You can discover Lakeland Finland with its unique nature by bike on more and more well-maintained trails. Whether you prefer a more sporty and action-oriented mountain bike or gravel bike, or a more leisurely and relaxed trekking bike, we give you tips for specific cycling routes for every taste.
1. Gravel biking in the Lahti Region
The UNESCO Global Geopark Salpausselkä and its surroundings are an exceptional cycling destination thanks to their varied, diverse terrain and various waters. The distinctive landscape, formed by meltwater at the end of the Ice Age, lets you cycle along winding forest trails and hilly country roads over ridges and down to the shores of the lake. The conditions here are ideal for gravel biking.
Discover the best gravel bike routes in the Lahti Region ↗
2. Mountain biking in the Lahti Region
You will find some of the best mountain bike trails in Southern Finland at Salpausselkä in Lahti and the nearby Tiirismaa area in Hollola. The official trail network in both places is growing and will be complemented by more trails in Vierumäki, Aurinkovuori in Vääksy and in the Evo Hiking Area! Three different locations promise riding pleasure over three days.
Discover the best mountain biking trails in the Lahti Region ↗
3. Lahti as a hotspot for gravel events
FNLD GRVL is a gravel biking event that will take place in Lahti for the first time in June 2023. You can choose between three different routes, ranging from 40 to 177 kilometres in length. E-bikes are also welcome on the small Forest Route. In addition, the established Nordic Gravel Series will celebrate its traditional season closing event in the southern Lakeland Finland with “Falling Leaves Lahti”.
More information about FNLD GRVL ↗
4. Lakeland by Cycle bikepacking routes
Lakeland by Cycle consists of three bikepacking routes: the Old Church Gravel Loop (440 km), the Goblin’s Gorge Gravel Loop (349 km) and the Green Gold Gravel Loop (333 km). These three circular routes pass through the Lakeland landscape of the Jyväskylä Region, offering unique views of the region’s geology and nature. The routes are mainly easy to ride and, apart from short stretches of forest paths, the going should be relatively smooth. The routes have lots of wilderness shelters, camping grounds and guesthouses in addition to restaurants and stores. All the three main routes are easy to reach by public transportation.
More information about Old Church Gravel Loop (440 km)
More information about Goblin’s Gorge Gravel Loop (349 km)
More information about Green Gold Gravel Loop (333 km)
5. Cycling in Häähninmäki outdoor area in the Jyväskylä Region
The Häähninmäki outdoor area is located on the border between Hankasalmi and Konnevesi in the northern Lakeland Finland in the Jyväskylä Region. You will find cycling and hiking trails with a total length of about 35 kilometres. Admire the beautiful nature of Central Finland from the observation tower – or rent the cottage at the top of the observation tower for private use! The Häähnintupa cottage with cooking facilities invites you to take a break during your cycling tour.
More information about Häähninmäki ↗
6. The best scenic routes in Jyväskylä by bike
Choose your favourite from four different scenic routes to get to know Jyväskylä by bike. All routes are suitable for both beginners and experienced amateur cyclists. The routes around lakes Jyväsjärvi and Palokkajärvi, the islands Säynätsalo and Muuratsalo and the Lakes and Ponds of Jyväskylä Route will all impress you with their beautiful views.
More information about the routes in Jyväskyä ↗
7. On the Lake Trails through Lakeland Finland
The Lake Trails connect the beautiful nature of the Pirkanmaa region in Lakeland Finland, the rural areas, the national parks and of course the numerous sparkling waterways like never before. Along the routes you will encounter historic mansions, learn about culture and get to know the people in an authentic way. You can choose from five routes, such as the Pyhä Lake Trail, which takes you on a 30-kilometre route around Lake Pyhäjärvi, or the Näsi Lake Trail, where parts of the route can be travelled by steamboat or train. The 129-kilometre Aure Trail, on the other hand, is rich in Geopark destinations and takes you through the Seitseminen National Park.
More information about the Lake Trails
More information about the Pyhä Lake Trail
More information about the Näsi Lake Trail
More information about the Aure Trail
8. A wide variety of routes through Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark
Whether it’s just ten kilometres or more than 174 kilometres, the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark in the far west of Lakeland Finland has the perfect route for anyone who likes to ride a bike. Whether it’s a leisurely day trip or an off-road adventure of several days, everyone gets what they are looking for. There are special mountain bike and gravel trails.
Learn more about biking in the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas Geopark ↗
9. Cycling together at Pirkka Cycling in Tampere
Do you like cycling in company? Then Pirkka Cycling, part of the Tour De Pirkka with around three thousand participants every year, is just right for you. Choose one of the main legs of 217 and 134 kilometres, or select a shorter leg. For an unforgettable experience, take part in the Pirkka Night Cycling, riding your bike through the white Finnish summer night.
Learn more about Pirkka Cycling ↗
10. The Saaristo Trail in the Northern Saimaa Lake District
In the Oravisalo and Varpasalo areas, the Saaristo Trail invites you to discover the unspoilt nature of the Northern Saimaa Lake District. Here in the heart of Karelia, Lakeland Finland presents itself in its most pristine form. Enjoy fantastic lake views and discover impressive works of art at the rest stops created by artist Hannes Aleksi Hyvönen. The trails are suitable for regular bikes and cover gravel, paved roads and forest roads.
Learn more about the Saaristo Trail ↗
11. From Guesthouse to Guesthouse Biking Tour through North Karelia
The perfect solution for those who want to cycle through Lakeland Finland completely carefree is the From Guesthouse to Guesthouse Biking Tour offered by Äksyt Ämmät. Here you are provided with a bike and equipment, can look forward to seven nights in cosy guesthouses with meals and a sauna, and in the end all you have to do is pedal yourself – at your own pace, of course. The total distance covered in eight days is about 100 to 200 kilometres, depending on the route chosen.
Find out more about the From Guesthouse to Guesthouse Biking Tour ↗
12. Cycling around Lake Pielinen
Finland’s fifth largest lake, Lake Pielinen, awaits you in the north-east of Lakeland Finland. On its shores, the majestic Koli Mountains, part of the national park of the same name, offer a panorama that will move you to tears. During your almost 250-kilometre cycle tour, you will also visit exciting places such as the Paateri Church, created by sculptor Eva Ryynänen, and the Karelian village of Bomba in Nurmes.
Learn more about the Pielinen Cycle Route ↗
13. On the Ox Road through the Häme region
The Häme Ox Road (“Hämeen härkätie”) is a historic trade route across southern Finland. You can discover a large part of it by bike. The 70-kilometre trail, suitable for experienced cyclists, starts in Letku, where you can get provisions at a village shop. It leads you through shady forests, along green meadows and ancient cultural landscapes. Refresh yourself in cosy cafés along the way, until you finally arrive in Hämeenlinna at the famous castle.
More information about the Häme Ox Road ↗
14. The Häme Lynx Trail takes you through Liesjärvi National Park
Would you like to immerse yourself in the diverse nature of the Liesjärvi National Park in the Häme region in the south of Lakeland Finland? The Häme Lynx Trail is a great way to do this, taking you along pine needle trails, duckboards and gravel roads through the idyllic landscape. Highlights include Lake Ruostejärvi and the beautiful sandy beach of Villa Erik. The trail can be cycled using different trail alternatives on a touring bike or mountain bike.
Learn more about the Häme Lynx Trail ↗
15. Ride across Kanta-Häme on the Kalvola Church Trail
Kanta-Häme is a historic landscape that you cross on the Kalvola Church Trail. The diverse trail takes you along gravel roads, forest roads and paved roads. After starting at the medieval stone church in Tammela, you pass the Mustiala Manor. After a forest section, take a rest at a shelter with a fireplace until you reach Kalvola Church.
Read more about the Kalvola Church Trail ↗