Saimaa by Cycle Gravel: Tohmajärvi Loop

The Tohmajärvi Loop heads east from Tohmajärvi towards Värtsilä, close to Finland’s eastern border. The route follows a varied mix of gravel roads, small village roads and, in places, the old line of a former hiking route. The full loop works well as a longer day ride, but it can also be split naturally into two days, turning it into an easy and rewarding overnight trip.
On the way to Värtsilä, the route passes the Saarionkoski Power Plant Museum and the old Vääräkoski power plant, whose massive stone walls make it one of the most memorable places along the route. From Vääräkoski, the loop enters its slightly more adventurous section, following the old hiking route towards the new bridge over the Kangasjoki River and an old lean-to shelter. This section adds a small taste of wilderness to an otherwise accessible route of gravel roads and quiet side roads.
Near Värtsilä, the route passes Harkkolampi swimming beach, Patsolankoski rapids and the Myllypuro lean-to shelter. As a village on the eastern border, Värtsilä has a distinctive atmosphere of its own: the closure of the border crossing has quietened traffic, while the surrounding landscapes, nature and small details feel more present than ever. For cyclists, Värtsilä offers a calm pause in the borderland scenery.
From Värtsilä, the route continues south of Tohmajärvi via the Martat summer café and flea market, and onwards to the Akkala flea market and summer café. In the same area, you will also find Itärajan Helmi, one of the most important services for touring cyclists in the region. It works perfectly as a rest stop or overnight base, and makes the route a natural choice for a short bikepacking trip.
The route can be ridden in full via Värtsilä, or as a shorter version by continuing directly from Vääräkoski towards the southern side of Tohmajärvi. As an overnight trip, a good option is to start from Kirkkoniemi, ride about 60 kilometres on the first day to Itärajan Helmi, and return to the starting point on the second day with a shorter ride of about 18 kilometres.