Pielinen Kierros cycling route

The Pielinen Kierros offers natural beauty, inspiring views, and unique cultural experiences. This route suits both the peaceful leisure cyclist and the speed enthusiast. If you want to escape crowds, this bike trip is just for you. The journey around Pielinen mainly follows quiet gravel roads. The most challenging climbs and descents are near Koli National Park. The leisurely traveler will find enough sights and experiences for a whole week, while the speed lover can complete the route during a long weekend. In summer, a ferry operates across Pielinen from Koli to Vuonislahti. By boarding the ferry, you can choose to cover only the northern or southern part of the route.

In North Karelia, you can experience eastern culture with all your senses. Along the route, you'll find the region's most voted summer theatre, numerous chapels, idyllic rural landscapes with carpet drying racks, and interesting museums.

Food in North Karelia is a lively and rich part of the culture. Taste freshly baked Karelian pies with egg butter, enjoy fresh fish from Pielinen, and fall in love with berry desserts. There are diverse accommodation options along the route. You can stay at modest campsites or indulge yourself in spa hotels with stunning views. The route is easily accessible, and bike rental services as well as services for bike tourists are available in the area.

Learn about cycling safety at Liikenneturva's website.

You can start the Pielinen Kierros from Lieksa, Nurmes, Juuka as well as from Eno and Uimaharju, which are a short bike ride away.

Bus schedules for the towns can be found on www.matkahuolto.fi

From Joensuu direction, you can reach Lieksa, Nurmes, Eno, and Uimaharju by train. Tickets at vr.fi.

Read about planning a bike trip and gear for touring cyclists on the Luontoon.fi site