Saimaa by Cycle Bikepacking: Pyhäselkä Loop

Pyhäselkä Loop begins from Joensuu railway station, offering an easily accessible starting point for the journey. The route first follows the shores of the Pielisjoki River before gradually leaving the city behind and heading toward the gravel roads on the eastern side of Lake Pyhäselkä near Hammaslahti.

The opening section is easy and enjoyable riding, with scenery shifting from urban surroundings to quiet village roads, open fields and forested stretches. Hammaslahti serves as the first natural service point along the route, offering a grocery store, restaurant and bakery café.

From Hammaslahti, the journey continues toward Rääkkylä via Maatilamatkailu Villa Valkea, which provides an excellent overnight option. Rääkkylä is one of the route’s most natural places for a longer stop or overnight stay, with services well suited for bikepackers. Paksuniemen Majatalo and Koivuniemen leirintäalue are especially well positioned for a two-day trip, sitting close to the halfway point of the loop.

After Rääkkylä, the route continues toward Oravinsalo, one of Finland’s largest inland islands. From Oravinsalo, riders cross the water via the Arvinsalmi ferry before continuing toward Saariston Puoti, whose pizzas have been awarded among the best in Finland. The route then turns toward Liperi and the shores of Kirkkolahti, where riders once again return to lakeside scenery and a natural break spot.

From Liperi church village, the route continues toward Ollilan Tupa, a cozy and important service stop that is well worth visiting. Through Ylämylly and the outdoor recreation area of Pärnävaara, the route reaches Lykynlammen ulkoilumaja, one of the highlights of the entire tour. The café offers small snacks and refreshments, while the sauna world and swimming opportunities provide an ideal recovery stop before returning to Joensuu.

From Lykynlampi, the route returns to Joensuu via lakeside paths and winding outdoor recreation trails.

Pyhäselkä Loop can be ridden as a very long single-day ride for strong cyclists, but it is best experienced over 2–4 days, allowing time for exploration, swimming breaks, cafés and a relaxing sauna stop at Lykynlampi.

The route can also be combined with the M/S Suvi-Tuuli boat connection between Joensuu and Saariston Puoti, making the route highly flexible for different bikepacking itineraries. The boat option allows riders to combine cycling with a lake journey through the landscapes of Northern Saimaa.