Acknowledgment of Lappeenranta region’s cycling routes

Lappeenranta region’s cycling routes were acknowledged in the survey of Finland’s most beautiful cycling routes, conducted by Yle News in June. From among approximately 30 responses, Yle News listed the route known as the 'Round trip to Vehkataipale pumping station', which starts and ends in Lappeenranta, among the five most beautiful cycling routes in Finland.

This route was especially complemented for the changing lake scenery. Approximately 40 kilometres in total, the round trip goes from Lappeenranta harbour over the Luukkaansalmi bridge via Taipalsaari to Vehkataipale and, from there, via Taipalsaari’s Saimaanharju back to Lappeenranta.

The cycle paths from Lappeenranta to Joutseno and Taipalsaari were also praised in the feedback from readers received by Yle. Many kilometres of the cycle paths between Lappeenranta and Taipalsaari run alongside the waters of Saimaa.

When active cyclist from Lappeenranta,Juhani Sirkiä, takes off on his bike, he makes sure he has time to enjoy the scenery.

– The round trip to Vehkataipale is one of my favourites. I stop to admire the scenery from the Vehkataipale bridge and watch people take their boats through the lock at the pumping station. The café at the Tuosa golf course is also a good place to stop for a break, says Sirkiä.

In the opinion of City Engineer Pasi Leimi, who is in charge of streets and the environment, the best way to get to know the different parts of the city is on a bike. If you want to take a short bike ride, cycle to

Skinnarila or Kanavansuu, for example.

The cycle paths in the Lappeenranta region will be improved in phases in accordance with a main route plan aimed at achieving an unbroken, year-round network of cycling routes, connecting various districts of Lappeenranta with residential areas, workplaces and services.

The main route plan includes a total of 95 kilometres of cycling routes. Pasi Leimi says that the next step is to install clear signs along the network’s routes. The signage will provide information on the best routes from each area to the city centre, as well as on routes maintained throughout the year. Safety will also be improved in the coming years by improving the lighting.

For more information, please contact:

City Engineer Pasi Leimi, +358 40 740 1643, pasi.leimi@lappeenranta.fi

Active cyclist from Lappeenranta Juhani Sirkiä, tel. +358 40 572 5530