See the north’s spectacular rugged fells with reindeer when you ride through Lapland. Learn to know the Sami culture and Finland’s beautiful clean nature without forgetting war history.
Total: 672,5 km
Distances:
Näätämö (from the Finnish - Norwegian border) - Sevettijärvi 33 km
Sevettijärvi- Hietajoki Camping (Sevettijärventie 3390) 54,4 km
Hietajoki Camping - Kaamanen 35,4 km
Kaamanen - Inari 28,6 km
Inari - Karhunpesäkivi 16 km
Karhunpesäkivi - Ivalo 22,9 km
Ivalo - Saariselkä 30,7 km
Saariselkä – Tankavaara Gold Village 31,8 km
Tankavaara Gold Village- Vuotso 8,8 km
Vuotso - Peurasuvanto 35,9 km
Peurasuvanto - Sodankylä 51,5 km
Sodankylä - Luosto 38,5 km
Luosto - Pyhä Ski Resort 23,6 km
Pyhä Ski Resort - Pelkosenniemi 23,9 km
Pelkosenniemi - Savukoski 42,4 km
Savukoski - Saija 38,2 km
Saija - Salla 41,8 km
Salla – Karhunkierros Visitor Centre 42,6 km
Karhunkierros Visitor Centre - Käylä 27,8 km
Käylä - Ruka Ski Resort 18,3 km
Ruka Ski Resort - Kuusamo 26,4 km
From the village of Näätämö, next to the border between Norway and Finland, you will ride at a slight incline along the EuroVelo 13 route through wilderness and fells towards Inari. You will pass the third largest lake in Finland, Inarijärvi. Sevettijärvi, pure and original Sami village is one of the rare places, where you will hear Skolt Sami language in everyday use. The village’s heritage house acts as a museum to showcase the culture of the Skolts.
In Inari, you can see the Sami culture strongly presented in the museum and culture center Siida. One third of the population of Inari is Sami and one of the most important livelihoods is the reindeer industry, which the Sami people have practiced for centuries. Reindeer caretaking is a natural part of the fell and forest ecosystem. You will also be able to take a day trip to Pielpajärvi wilderness church. You will be able to see a lot of reindeer along the roads in Lapland so you do not have to ride along the EuroVelo 13 route by yourself.
In Ivalo, you will find Lapland’s most diverse services. Ivalojoki (Ivalo River) runs through the center of Ivalo, which is known for its gorgeous sceneries. Nowadays, you can also pan for gold there. Before Saariselkä, the Iron Curtain Trail has a challenging hill. Saariselkä Resort is next to Urho Kekkonen National Park – Finland’s second largest national park. In this park, you can see remains of the ancient Forest Sami’s life and admire the gorgeous fells, clear water and steep gorges. Saariselkä is Inari’s largest tourism center, it also is the most northern center in Europe. Services are within walking distance and the peacefulness of the wilderness is right around the corner. You can pamper yourself in the most northern spa, or go hiking the fells.
In Tankavaara Gold Village is the world’s only international gold museum, where you can pan for gold, even in the winter time. In the museum you can see Finnish gold history and the history of the whole world’s gold rush.
Finland’s most southern Sami village, Vuotso, is a small village in the middle of Sompio Nature Park and Urho Kekkonen National Park. Its east side rises with the fell area that is called Nattaset, where you can climb along the marked route to Pyhä-Nattanen and enjoy the gorgeous hills.
The Iron Curtain Trail continues to Sodankylä, which is known for its annual film festival. You should also visit the multiple nature trails in the area. The northern lights hut Pohjan Kruunu showcases the northern lights through photo and video shows, regardless of weather conditions or the time of year. You can learn about local design and ceramics in Sodankylä’s craft shops.
The Pyhä-Luosto area is the combination of Pyhä and Luosto’s fell centers, which are along the EuroVelo 13 route. You can rest in the amethyst spa and enjoy the beautiful scenery from the top of Lampivaara fell. At the Amethyst center you can dig out your own lucky amethyst. In the area, there are a lot of other activities and the rugged landscapes of the National Park are right next to you. At the Nature Center, you can read about the history of the fell area and explore its nature along the hiking nature paths. Finland’s biggest gorge, Isokuru, as well as the lake at the bottom of it are worth seeing.
In Pelkosenniemi, you can find a statue of Andy McCoy (famous for being the lead guitarist in the band Hanoi Rocks). People who long for peacefulness can enjoy the quietness of the little village. Beautiful scenery opens up form Valopilkku-bridge. The terrain is easy for a bike due to the low incline.
The wilderness of Savukoski is touchable. The traditions of the remote areas of Savukoski are extremely important to the area. There are also ten times more reindeer than people there. If you are interested in war history, you should visit the north point of Salpa Line, where you can walk along boardwalks. For the people who like nature, there are plenty of interesting and different hiking paths. In Savukoski, there are also plenty of historic monuments.
Towards Salla, along the Iron Curtain Trail, there are two war monuments. In Kuosku, there is a memorial monument of those who died due to tank and mine attacks. There are also well preserved war stations still visible from the winter war. The eastern border is only three kilometers away, which brings its own excitement to the EuroVelo 13 route. Before Salla, the Iron Curtain Trail route ascends in a zigzag way, but not too steeply. In Kelloselkä, there is an armor barriers trench as well as an area which was built during armistice.
Salla is located in the middle of the wilderness and offers memorable thrills to the cyclists of Iron Curtain route through different activities. From the Salla fell you can see all the way to Russia, if the weather conditions are in your favor. In Salla, you can see a lot of traces from World War battles. It is important and interesting area with its war history. In the center there is the Museum of War and Reconstruction that represents Salla’s history throughout the 1900’s. In Salla Reindeer Park, you can learn about reindeer, the surrounding area and its flora as well as the animals in its exhibits.
The Cellar of Sotka is the only building remaining from the Winter War and it was a very important place to stop by at that time. Along the EuroVelo 13 route there is also Oulanka National Park, which showcases breathtaking scenery, gorgeous steep rapids and the rugged hills can be experienced in Pieni Karhunkierros, which is 12 km long and the most famous hiking route in Finland.
Ruka is a very famous ski resort where you can find activities around the year. During the summer time, Finland’s longest summer sleigh course is a fast way to familiarize with the scenery. There are a lot of marked hiking trails at Ruka, and there are services to everyone in the village. The Juhannuskallio route, 300 meters, will take the hiker to vast open scenery.
Coniferous forests and ponds surround the Iron Curtain Trail on your way to Kuusamo and the road is mainly descending mildly. In Kuusamo, war history is vibrantly visible and there is, for example, the 3rd Army Corps Memorial, as well as a Revolutionary War Hero Memorial. At Karhuntassu Visitor Center, there is Finland’s first nature photography center, where you can see photographer Hannu Hautala’s life work on display. Cyclists in Kuusamo are able to meet Finland’s large carnivorous animals at either Kuusamo Predator Center or on a guided bear watching trip. The clear-watered rivers are great for both beginners and experienced kayakers, if you decide to go on a canoeing trip. Kuusamo is known for its gorges and canyons – the most famous of these, Julma-Ölkky, which at its steepest is over 50 meters tall, is situated south of Kuusamo.
Cycle through vast ancient forests and tree-covered hills, where you are able to enjoy the peacefulness of the nature. Visit Finland’s most famous war history areas and learn about Kalevala as well as the life of the small villages.
Total: 409 km
Kuusamo-Poussuntie (crossing) 18 km
Poussuntie-Teeriranta Camping 50,8 km
Teeriranta Camping-Hossan Lomakeskus 10,2 km
Hossan Lomakeskus-Juntusranta 28 km
Juntusranta-Paukuttaja (monument) 13 km
Paukuttaja-Suomussalmi 57 km
OPTIONAL ROUTE:
Suomussalmi-Raatteen Portti 22,3 km
Raatteen Portti- Honkajärventie/Kuhmontie crossing 27,2 km
Suomussalmi- Honkajärventie/Kuhmontie crossing 16,9 km
Honkajärventie/Kuhmontie crossing -Vartius 42,5 km
Vartius-Lentiira 19,5 km
Lentiira-Kuhmo Winter War Museum 39,5 km
Kuhmo Winter War Museum -Kuhmo 4 km
Kuhmo- Kainuu/North Karelia border – 56,5 km
Kainuu/North Karelia border -Heinäjoki Encirclement 19,6 km (Rastinjärventie 241)
Heinäjoki Encirclement –Café Annukka (Jongunjoki) 8,5 km
Café Annukka-Lieksa 27 km
South of Kuusamo, the EuroVelo 13 trail follows the eastern forest scenery. The cyclists will find themselves in the middle of the wilderness, where services and people are sparse. Along Poussuntie road, close to Lahtela’s hut, there are signs leading to Vanttajajärvi, where you will find among other things large destroyed bunkers as well as shooting foxholes.
The terrain is hilly and goes through large wilderness areas. While cycling through the wilderness of the EuroVelo 13 route, one can understand how important the forest is to Finnish people. Many people still earn their livings off of forestry and it is easy to forget ones worries there.
Hossa area is an old culture area and has amazing ridges and water landscapes, where the beauty of the nature takes you away. Hossa’s Värikallio gorge painting is most likely painted during the Stone Age and is composed of over sixty different images. You can access different forms of reindeer at Hossa Reindeer Park, for there you will be able to meet and take a ride with the reindeer, as well as eat reindeer on a plate.
Along the EuroVelo 13 trail, you will come across Juntusranta, Ruhtinansalmi’s center, which is right along the eastern border. South of Juntusranta, you will find the Paukuttajavaara war history memorial, which is erected in the memory of the air strike victims of the Winter War.
You can relax at Suomussalmi at a spa and also take a wilderness tour and spot some bears and other wildlife. Suomussalmi’s specialty is their musical instrument system, Soiva Metsä, which is built into the ridge of Kaunisniemi. The largest instruments are over six meters tall and serve also as art instalments. At Lentiira, you can see wild animals, such as bears and wolverines by boat, kayaking or hiking.
OPTIONAL TRAIL:
War history is a large part of Suomussalmi and one of the most important battles of the Winter War was fought on the Raatteentie road. You can familiarize yourself with war history at Suomussalmi’s museum or visit numerous war memorials along the trail. East of Raatteen Portti resides Purasjokilinja, a restored defense line. At the Winter War Museum you are able to see original war time products as well as a tank that was used during the war. The Raate Frontier Guard Museum is the only preserved guard station, which was built before the war and tells the story of the lives of the National Guard before WWII.
Kuhmo is one of Finland’s as well as EuroVelo 13’s most rough country towns, where you can see Kalevala culture the most. There you will find the culture center Juminkeko, which tells about Kalevala and Karelian culture. There is also one of the largest collections of Kalevala in the world. In Kuhmo you can also go kayaking, and river rafting. At Kuhmo Winter War Museum, you can see exhibits on the war and refurbished war areas. At the cemetery you will find a war memorial for tank strike victims.
After Kuhmo, the EuroVelo 13 trail takes you downwards, but at some points it is still quite hilly. The scenery is worth seeing at Jonkerinsalo Nature Conservation area and the Hiidenportti gorge area. North of Lieksa, in the small town of Nurmijärvi, there are different activities available around the year.
Arriving closer to Lieksa, the cyclist will be able to see the sparkling waters surrounding the trail on a clear sunny day. Rukajärvi Centre, which is situated in Timitranlinna, tells about war history surrounding the border areas and at the Lieksa Museum you can see history of Pielinen-Karelia. At Lieksa’s church you are able to spot multiple war memorials. If time allows, definitely check out the art studio of Eva Ryynänen and Paateri church, which resides 30km from Lieksa’s center. Also, Koli National Park is worth seeing.
The closeness of the eastern border and watchtowers far in the horizon, as well as the war history attractions are a part of your trip in the south. Cycle through countryside, past glimmering lakes and get to know the local style of living both in small and bigger towns.
Total: 601,5 km
Lieksa - Pankakoski 7 km
Pankakoski - Hatunkylä 23,3 km
Hatunkylä - Kitsi 13,1 km
Kitsi - Pihlajavaara 34,5 km
Pihlajavaara - Hattuvaara 16,4 km
Hattuvaara – Korentovaara 10,4 km
OPTIONAL ROUTE:
Korentovaara-Möhkö 31 km
Möhkö-Mutalahti 41,7 km
Korentovaara - Ilomantsi 28,2 km
Ilomantsi - Mutalahti 27,9 km
Mutalahti - Hoilola 19,5 km
Hoilola - Värtsilä 23,5 km
Värtsilä-Tohmajärvi 20,3 km
Tohmajärvi-Kitee 20,1 km
Kitee-Puhos 14,1 km
OPTIONAL ROUTE:
Puhos-Kesälahti 24,1 km
Kesälahti-Niukkala 19,7 km
Niukkala-Rasvaniemi 23,9 km
Rasvaniemi-Parikkala 20,3 km
Puhos-Villala 21,3 km
Villala-Raikuu (crossing) 8,6 km
Raikuu (crossing)-Kerimäki 18,4 km
Kerimäki-Savonlinna 23,2 km
Savonlinna-Tanhuvaara Sports Institute 13,3 km
Tanhuvaara Sports Institute -Punkaharju 32 km
Punkaharju-Särkisalmi 20,9 km
Särkisalmi-Parikkala 6,5 km
Parikkala-Simpele 17,0 km
Simpele-Laikko 12,1 km
Laikko-Miettilä 9 km
Miettilä-Imatra 33,1 km
OPTIONAL ROUTE:
Imatra-Nuijamaa 48,4 km
Nuijamaa-Vainikkala 22,7 km/
Nuijamaa - Lappeenranta 29,6 km
Imatra - Joutseno 19,2 km
Lappeenranta - Vainikkala 28 km
Vainikkala - Ylämaa Gemstone Museum 25,7 km
Ylämaa Gemstone Museum - Miehikkälä 37,5 km
Miehikkälä - Virolahti 10,8 km
Virolahti - Vaalimaa 6,6 km
The EuroVelo 13 trail from Lieksa’s center to Pankakoski is mainly smooth, but later turns hilly. In Lieksa’s Hatunkylä, there resides the defense line of the Winter War times known as Viisikon Linja, which was the best armed defensive line of Lieksa. In Ilomantsi’s Hattuvaara, Finland’s most eastern town, you will find Soldier’s Trail, the war time memorial trail. You will also find many other war memorials here. The Soldier’s Trail was built by veterans of the war, as well as the townspeople. In the town you will also find Makkola Museum Farm as well as Europe’s oldest Orthodox Chapel that is still in use. There are trips from Hattuvaara to the most eastern point of the continental Europe, which resides 18 km from the center of town.
OPTIONAL TRAIL:
Before Korentovaara, the Iron Curtain Trail dives towards dirt roads toward the eastern border. The trip to Möhkö is relatively easy, despite the lack of services along the way. The trail is mainly downward, which eases the trip. The Öykkösenvaara trail is full of war history spots, as you can find restored as well as original war time stations and other war buildings. Close to the eastern border you can find the Möhkö Ironworks Museum, where you are able to see old buildings and become accustomed to lumbering traditions. Ilomantsi’s wildlife is a combinations of esker landscapes, old primeval forests, swamps and different bodies of water, which the cyclists can enjoy for example in Petkeljärvi National Park.
Ilomantsi is known not only for its war history, but also for cherishing its Karelian culture. At Parppeinvaara Bardic Village, travelers are able to experience both as well as Ilomantsi’s landscapes. Rukapirtti, as in the Border General’s camp is a one of a kind war history spot, as its original furniture and old timber structures bring the war stories to modern day. Parppeinvaara Bardic Village has traditional buildings and history exhibits on display and Karelian traditional food can be enjoyed at Parppeinpirtti’s restaurant. For wine lovers, Hermanni’s Wine Tower can be found in Ilomantsi, where gorgeous views can be seen from top of the tower.
On your way to Värtsilä, the Iron Curtain Trail winds through birch and coniferous forests, occasionally passing through fields. Along the way there are hilly trails, but mainly the road descends slowly. In Värtsilä you can visit Arppe, the town yard, where you can find the Mill museum that has different old tools on display. Värtsilä is known for its bird watching spots, and there are also fantastic fishing and kayaking possibilities.
In Tohmajärvi, you will find many memorials from the Winter and Continuation Wars. Puun Sielun Koti (the House of the Tree’s Soul) hides diverse wood art. In Kitee you can see war history by visiting the local museum. Here you can also visit the Kitee Zoo or Aqua Park, which is a great spot for families.
OPTIONAL TRAIL:
The busy Kuutostie road is left behind and when you get closer to Kesälahti, the sparking river waters become visible behind the forest trees. The majority of the Iron Curtain Trail here is dirt roads, which curve through fields, forest and lakes. The terrain is partly hilly all the way until you reach Parikkala. During this section, there are hardly any services available.
In the town of Raikuu, which belongs to Kerimäki, there is Raikuu’s Salpa Station where cyclists can stop for a short walk in the idyllic forest scenery. Kerimäki is world known for the world’s largest (27 meters tall) wooden church. At Hotel Herttua you can find a permanent installment of war history, which showcases different Finnish wars, restored war graves and artillery equipment.
Savonlinna’s most famous sight-seeing spot is the most northern European stone castle from the Middle Ages, Olavinlinna, which is an important part of Finnish war history. Inside the castle there is an exhibit showcasing the different stages of the castle. The city is surrounded by water, which is fantastic for any water activity loving tourist. The summer is packed with tourists visiting the castle to participate in the official Opera Festival. In Tallisaari, there is a war memorial dedicated to the Kollaa battle.
Along the EuroVelo 13 trail near Punkaharju, the scenery is worth seeing. The area is filled with short hiking spots, which go interspersed through the ridges of pine forests. At the arboretum you can see many different species of trees. War history is a strong part of Punkaharju, as it is situated close to the border. A Salpa Line construct is found in Punkaharju Nature Reserve, where you are able to visit. One can truly feel the tranquility of Kokonharju primeval forest area as it’s in the middle of the old primeval forest.
Sight-seeing spots in Parikkala include the Statue Park, where you can find over 500 different concrete statues. If one has extra time, there are also idyllic village sights that showcase the cultural value of the area. One can truly feel the history bursting through the old buildings there. As Parikkala is situated near the old border, one can find many memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers of the war as well as those left in old Karelia.
From Parikkala, the EuroVelo 13 trail continues through Simpele to Imatra’s fields and lake scenery. The scenery here showcases quite a traditional Finnish farming area, as the scenery quickly changes from fields to forests. The road is partly hilly, but the incline is not too steep. Along EuroVelo 13, at Miettilä, one can find a garrison area where there is Kollaa museum as well as the local history exhibition. There are only a few buildings left from the 1880’s.
Imatra is best known for Imatrankoski, which is Finland largest rapids as well as Finland’s oldest tourism attraction. During the summer time, there are shows daily related to the rapids. At Imatra’s Border Museum, they have on display the history and operation of the Border Patrol from the last 100 years. In Imatra, one can also find the War Veterans and Nurses Museum, where one can see different outfits and artefacts from the Winter and Continuation War. You can also participate in a guided tour in Kruununpuisto or enjoy the sights on your own.
OPTIONAL TRAIL:
As you leave Imatra Rapids behind, the Iron Curtain Trail continues through green and open fields towards Nuijamaa and Vainikkala. One can sense the eastern border when the terrain turns into dirt roads and winds through forest, and almost touch the border in Nuijamaa, as the border is a mere 100 meters from the town. There is an option to continue to Lappeenranta along the Saimaa Canal or cycle straight to Vainikkala.
In Joutseno one can find South-Karelia’s Automobile Museum, where the cyclist can see old cars before continuing on to Lappeenranta.
During the summer in Lappeenranta, there is Finland’s largest sandcastle. Those interested in war history can find many war memorials. The city also has six museums, one being the Cavalry Museum, which is situated in the historically important fortification area of Lappeenranta. The fortification was erected in the mid 1600’s in defense of the Russians. A Crane Couple Statue is situated in the town center park in the memory of the killed or wounded of the Winter War.
Vainikkala is situated in the middle of beautiful countryside scenery. The fields, when green, when yellow, shine bright for passerby’s to enjoy. The terrain is fairly flat, but occasionally changes with a singular hill here and there. One should stop at Ylämaa and visit the Gemstone Museum where one can see different gemstones as well as different minerals and jewelry. In Ylämaa one can see a restored portion of the Salpa Line.
At Miehikkälä, there is a Salpa Line Museum, as well as Pioneer and Homeland Museum. At the Salpa Line Museum one can take guided tours along the fortress route and inside exhibition, which showcases the history of the Salpa Line. The 50 km long Salpa Line route from Virolahti to Miehikkälä is a grand way to view the war history of the area. The terrain of the EuroVelo 13 trail from Miehikkälä to Vaalimaa is fairly even and easy.
Virolahti is situated close to the border and sea, which brings its own tone to the area sights. From the area one can find a Bunker Museum, where the war history of the area is on display.
