A new route will be introduced to Savonlinna’s nature trail system. On summer weekends, this new cycling route will include a cruise on the eastern part of Pihlajavesi. A launch event for the route will be arranged via Teams on Valentine’s Day.
Savonlinna’s nature trail system will soon be complemented with a new route. The Lake Pihlajavesi Cycling Route forms a 75-kilometre loop, which includes a lake crossing on a sightseeing boat. The route runs through Punkaharju, with its wide range of services, and criss-crosses across varied lakeside and rural landscapes. About halfway through the route, you can enjoy a break and admire the lake scenery from aboard a boat travelling between Pellossalo and Särkilahti. Starting from summer 2022, the boat route will be operated by a new company, Open Shores Saimaa, which also offers other cruises on Lake Saimaa.
- ‘The two-hour cruise along the waterway known for its population of Saimaa ringed seals is a unique experience, which turns cycling around this route into a memorable occasion. The sightseeing boat, which is covered to provide protection from the elements, also offers catering services and opportunities for relaxing in a sauna or trying out various water sports,’ explains Jenni Mikkonen, project manager for the Nature-Saimaa project.
Companies operating in the Savonlinna region have actively advocated for new cycling routes of varying lengths to meet their customers’ needs. The number of cyclists on the archipelago routes running in the regions of Puumala and Saimaa has increased steadily in recent years, and visitors are always on the lookout for new routes to explore. At the same time, local travel businesses are developing their services to meet the growing demand. In light of the visitor figures for the other cycling routes in the region, it is clear that the new route offers huge potential for the travel industry, thanks to the increasing popularity of cycling. International surveys indicate that the Finnish Lake District is also an interesting cycling destination for travellers from abroad, and visitor numbers are likely to go up over the next few years.
The Nature Saimaa project is aimed at creating an attractive and diverse nature trail system in the Savonlinna region in line with the principles of sustainable tourism to offer every visitor a suitable way of exploring the area. Cycling routes of various lengths and levels of difficulty are part of this plan. Exploring the region on two wheels, combined with a scenic cruise, offers the best way to experience the unique landscapes and tranquil atmosphere of the Saimaa area.
The launch of the Lake Pihlajavesi Cycling Route will be organised as a virtual event via Teams on 14 February 2022 between 2 pm and 4 pm. At the event, we will introduce the new cruise organiser and tell you more about the opportunities offered by cycling tourism and related development schemes in the Savonlinna region.
Further information on the event and a link for joining (only in Finnish): https://elinkeinopalvelut.fi/savonlinnan-luontomatkailureitisto-taydentyy-uudella-pyorareitilla-pihlajavedella/
Further information: Project Manager Jenni Mikkonen, jenni.mikkonen@savonlinna.fi, +358 50 462 1443
