Description of the destination:
Sarviniemi is a cape in the middle of the biggest open water of the lake Saimaa. The cape itself is part of the 2nd Salpausselkä, a big terminal formation formed by the latest ice age. Sarviniemi has a harbour, nice swimming beach and a well equipped piknik site with a cooking shelter. Longer distance cyclists can book a ferry ride that takes them either to Lintusalo island or cape Kyläniemi.
Description of the route:
Quiet gravel roads lead to Sarviniemi from Villa Lummelahti. The roads to follow are: first Kopinniementie, the right to Kuivasensaarentie. Then Pönniäläntie after the Tukialansalmi strait. Then Pyhälahdentie and Rantatie after which you’ll arrive the asphalted Suur-Saimaantie. Now you’re almost there, only 1 km to go before you reach Sarviniemi. On your way you’ll see countless lake bays, pine forests and hilly esker terrains. Also notice that near Sarviniemi your route follows the border of the training site of the Finnish defence forces. Notice and follow all the instructions that you’ll see on the roadside signs and you will not wander to places where moving is prohibited.
Additional info:
Sarviniemi: https://saimaageopark.fi/en/suuri-sarviniemi-end-moraine-ridge
Route details on a map: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42306881
Route length: 43 km there and back in total.
Duration: 3 – 4 hours with relaxed cycling speed.
Difficulty level: Medium.