General Information about Cycling in Finland
Many of the winter ski resorts become mountain bike resorts during the summer. Places offering pre-planned routes, cycle hire and guided excursions include Lahti, Kuopio/Puijo, Tahko, Hallanmaa, Ruka, Rovaniemi/Ounasvaara, Levi, Ylläs and Saariselkä. Other places in Finland also organize mountain bike treks. For example, the area of southern Ostrobothnia offers ready-planned trips to two national parks, Lauhanvuori and Kauhanneva-Pohjankangas.
 For those who prefer independent exploration, an atlas is available with route commentaries and difficulty levels for the Saariselkä area, for example, and trails are marked along the way. In western Lapland, too, at Levi and Ylläs, cycle hire and maintenance services are available to help the lone cyclist. There are trails to suit every taste.
All-terrain biking gives you the freedom to choose your own route, but it also requires a sense of responsibility. Wherever you go, you should always have a respect for the countryside and other hikers. Cycling in the national parks is generally prohibited unless special cycle routes have been set aside.
The highly fragile nature of the Arctic environment in the far north means that visitors should keep to forest roads and trails, of which there are thousands of kilometres. Southern Finland abounds in terrain that is excellent for mountain biking.
Further Information: Mountain Bike Club Finland MTBCF, Paavo Nurmen kuja 1, 00250 Helsinki, tel. and fax +358-(0)9-454 6466.
The guidebooks of the six cycling routes introduced on this web site and GT road maps are available from Genimap Oy and they can be purchased online from the Genimap Oy Netstore.
All-terrain bikers are advised to obtain outdoor maps of the areas they want to cycle. Some of these even indicate recommended ATB trail. They also detail forestry roads, cart tracks and corresponding forest roads, along which you can always cycle. But you should always ask locally if a certain track is fit for all-terrain biking.
Cycle safely
Cycling helmets are in general use in Finland. They are an absolute must for off-road biking but they are important for other forms of cycling too. The use of front lights during dusk and dark is regulated by law. Also make sure that the reflectors are kept visible.
When you plan a route, bear in mind your own fitness and the likely weather conditions. Experienced riders can easily manage long stretches in a day, but the holidaymaker who wants to see the sights along the way and perhaps dip in the lake or the sea to freshen up should not attempt to take in too many miles a day. And even if you are in good condition, you should take a few practice rides before setting out on a long journey. A strong headwind may slow you down by a surprising amount, so bear this in mind, especially if you are planning to ride in coastal areas.
You may wish to travel some of your journey by train, bus or aeroplane. Finnish Railways, bus companies and Finnair all have their own regulations for carrying bicycles. Please check with them before travelling.
Transporting the bicycle
By train
On InterCity trains, transport of a bicycle in the service car costs 9 euros. A bicycle can also betransported on separate express trains. At all other stations, you are responsible for getting the bicycle on and off the train. The transport of a bicycle in the conductor's department, 1 per person, costs 9 euros.
By local train
Transport of bicycles on the local trains costs 4.20 euros per trip. On a regional train, the cost is the price of a single adult regional ticket. Bicycles may not be transported on the local trains during rush hour, Mon-Fri 7-9 am and 3-6 pm.
By Bus
Bicycles can be transported on long distance buses. However, you should check with the relevant bus company in advance if there is space available on the departure you intend to use. The fee for transporting bicycles on buses varies from one bus company to another.
By plane and ferry
Always check directly with the airline or ferry that you are travelling with.
GT cyclist's maps
The cycling map Fillari GT is worth purchasing when you are going on a trip with bike. Fillari GT map series consists of six map sheets which cover the whole of Finland. You'll find almost 100 different routes marked on the maps.
For the Helsinki region we recommend the map called Helsingin seudun pyöräilykartta. It has all the cycle paths of the immediate surroundings of the capital desribed.
The route guides and maps can be obtained from bookstores and department stores.
The Cycling Guide Finland booklets (13 in all) contain all the information you need for a cycling holiday in Finland. They are useful both during the planning of your trip and on the road. You can obtain these guides from Genimap Map Shop (see Related Links).
Suitable daily rides for holidaymakers
Hard surface (main roads) - 30-80 km
Gravel surface (side roads) - 20-60 km
Paths and cart tracks - 15-40 km
Difficult terrain - 5-30 km
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