Cycling along the Iron Curtain Trail in South-East Finland

  Bike tour to the peaceful east-west border, the eastern border of the European Union  

This route has many quiet sections where you can breathe fresh air, enjoy the varied scenery and the soothing forest. Along the way, the sites will reveal the region’s past in the border between East and West. The journey ends in Finland's national landscape in Punkaharju, where you can return to Lappeenranta or continue to Savonlinna. You meet hospitable local people. Natural peace and a relaxed lifestyle are the virtue here.  The accommodations are in atmospheric small bed & breakfasts and traditional summer cottages or cabins away from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Our Iron Curtain Trail of South Karelia is part of the Eurovelo 13 route of the European Cycling Route Network (Iron Curtain Trail).

TO BE SEEN ON IRON CURTAIN TRAIL

• Lappeenranta city, harbor and Fortress
• Imatrankoski rapids and Vuoksi river
• Border Museum and other small museums
• Museum road along Russian border
• Nature spots at Hiitolanjoki river and Siikalahti bird lake
• Creepy statue park!
• Charming JaananPiha farm and garden
• A lot of forests and country landscape
• Beautiful scenery in Punkaharju at the end of the tour

IRON CURTAIN TRAIL DETAILS

Start Lappeenranta (train station + airport)
Destination Punkaharju (train station)
(The route can be done in the opposite direction as well)

Length of the tour/route
6 days (5 nights), total length about 210 km, daily distance 20-50 km

Type of route
A linear trail, you come back to the start by train. Daily cycling to the next accommodation.

Difficulty
Fairly easy terrain, some slopes for variation on the route. Cycling path in towns, small roads in country side. Gravel roads 20-30 km. 

Guidance
Self-guided tour. Exact instructions are given to follow the route at your own pace. Guidance on attractions above is available upon request.

To whom?
For people who are interested in nature, local culture and the history of the border area, who are keen on exercise to some extent, and who appreciate an unhurried timetable. The recommended group size is 2-4 persons.

Season
From May to September, best are the summer months from June to August. Day of departure is selectable.

PRICE 720 € / PERSON

INCLUDED IN THE IRON CURTAIN TRAIL PACKAGE

• Travel planning, program organization and route directions
• Welcome meeting and telephone support daily 8 am – 8 pm
• Accommodation in B&B and farm houses / granary in countryside
• Breakfast and small packed lunch, dinner only if mentioned on program
• Luggage transfer
• Information on sights and events along the route

NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PACKAGE

• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Personal insurance (recommended)
• Travel tickets to the starting point, tickets to museums or events

DAILY PROGRAM FOR IRON CURTAIN TRAIL TOUR

Day 1 20-25 km
Welcome meeting and packing the bikes. Lappeenranta Fortress and boat harbor, Saimaa Canal. B&B accommodation.

Day 2 30-40 km
To Imatra, Imatra rapids, Vuoksi river and museums in Imatra. B&B / hostel.

Day 3 40-520
Border museum, Museum road. B&B.

Day 4 15-20 km
Hiitolanjoki recreation area. B&B.

Day 5 35-40 km
Statue park, Siikalahti bird lake. Farmstay at JaananPiha.

Day 6 40 km
Punkaharju, Forest museum. Return to Lappeenranta by train.

ACTIVITIES OR GUIDANCE CAN BE ADDED TO THE TOUR PROGRAM ON REQUEST (EXTRA PRICE), FOR EXAMPLE

• Guided tours in Lappeenranta and Imatra
• Trip to an island and sleeping camp cabin, boat transfer
• Guided excursion to a nature trail, lunch at the camp fire
• Cross border to Russia by bike and visit neighboring town Svetogorsk – note you need to get a visa beforehand!
• Tour can be started in Imatra – that means 30 km shorter distance
• Cycling back to Imatra or Lappeenranta is also possible – that means 2-3 days more

Watch Luis-Fernando's tour video and read his travel log on Iron Curtain Trail!