If you are using the border crossing of Vaalimaa from Russia to Finland, continue your journey along the Via Karelia route by taking the road 387 to Lappeenranta. LAPPEENRANTA > IMATRA (36 km)
Route 6 north will take you deeper into the culture of eastern Finland.
IMATRA > PARIKKALA (61 km) The Bard and Border Road from Imatra to Parikkala runs on highways 3981 and 3991 through Niska-Pietilä and Miettilä. The Finnish National Road Administration has denoted this stretch of highway as a museum road. In the 17th century, it not only served local needs, but also served as a border zone and artery for military transports. There is a historic garrison area in Miettilä.
PARIKKALA > KITEE (81 km) If you continue along route 6 north, you will come to Northern Karelia, a region proud of its Orthodox heritage and unique Karelian culture.
Kitee is famous for its pontikka (hooch), famous under the name of Kiteen kirkas - nowadays legally sold in restaurants and off-licences - and for its enthusiasm for the Finnish sport baseball. In Kitee you can spend the night in a cosy little hotel or in Karjalan Helmi’s comfortable, high-quality cottages.
From Kitee you can continue along route 486 to Tohmajärvi and turn onto route 70 eastward to Värtsilä. Värtsilä is located close to the Russian border. The tour continues on route 500 along the Russian border northward to Ilomantsi.