Biking tour in northern Lake Saimaa district

Biking in Lake Saimaa on Bridge in Orivesi

Hidden treasures, summer cottages, small villages, locals, authentic Karelia with slow and silence travel themes. Ecological way of living is here the standard. The food is local and we use organic products!
Silence does not mean a total lack of sounds but a possibility to relax – alone or in a group.
This biking tour leads you from villa to villa through Karelian islands villages along soft and slightly hilly roads.
You will stay in holiday cottages in Rääkkylä and Kitee, in which a pleasant small town atmosphere exists side-by-side with an active countryside. The peaceful Finnish way of life is combined with modern services and beautiful natural surroundings. Rääkkylä is a community of islands, culture and enterprise that reflects the best traditional and modern aspects of the international world.

Price: 1285 €/person
Group size: 3-6 persons
Accommodation: Cottage Anttila, Villa Raita and a Village Hall are all situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa.
The price includes: accommodation in double rooms, full board, sauna, self-guided individual tours (you’ll meet the guide in the accommodation), information and route maps of the tours, luggage transfer, group transfer from/to Joensuu airport or railwaystation, (about 1 hour driving time from the first accommodation).

Dates:
11.-18.5.2024
18.5.- 23.5.2024
31.8.- 7.9.2024
7.9.-14.9.2024

OBS Families and small groups. If you want other dates and possibilities, please ask!
Bike rental: Tour bikes with 24 gears; 150 € or E-bikes; 300 € including helmets and panniers. Biking along slightly hilly roads of Rääkkylä and Kitee, south of Joensuu.

Programme:
Saturday: Island-hopping in Karelia
Arrival at Joensuu airport or Joensuu railwaystation at about 17 hours, transfer by car to Villa Raita, about 1 hour driving time. Highlights: Arvinsalmi ferry and brigdes from island to island. In Villa Raita welcome & information, sauna and evening meal.

Sunday: Get to know the Saimaa Island life
Introducing the bikes and places to visit. Self-guided tour in the surroundings 25-40 km (Saaristo Trails). Options: swimming, rowing, canoeing, visit Village Hall.

Monday: Day as an organic bee-keeper
Guided honey bee safari at organic Luomumansikka farm. Self-guided nature experience: Nature trail in a private nature protection area in Apajalahti.

Tuesday: Home of folk music
The self-guided biking tour from cottage to cottage begins with another section of 40 km. Visit Rääkkylä (20 km), the home of Kihaus Folk festival and Värttinä folk band. Opportunity to visit a local handicrafts shop Onnenkauppa. Lunch at a cosy lakeside restaurant. Accommodation in Haapasalmi Village Hall (20 km) or a cottage. Sauna and evening meal with entertainment.(together with locals).

Wednesday: Hiking along Saimaa shores
The self-guided biking tour continues with another section of 40 km. (After 24 km) in Muljula, you can stop for a 4,7-km walk along a marked, beautiful forest and lakeside trail . Later you’ll have the opportunity to visit a village shop. At your accommodation, Anttila cottage, on the shore of Orivesi, you’ll enjoy sauna and evening meal.

Thursday: The hometown of Nightwish
Self-guided tour to the centre of Kitee, getting to know the town, lunch in a restaurant. Accommodation in the Anttila. Biking distance about 35 km. Along the way optional visit to an atelier and garden of two artists.

Friday: Canoeing and summer house gardening
Guided canoeing tour on a lake, duration about 2 hours. You have a possibility to visit a summer house garden. Sauna and dinner.

Saturday: Time to say hei, hei! Transfer to airport/railwaystation

Anttila – summerhouse of contemporary folk artist
The total floor space in the main building is 100 square metres.. Downstairs kitchen, living room and a bedroom. Upstairs 2 smaller bedrooms and a living room with beds for 2.
Additionally an outbuilding near the house that sleeps 3 . Total number of beds in Anttila: 9 .
The interior of the main building is of wood and slate stone with thefireplace and artwork of the same material.

Villa Raita – authentic Finrelax Experience
Villa Raita is a modern 5-star villa, ideal for families or outdoor parties, on a private island in Saimaa lakeland; parking directly at the house, barrier-free access. Villa Raita holiday cottage, run by a family company, is one of only few Authentic FinRelax Experience locations.
Karelian-style holiday cottage in the midst of old trees that gives you space for thoughts, relaxation and reinvigoration. The high-grade facilities, the availability of individual services and the scenic surroundings are a guarantee for a luxurious holiday experience.
Nature trail with picnic place in a private nature reserve, routes for paddling and rowing with a guide or on your own (maps and safety instructions provided): water nature trail (4 km) and water orienteering trail (20 km ¨) with gps-cordinates and maps . Cycling routes on northern Saimaa Islands ideal for touring bikes.

Costs: 
Please inquire