The magnificent Saimaa Archipelago Route invites you to cycle in the summer of 2026

The stunning lake landscapes, rural and romantic archipelago roads and atmospheric ferry trips of southern Saimaa will once again offer an unforgettable cycling experience in the summer of 2026. The new season of the Saimaa Archipelago Route started on May 30, 2026.

The Saimaa Archipelago Route is at its best from June to August, when ferry services operate almost daily and the area's tourist services serve cyclists all over the Southern Saimaa region. The route offers a unique combination of natural peace, archipelago landscapes and local experiences, which is exactly what Saimaa is known for.

– In Imatra, the Saimaa Archipelago Route combines a variety of attractions and services. Cyclists are particularly attracted by the historical environment of Imatrankoski, the Vuoksi shore areas and the comprehensive accommodation, restaurant and wellness services of the Ukonrauha area. It is easy to stop along the route to enjoy both nature and more urban experiences, and Imatra serves as a natural base for both day trips and multi-night cycling holidays, says the Marketing and Tourism Director of the City of Imatra Jaakko Jäppinen.

The approximately 210-kilometer route passes through the areas of Lappeenranta, Imatra, Taipalsaari, Savitaipale, Ruokolahti and Joutseno. Along the way, cyclists can experience the shores of Lake Saimaa, the Salpausselkie ridge landscapes, idyllic villages and several Saimaa UNESCO Global Geopark sites, making the route one of the most amazing cycling experiences in Finland. The route map can be found here.

Ferry connections make the route smooth and enjoyable

During the summer of 2026, bicycle ferries operating on the route will make moving around the archipelago smooth and at the same time part of the travel experience itself. The Rasti bicycle ferry operates between Sarviniemi, Kyläniemi and Lintusalo in Puumala, offering one of the route's most spectacular water crossings. Schedules and tickets can be found here.

In addition, the Utula ferry service operates along the route, offering an alternative and atmospheric route on the peaceful archipelago roads of Äitsaari and Salosaari. www.utulanlautturi.fi.

The Puumala Archipelago Route also connects to the Saimaa Archipelago Route with the Norppa II bicycle ferry, which enables even longer cycling experiences on Lake Saimaa. Schedules and tickets: visitpuumala.fi

The Saimaa Archipelago Route can be ridden in both directions, and the trip can easily be divided into several days. The route runs mainly on paved roads and is suitable for both regular bicycles and electric bicycles.

Summer 2026 schedules, ferry tickets and route maps can be found at: https://saimaacycling.fi/saimaan-saaristoreitti/

For more information:

Marketing and Tourism Director Jaakko Jäppinen, jaakko.jappinenimatra.fi (jaakko[dot]jappinen[at]imatra[dot]fi), tel. 020 617 7008