Cycle Tour Through Two National Parks

Discover the beauty of two Finnish national parks as you cycle through scenic forest landscapes and watch boats glide through the historic Kerman Canal. Along the way, charming rural villages offer perfect spots to rest, eat, or stay overnight.

This circular route starts in Savonlinna and stretches approximately 235 km. The first part of the route follows a quiet paved road, making for a smooth and peaceful ride. Your first stop is the picturesque canal village of Oravi, where you can catch a boat transfer to the main island of Linnansaari National Park, located in the heart of Lake Saimaa. The lush park is ideal for hiking and canoeing.

From Oravi, the route continues by bike to the Tappuvirta ferry, one of the few remaining cable ferries in Finland—only about 40 still operate, most of them on Lake Saimaa. After crossing the lake, you’ll cycle through beautiful countryside along a gently rolling gravel road toward the village of Heinävesi, then on to the Kerman Canal via a moderately busy paved road. Here, you’ll enjoy open views of free-flowing Saimaa waters.

From Kermankoski, the journey continues to the rugged cliffs and pristine wilderness of Kolovesi National Park, where motorboats are not allowed. This guarantees total silence, perfect for paddling or hiking in untouched nature.

You can return to Savonlinna via two different route options:

Option 1: Via Ihamaniemi and Kolovesi’s Western Edge
This route loops slightly back toward Heinävesi and then descends through beautiful rural scenery, passing the village of Ihamaniemi and entering the western side of Kolovesi National Park.
Here you can explore the 3.3 km Nahkiaissalo nature trail or go paddling from Kirkkoranta. Overnight stays are possible at designated camping areas in the park. Visiting Kolovesi via this route adds about 50 km to the total trip.

Option 2: Via Timonmäki and Road 471
This alternative continues from Kermankoski via the peaceful village road of Timonmäki to Road 471, following the landscape along Kolovesi National Park toward Enonkoski. [See alternative route »]

Both options merge near Enonkoski, where you can take a well-deserved break—have a meal or even spend the night. Located next to a romantic rapid, you’ll find the Kolovesi Nature Information Hut, which features an exhibition about the national park.

From there, the final stretch takes you through the countryside villages of Karvila and Makkola, heading back toward Savonlinna.