Gravel Bike
|Rääkkylä
Saimaa by Cycle: Oravilahden loop 48 km
The Oravilahden loop (48 km) is a peaceful gravel cycling route in the beautiful rural landscapes of Rääkkylä. The route connects Paksuniemi harbor, Patrikanlahti beach, and idyllic villages.
The route only has digital route guidance. Instructions for the digital route guidance can be found on the Bikeland.fi website: https://www.bikeland.fi/blogi/pyorareitilla-navigointi-gpx-jaljen-avulla/
Description
The Oravilahden loop invites cyclists to explore the rural idyll of Rääkkylä and the village landscapes steeped in history. This 48-kilometer route offers a diverse combination of gravel roads (35 km) and asphalt (13 km), passing through horse and cattle pastures as well as along a narrow river winding beside a drained field. Each spring, thousands of birds also descend on this field to feed and rest. The starting point is the Paksuniemi harbor, whose restaurant provides a perfect end to the trip. Along the way, Patrikanlahti beach entices you to stop by the grill shelter or rentable sauna. The services in the Rääkkylä church village and the mouth-watering Karelian pies at Koivuniemi Camping also add to the experience. The route is suitable for those in normal fitness and offers a pleasant way to enjoy the peace and beauty of the countryside.
Safety
The phone network covers the entire route area: you can always call for help via the number 112 or through the 112 app.