Kuopio southern cycle trail - easy city bike tour
Savonia University of Applied Sciences Verified partner Explorers Choice
This easy city bike route takes you from Kuopio market square to Väinölänniemi, one of Finland's oldest city parks with Kuopio's most famous beach, Vänäri.
The route continues to the Saaristokatu ("archipelago avenue") which is a road connecting new suburbs to the city centre over Lake Kallavesi. The road runs through several small islands and offers magnificent archipelago nature. Enjoy an ice cream at the Saaristokatu kiosk or snack on the island of Pölhö, where there is a lean-to and campfire site. There is a BBQ place on the small island of Savolanniemi, halfway through the route. The island can be reached via a bridge.
On the Rauhalahti area you can explore the hiking trail of Katiskaniemen kierto, which goes through flying squirrel forest. You may see kind of birdhouses made for flying squirrels. Despite this, it may be difficult to see a flying squirrel in daytime because they only move at night. The area is a nature reserve and belongs to the Natura 2000 network.
Author’s recommendation
Rest stops
Kuopio Market Hall - unique atmosphere and delicaciesHoliday resort Saana combines sauna and nature experiences
Sawohouse
Safety information
The cycle route runs on cycle paths, but crosses many busy roads. General care in traffic, adherence to traffic rules and special care when cycling with children are necessary even though the route is safe and easy.Tips and hints
Cruise and restaurant services at the Passenger Harbour:
Services at Saaristokatu Archipelago Avenue:
Saana, restaurant and sauna services
Rauhalahti Area:
Matkailukeskus Rauhalahti: holiday homes, cottages, camping and services
General info:
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Start the route from the Kuopio Market Square. Go along the Kauppakatu street to Snellmanin puisto park and continue along Vahtivuorenkatu street to the Passanger harbour, where many cruise ships leave, and there is also a lively restaurant offering in summer.
Then follow the route to Väinölänniemi, the oldest city park in Kuopio. There is also the city's most famous beach, Vänäri, with Cafe Väinö. At the top of the peninsula Väinölänniemi you can admire the historic gazeboses, one of the most idyllic ones located at the end of the small Unholanniemi peninsula. The rocky beach behind the Peränieme Casino is also a popular sunbathing and picnic spot.
Continue through the Brahenpuisto Park to Haapaniemenkatu, which turns into Tasavallankatu, cross the street and continue until you turn left onto Saaristokatu. Archipelago avenue Saaristokatu is 4,5 km long. Enjoy the scenery!
The Saaristokatu bridges have been named after the artists who have influenced Kuopio. The first bridge after the city is named after Ellen Thesleff. You are then on the island of Pölhö, where you will find the magnificent lean-to and campfire site of Pölhö. The second bridge is the Fridolf Weurlander bridge and the third is the bridge of Anton Lindfors. There is an ice cream kiosk on the island. The last bridge, in turn, has been named after Unto Koistinen.
The Saaristokatu street changes to the Lehtoniementie street, which leads to the bridge of Keilankanava, which offers spectacular views over Kallavesi. As you drive across the bridge, you may be wondering about the wooden posts. This is a road that is designed for the flying squirrels, along which they can cross a busy and wide road!
If you want to shorten the route, you can continue to Lehtoniementie, which turns into Petosentie, and join the bicycle route after Lippumäki swimming hall.
However, if you decided to bike the entire route, continue along Savolanniementie until you cross the Savolanmutka road. Then turn left onto the bike path that guides the Savolanniemi sports park. The Savolanniemi BBQ area can be found in the Savolanniemi sports park.
From Savolanniemi, the journey continues along Etelärannantie to Kotirannankuja, where you turn left and continue on Savolaniementie until you turn right onto Petosentie.
Continue to Petosentie until the route turns to the park area after Lippumäki swimming pool. The route continues between Petosenlampi and Pikku-Petonen pond to Rauhalahdentie and further towards the Kivilampi mill, where the route continues to the Rauhalahti area.
In the area of Spa Hotel Rauhalahti you can enjoy real Finnish experiences in lumberjacks's style of the 1950's in Jätkänkämppä: Traditional finnish evenings are organized every week on Tuesdays. Katiskaniemen kierto hiking trail (2 km) starts from the courtyard of the Rauhalahti Spa Hotel.
After Rauhalahti the route continues along Katiskaniementie and crosses the bridge of Särkilahti, after which the road is connected to Särkiniementie. Drive along Särkiniementie and turn right to Lohkaretie, from which the route continues as a small gravel road and runs across a bicycle bridge. Then you take a right along a gravel road and continue until you reach Saaristokatu again. Turn left and continue along Saaristokatu. From the crossroads of tehdaskatu and Saaristokatu, continue along Siikaniemenkatu, that leads to Valkeisenlampi pond. The route runs on the shore of Valkeisenlampi, goes past the city theatre and continues along Tulliportinkatu until you reach the market place again.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The starting point of the route is at the Kuopio Market Square, which is the hub for bus services. More information on bus schedules:
Public Transport in Kuopio Region: https://vilkku.kuopio.fi/
Buses on the map: https://bussit.kuopio.fi/
Getting there
Map and directions to the Toriparkki parking, under the Market Square: http://www.kuopionpysakointi.fi/assets/karttabwmod.jpeg
Parking
The Toriparkki parking is located below the Market square. It is open 24 hours. Kuopio Toriparkki parking is easily accessible from Highway 5, the entrance ramps are on the street Puijonkatu and the outcrops on the street Haapaniemenkatu.Coordinates
Equipment
Bike, cycling helmet, comfortable shoes and drinking water.
It is possible to cycle the route with a regular city bike.
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- 15 Waypoints
- 15 Waypoints
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