Taipalsaari scenic cycling route

The causeway between Taipalsaari and Lappeenranta with stunning Saimaa scenery is among the most beautiful roads in Finland. It can be ridden on a paved bike path, but elsewhere on this route you must cycle on the road edge. The terrain is varied with hills, but between uphills there are downhills where cyclists can coast freely but carefully. 

You can choose between two route options: the Vehkataipale loop is about 40 kilometers, and the longer, just over 50 kilometers route goes through the villages of Rehula and Levänen. The route suits all kinds of cyclists and you can also stay overnight along the scenic route, in Lappeenranta or Taipalsaari, if desired.

This route is known among cyclists as the Vehkataipale loop and is considered a very beautiful cycling route. In addition to the mentioned Taipalsaari causeway, the route crosses two high bridges over water (Luukkaansalmi Bridge and Toija Bridge) and the Vehkataipale pump station bridge. Along the routes, you can admire South Karelia's countryside. The cultural landscape with fields and houses offers variation from forest nature, and the lake views refresh the cyclist's mind.

If you have not previously explored the Lappeenranta Fortress area, it is worth setting aside time there at the end of the journey. The fortress museums, exhibitions, restaurants, cafes, events, and shops welcome visitors throughout the year. Lappeenranta Fortress is part of a fortress chain built by the Russians at the end of the 18th century to protect St. Petersburg, known as the Suvorov fortresses after their builder, Generalissimo Aleksandr Suvorov.

Route surface material: asphalt. The longer route option via Levänen also includes about 10 km on gravel roads.