Lappeenranta city cycling route

The route starts from Lappeenranta Harbor Square towards the Myllysaari beach and family park. The park features a children's playground, beach volleyball courts, fitness and climbing equipment, a parkour track, and a beach café. 

From Myllysaari, the route climbs the hill towards the central hospital and then offers a view over the golf course. After this, it continues along Kaukaankatu and Valtakatu streets back towards the city center. The route passes the Lappeenranta water tower and city center services.

After the city center, the route crosses the Bridge of Sighs to Rakuunamäki, an old garrison area that is now a unique and growing area offering restaurants, hotels, and various special services. The roots of Rakuunamäki date back over a hundred years. It was built in 1889 as the barracks for the Finnish Dragoon Regiment. After Rakuunamäki, the famous candy factory is passed, which the most persistent locals call the Chymos factory. The march route heads east until it turns down to the shore of Saimaa and the beautiful Rantaraitti route. The Rantaraitti route leads back towards the starting point.  

Finally, the most significant historical site in Lappeenranta is reached, the Fortress, where it is worth setting aside time to explore. The Fortress' museums, exhibitions, restaurants, cafes, events, and boutiques invite visitors year-round. Lappeenranta Fortress is part of a chain of fortresses built by the Russians in the late 18th century to protect St. Petersburg, known as the Suvorov fortresses, named after their builder, Generalissimo Aleksandr Suvorov. The fortress can be accessed via cobbled streets from three directions: through Viipurinportti from the city side, from Savonlinna gate from Saimaa, or through Vesiportti from the Kaupunginlahti side.

Finally, the route returns to the harbor, where you can sit in cozy cafes or ship restaurants. The Harbor Square offers fast food, vetyjä (hydrogen burgers) and atoms, as well as the delicious waffles of the Martta Association. Vendors are happy to explain the differences between vety and atomi, which are named after the fillings in the meat pies.

Next to the harbor stands Finland's largest sandcastle every summer, charming both younger and older visitors. Approximately three million kilos of sand are used to build the sandcastle, which is on display throughout the summer. The sandcastle's theme changes annually, and a variety of free and paid activities are offered for families during the event.

Route surface: asphalt, partly gravel on the Rantaraitti route. There is approximately 2 km of gravel section on the route.

Before the trip, it is good to check the weather forecasts. Dress appropriately for the weather. It is recommended to also bring first aid equipment, spare clothes, and enough snacks and drinks.

In an emergency, call 112. Tell your location and what has happened and listen to the instructions.

Finnish Forest Administration's hiking etiquette

Cyclist traffic rules

Lappeenranta Travel Center, address: Ratakatu 23, 53100 Lappeenranta.

The starting point of the route is Lappeenranta Travel Center, served by trains and buses. 

You can check train schedules on the VR website. 

Bus schedules can be checked on Matkahuolto.

Lappeenranta local transport schedules

NOTE! Local buses in Lappeenranta do not carry bicycles.

Target groups: occasional cyclists, families.