East Lapland by Bike
Inspiring and authentic, East Lapland is a captivating region to explore by bicycle. Framed by scenic fells and lakeside stopovers infused with small-town charm, every route reveals a hidden story waiting to be discovered.
For those who prefer scenic e-bike rides with a cultural twist, each of our five municipalities offers a unique narrative. Explore the ’Destinations’ section to discover local points of interest and specialized tourism services across East Lapland.
Meanwhile, our five national parks — Pyhä-Luosto, Riisitunturi, Oulanka, Salla, and UKK — cater to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re into gravel, MTB, downhill, or bikepacking adventures. Let the journey begin!
Gravel routes
Mountain bike trails
Winter routes
Arctic By Cycle – Savotta Gravel Loop
Eurovelo 13 – Iron Curtain Trail
Kyllä
Kemijärvi: Luusua Bank Route
Posio Gravel & Bikebacking Routes
Kyllä
Posio Gravel Loop
Posio Gravel: Central Posio Loop
Posio Gravel: Hirsiniemi Loop
Posio Gravel: Riisitunturi National Park Loop
Posio: Riisitunturi winter cycling route
Pyhä Flow downhill MTB trail
Kyllä
Pyhä Wilderness Route
Pyhä-Luosto National Park MTB Loop
MOUNTAIN BIKING
East Lapland is a premier destination for MTB riders of all levels. Our well-maintained trails offer world-class mountain biking in Finland’s most stunning landscapes.
Pyhä-Luosto – Diversity & Flow
Explore over 170 km of marked trails, including 40 km of dedicated MTB tracks through ancient forests and fell landscapes. From the technical descents of ’Pyhä Flow’ to scenic beginner routes, the park seamlessly integrates wilderness experience with the high-end amenities of Pyhä Ski Resort.
UKK National Park – Ultimate Exploration
The UKK Trail offers a premier bikepacking experience through the vast wilderness of Savukoski. Cyclists can traverse open fells and pine forests while utilizing a strategic network of wilderness huts—ideal for multi-day expeditions defined by unmatched solitude.
Salla – Authentic & Challenging
Experience ’Salla – In the Middle of Nowhere.’ The park’s rugged terrain—defined by rolling fells, dense forests, and expansive mires—challenges seasoned riders while offering the profound silence and raw beauty unique to East Lapland.
GRAVEL BIKING
Discover Finland’s best-kept secret: an endless network of ”champagne gravel”—smooth, fast, and silent forest roads.
Posio – The Elite-Level Gravel
With over 600 km of curated routes, Posio is a gravel rider’s paradise. Traverse the iconic landscapes of Riisitunturi National Park and the shores of Lake Kitka, blending world-class cycling with cultural landmarks like the Pentik Ceramics Center.
Kemijärvi – Lakeside Serenity and Cultural Hub
Kemijärvi offers meandering routes along idyllic lake shores and through traditional Lappish villages. With its central railway terminus, comprehensive services, and venues like the Puustelli Art Centre, Kemijärvi serves as the logistical gateway for launching an East Lapland cycling tour.
Salla & Savukoski – Into the Wild
For those seeking raw, rugged terrain, Salla and Savukoski offer total wilderness immersion. These routes cross vast mires and ancient forests, following the historic UKK trail network—a true escape where the silence is as profound as the physical challenge.
BIKEBACKING
East Lapland stands as a premier destination for bikepackers and proponents of slow travel. fostering a profound connection to the Arctic landscape
Arctic by Cycle – The Adventurer’s Choice
The Arctic by Cycle network features curated gravel routes that showcase the region’s raw natural beauty and cultural heritage. Designed for self-sufficient adventurers, these trails are accessible via Bikeland.fi, the primary digital gateway to Finland’s cycling infrastructure.
EuroVelo 13 – The Iron Curtain Trail
Crossing through East Lapland, the international EuroVelo 13 integrates the region into a 10,000 km European network. This historic ’Iron Curtain Trail’ offers a unique perspective on Finland’s borderlands, blending untouched nature with significant historical landmarks and authentic local encounters.
WINTER BIKING
East Lapland is a premier destination for fatbiking. Our professionally maintained winter trails allow you to glide over frozen landscapes, offering a silent, meditative alternative to traditional winter sports
Riisitunturi – Iconic Snowy Sculptures
In Posio, the Riisitunturi winter trail leads you through world-famous ’crown snow’ (tykky) forests to breathtaking fell summits. This multi-use trail is expertly groomed for fatbiking, providing a surreal journey through Finland’s most iconic winter scenery.
Pyhä-Luosto – Adventure & Variety
The Pyhä-Luosto winter trail network is meticulously maintained, offering seamless access to diverse Arctic adventures. Combine your ride with ice climbing or snowshoeing, and keep an eye out for the Siberian Jay—the ’soul of the Lappish forest’—a frequent companion along these routes.
Salla – Into the Reindeer Roaming Realms
Salla provides an extensive variety of marked winter trails, from accessible paths to remote wilderness tracks. Pedaling across frozen wetlands and through silent forests offers a true escape, where the only company is often the reindeer roaming in their natural habitat.
Posio Gravel
Ready to experience the Korouoma Canyon, the Livojärvi Riviera and the Auttiköngäs? In Posio you will find a 600 kilometer gravel and bikepacking cycling routes, where you can immerse in the silence of Lapland along gravel roads leading to crystal-clear waters with sandy beaches.