stunning. Winding throughout islands, bridges and eskers, the round Puumala Archipelago Route affords the easiest way to see it.
We employed our eLite bikes from Saimaa Bikes, which offers leases within the space from €70 per day for adults, full with helmets, first-aid kits and security vests.
They’re delivered to our begin level at Sahanlahti Resort – identified for its gorgeous location on Saimaa’s shores and its award-winning native delicacies – proper on time at 9am. After choosing up a route map from the resort, we set off on our biking journey.
Alongside the cycle paths, you may additionally discover route markers and repair stops to restore damaged bikes.
Understanding one of the best pit stops from my earlier journey, I select a scenic spot for a late breakfast. Norppalaavu, a free lakeside lean-to shelter situated 12 kilometres from Sahanlahti, has designated hearth spots and bathroom amenities (a wood hut within the parking zone).
I had imagined us leisurely sipping espresso and soaking within the views over Saimaa’s glittering waters. However we get distracted by picturesque Puumala en route, with its wood church and harbour market.
Pressed for time to catch the noon bike ferry, our breakfast break at Norppalaavu is lower from thirty minutes to 5.
Easy methods to entry the Puumala Archipelago Ring Highway
The Puumala Archipelago Route consists of two ferry journeys. Fortunately, solely one among them pits you in opposition to the clock.
For those who cycle the ring street clockwise, the primary ferry is the year-round Hätinvirta automotive ferry, which takes passengers to the island of Niinisaari each 20 minutes. From right here, a 16-kilometre street passes farmlands and crosses bridges to a different island, Lintusalo.
Right here, the route’s second ferry departs from Nestorinranta Resort and is solely for bike and bike passengers. This ferry operates as soon as per day from June to August, so it’s necessary to test the timetable so that you don’t miss the connection.
Tickets could be purchased on-line or on the ferry. Since it might solely accommodate 20 passengers, pre-booking is really useful, particularly on sunny days. A ticket, together with your bike, prices €18, and the ferry crossing takes 40 minutes.
Scenic ferry rides and seal-spotting
Sitting on the ferry and having fun with the serene views of the Puumala Archipelago showcases a few of Finland’s finest components.
The Saimaa space has been the Finns’ favorite location for summer season cottages for many years, however in recent times worldwide vacationers have began to search out the calm and comparatively cool summer season spot, too. In 2024, Saimaa Lakeland was awarded the title of European Area of Gastronomy, which is predicted to spice up customer numbers additional.
“Most overseas guests come from Switzerland,” says Pirjo Kapanen, who operates the bike ferry together with her husband. “However actually, there are cyclists from throughout Europe coming right here throughout summer season.”
On my earlier journey across the ring street, I noticed my first Saimaa ringed seal on this ferry. This time, there aren’t any seals or their pups on the rocks. However, Kapanen, who was born by the shores of Lake Saimaa, factors out a easy rock poking out of the lake because the ferry passes it. Locals name it ‘Härkähylkeenpää’ – the top of a male seal – as a result of it could possibly be mistaken for an enormous one.
Actually, the endangered seals – named for the small circle patterns that dapple their fur – are a giant a part of Saimaa’s id. As soon as close to extinction, the seal inhabitants has grown for the reason that Nineties because of vigorous conservation campaigns. Right now, there are some 400 ringed seals swimming in Saimaa’s lakes.
My biking journey ended with Midsummer reminiscences
After the ferry docks on the tiny Hurissalo harbour, it is a 15-kilometre journey, first on gravel after which on asphalt, to the route’s last spotlight: Lietvesi Scenic Highway, which winds from one little islet to a different.
Simply after this comes the newly opened Pistohiekka Resort. With a lakeside sauna and restaurant, the property’s sandy seaside was as soon as a preferred spot for legendary Midsummer events.
“However that was within the 70s, earlier than punk music ruined all of it,” my father reminisces as we lastly have on a regular basis on the earth to get pleasure from a cup of espresso in a scenic lay-by. The identical spot the place we used to cease on our household street journeys round Saimaa with a van.
