Finland is one of the few mountain biking destinations where you can ride around the clock during summer. Experiencing the midnight sun on a mountain bike is truly unforgettable—something everyone should try at least once in their lifetime. What makes Finland a unique MTB destination is the endless variety of forests, fells, hills, and bogs, ensuring there’s always a trail to explore, no matter where you are in the country.
In addition to mountain biking trails, numerous bike parks across Finland offer riding opportunities for both beginners and more experienced downhill riders. The idea of downhill biking is similar to skiing in winter: take the lift up, and enjoy the ride down! Just like skiing, downhill biking is a fun activity for all ages.
Favorite mountain biking destinations
Ylläs
With its seven fells, Ylläs provides a great setting for outdoor activities in all eight traditional seasons. Select the appropriate trail for your level of ability from Ylläs’s extensive route. There are 190 km of shared access routes suitable for mountain biking in Ylläs.
Photo: Visit Ylläs
Fiskars Village Trail Center
The first trail centre in Finland has been built in the forests surrounding Fiskars ironworks. The area has refurbished and maintained trails that will take many days to fully explore. However, all activities are concentrated in a small area, so all the family can pick the trail that suits them best and get together at the end of the ride for a relaxing lunch at one of the various restaurants in the area. A great destination for a day trip!
Photo: Roll Outdoors
Levi
In Levi, you can go mountain biking in spectacular scenery all year round, but perhaps the most unforgettable opportunities are available during summer and autumn. Memorable cycling experiences are made possible, for example, by the light of the midnight sun or a terrain tinted by beautiful autumnal hues. The stunning midnight sun in Fell Lapland lasting from the end of May until July is the perfect time to enjoy cycling. The area has routes for mountain bikers of all levels of ability. Mountain biking on the fell is an unforgettable experience!
Photo: Visit Levi
Saariselkä and Kiilopää
Over 230 kilometres of mountain biking routes during the summer season. You can ride in the forest or on top of the fells. In the summertime, you can even ride around the clock in the beautiful light of the midnight sun. Sleep late and ride out in the evening – not because it’s too hot, but simply because you’re on vacation.
Photo: Roll Outdoors
Kontionpolut MTB trails
Kontionpolut is the most popular route for mountain biking in Kontiolahti. The Kontionpolut trails consist of four circular paths of different lengths and levels of challenge. The trails connect with the Jaama Trail operated by the city of Joensuu, to Lykynlampi and through a connecting route to the Kinttupolut of Liperi. There is also a connecting trail from Kontionpolut to the Kolinpolku trail, along which you can reach all the way to the National Landscape.
Photo: Kontionlahti tourism
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
To make the most of your bike ride in Finland, we have compiled all the information you need in one place.
Everyman’s Rights make Finland a unique biking destination and allow for non-harmful travel and vacation in forests and natural areas. Take a closer look at the rights and responsibilities brought by the Everyman’s Rights. In Finland, cyclists often use the same paths as hikers, in which case it is important to familiarize yourself with the mountain biking etiquette before starting your cycling trip in Finland.
BIKE-FRIENDLY SERVICES
To get the most out of your cycling trip check out the Finland’s numerous bike friendly businesses. You regognise these bike friendly services along your route rom the Welcome Cyclist badge. There you can pump up your tires, do basic adjustments, charge the batteries of your devices and get tips on local bike paths while stopping to take a break.
Mountain biking etiquette
A cyclist should be familiar with good practices before commencing their bike ride