Cycling tour in Paanarvi

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Paanajarvi National Park is one of the most inaccessible places in the Northwest.

Here, the mountain peaks are separated by deep gorges, numerous lakes, various swamps and stormy rivers with noisy rapids and waterfalls.

The slopes of the mountains and river valleys are covered with virgin, almost undisturbed forests, among which spruce forests strongly predominate.

The landscapes are fascinating – see for yourself on a seven-day multi-active tour of the park.

The tour is conducted individually, on request. The cost can be clarified with the manager.

Location

Russia, Republic of Karelia, Louhi urban-type settlement

Bicycle tours

from

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Unity with nature

We will feel happiness from being surrounded by the fascinating landscapes of Karelia

Boat trip

We will sail along the deepest lake among the lakes of Russia, Finland and Sweden — Lake Paanarvi

Hiking romance

We will wake up and fall asleep to the sounds of wild nature, there are thousands of stars in the "hotel"

The huge rock of Ruskeakallio

We will meet the steep 60-meter rock Ruskeakallio

Myantyukoski Waterfall

The height of this handsome man reaches almost 9 meters, the water falls in five steps

Itinerary

Day 1 - Acquaintance. National Park "Paanarvi"
We will meet at the Louhi railway station (we recommend train No. 16A), get acquainted with the instructors — you will easily find them, they will be in branded blue T-shirts.
After a brief acquaintance, we get on the buses and go to the starting point of our adventures — the village of Pyaozersky (109 km).
The journey will take 2-2.5 hours.
Before we set foot on the territory of the Paanajarvi National Park, we stop at the visitor center to register.
Here, in the visitor center, there is also a museum, which we will definitely look into.
Wildlife is represented in all its glory in the Paanajarvi National Park: high mountains, clear rivers and deep lakes, as well as rare species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book.
It is for these reasons that the park itself is divided into several zones: there is no access to two of them, but the third – recreational – is organized for tourists.
There are strict rules in this area that must be followed.
This is done in order to protect and preserve natural landscapes and Red Book plants and animals.
We continue our journey, we go to the shore of Lake Paanajarvi on the territory of the national park itself.
The entire national park was named after this lake.
We are staying in a tent camp in a specially equipped parking lot.
After lunch, we go on a walking tour.
In the evening, we help the instructors prepare dinner and spend time talking around the campfire.

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Day 2 - Astervayarva Nature Trail walking route
We have breakfast and go along the hiking route “Astervayarva nature trail” (17 km round trip).
The route provides a good opportunity to get acquainted with different types of landscapes, forests, small lakes and rivers, swamps and meadows.
There are a lot of swamps and damp areas on the route itself, not everywhere the flooring is in perfect condition, so think about comfortable shoes for today's trip.
On the way, we will also meet Lake Astervajarvi, after which the route is named.
100 m from the northwestern tip of Lake Astervajarvi, the trail crosses a wide clearing.
In 1920-40, the state border with Finland passed along it.
Astervajarvi is a typical small forest lake.
The Mutkajoki River is its largest tributary.
Going down to the river, you can see the millstones of the old watermill.
The trail goes out at the mouth of the Mutkajoki River to Lake Paanajarvi.
There is a boat and a rope structure here — you can deviate from the route and walk around the abandoned Finnish village of Arola, which we will do with you.
Until 1944, people lived in Paanajarvi, and the Arola farm was part of this lively settlement.
At the beginning of the 20th century, about 450 people lived in the farm.
Among all the nearby villages, Arola was considered the most prosperous.
Agriculture, meadow farming, logging and timber processing developed here.
The development of tourism in the 30s brought many writers and artists to these regions to glorify waterfalls and picturesque places.
After the Peace Treaty signed in 1944 between Finland and the USSR, all the buildings were burned down overnight.
A wood-burning stove, sauna, barn have already been restored on the farm, and a large apartment building is being restored.
According to the information signs installed here, we will learn more about the life of the Finnish farm.
Somewhere in the middle of the route, we stop for a snack, because a full meal will only be in the evening at the camp.
Dinner and overnight in the field.

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Day 3 - Boat trip on Lake Paanajarvi. Myantyukoski Waterfall
We wake up to the sounds of wild nature, have breakfast and prepare a snack: brew tea in thermoses and make sandwiches.
Today we will look at the Paanajarvi National Park from the water during a boat trip on Lake Paanajarvi.
Lake Paanajarvi is of tectonic origin, it is the deepest among the lakes of Russia, Finland and Sweden.
The maximum depth is 128 meters.
And its length is about 25 km, and its width is slightly less than 1.5 km.
The water in it is crystal clear.
By the way, you can also go fishing here (in specially designated areas)!
To do this, you only need to get a permit, and you have a chance to catch grayling, pike, perch and other underwater inhabitants.
During the walk, we will see the sites of former Finnish settlements, as well as enjoy the extraordinary beauty of this place.
The most impressive thing on the route is the sheer 60—meter rock Ruskeakallio ("Brown Rock").
We will definitely stop to watch.
At the end of this route, we dock near the mouth of the Myantyujoki River.
There is another equipped parking lot where you can take a break and have a snack.
After a short pause, we climb the picturesque path to the Myantyukoski waterfall.
The height of this handsome man reaches almost 9 meters, the water falls in five steps — it is very impressive.
Now it becomes clear why the waterfall has always attracted the attention of photographers and artists.
And it attracts to this day.
We return to our parking place and cook dinner.
For those who want evening bath treatments.

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Day 4 - Climbing Mount Kivakkatunturi
We have breakfast at the camp.
Today we will climb Mount Kivakkatunturi (height 499 m), or Kivakka.
"Kivakka" means "stone guardian" in Sami.
We ride bicycles to the beginning of the walking route (15 km).
The way to the top of the mountain is 5 km along a beautiful trail.
After 200 meters, the route crosses the Paloyoki River, which flows out of Lake Kivakkalampi, skirts the Kivakka rock massif from the south and flows into Lake Pyaozero.
During the ascent, there is a change of vegetation from taiga to birch woodlands and mountain tundra at the top of the mountain.
The approximate lifting time is 2 hours.
At the top, we see a landscape that takes our breath away.
And the hum, do you hear?
It may seem like a forest is making noise, but there are no trees at the very top — this is the Kawakkakoski Waterfall.
We will definitely visit him tomorrow, but for now we will look at his greatness from a height.
Squinting from the northern sun, inhaling the purest air soaked in northern mosses, admiring the beauty of nature and letting go of our worries.
We return to the equipped forest parking lot, have lunch, bike back to the camp (15 km) and cook dinner.

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Day 5 - Bike route to Kivakkakoski Waterfall
We're having breakfast.
We ride bicycles to the Vartiolampi tract (15 km) — a former village of the same name, which was founded by Old Believers in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During the Second World War, the village was burned down.
All that remains of the village is an open space and various kinds of meadow grasses, which were brought here by farmers.
This place gained a new life with the creation of the Paanajarvi National Park.
In the middle of the Vartiolampi tract, an old Karelian house was restored — an exposition of Karelian life of the last century was opened in it.
We reach the beginning of the trail to Kivakkakoski waterfall.
Do you remember admiring its beauty and volume yesterday?!
We go light on a walking trip along the prepared trail.
By the way, Kivakkakoski translates from Finnish as "stone woman's threshold".
The route is simple and does not require special physical activity.
The entire route will take us 3 hours (total mileage is 9 km).
The route to Kivakkakoski Falls runs along the Olanga River.
Mount Kivakka looks especially impressive from this shore.
While driving, you can go from the prepared trail to the ancient rocks to admire the picturesque views and take stunning photos.
Three branches of the Olanga River connect in front of the waterfall, and a huge mass of water, clamped by the banks, collapses down from 12 meters.
We will hear the voice of Kivakkakoski Waterfall long before we see it firsthand.
This great power of water does not let go for a long time!
It's fascinating!
We return to the camp on bicycles (15 km).
We have free time before dinner.
For those who want to have a bath in the evening.

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Day 6 - Bike route to Lake Tsipringa
Today we are waiting for a bike trip outside the park.
We prepare breakfast and a snack for the road.
It's going to be a busy day.
We leave the camp and move along the Olanga River.
We are going to Lake Tsipringa about 20 km away.
On one of the banks there is an observation deck with a gazebo, which offers a picturesque view of Pyainur Mountain.
This peak is called the sharpest in Karelia, and there is almost no vegetation on it.
The view of Pyainur is amazing.
The stone ridge seems to rise out of the water, because the mountain is located on a peninsula between Lake Tsipringa and Pyaozer.
We enjoy the view, the snack we took with us, and we definitely take photos.
We leave in the direction of our camp.
In total, we have traveled about 55 km today.
Back at the camp, we cook dinner, discuss the past day, relax.
The instructor knows how to relieve tension from the muscles after a long bike ride.
We are gradually going to our tents until tomorrow.

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Day 7 - The final morning in the National Park of Paanarvi
We wake up slowly.
Today is our final morning in the Paanarvi National Park.
Let's spend it in a measured way, not in a hurry.
After a late breakfast, we pack the camp and personal belongings.
Let's take a picture together!
Let's take a look at the place that sheltered us for a week, and set off towards home.
We take the bus to the village. Pyaozersky.
We have time to buy food for the return trip and souvenirs.
At 23:30 we leave in the direction of Louhi village (110 km, 2.5-3 hours on the way) to go home from there.
On the way, we remember how our trip went, we complain about how quickly time flew by and we take each other's word that next year we will all go together to conquer other routes.
Departure by night trains.
We recommend train No. 15A.

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Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

Physical training is necessary on this bike route, as bike rides are quite large (up to 40 km per day). This offer is not recommended for people with chronic diseases/injuries of the knees, joints, etc.

Accommodation

Tent

6 nights

Comfort

Basic

The tour includes accommodation in tents.

Accommodation in four-person tents for 3 people. Each participant is provided with an individual thermal insulation mat.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 17 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Republic of Karelia, Louhi urban-type settlement

Included in price

transportation services according to the program;
meals according to the program;
the work of an instructor;
rental of cycling equipment: bicycle, helmet, bright vest;
excursion service in the national park "Paanayarvi".

Paid extra

train tickets to and from Louhi station;
sleeping bag (comfort temperature +6°, extreme 0°) – 500 rub./tour. It is paid at the time of booking the tour;
insurance of medical and other unforeseen expenses (from 100 rubles/person /day).

It's important to know

1. Backpack or travel bag.

2. Clothes:

tight pants – 2 pairs (not jeans);
thin fleece jacket or T-shirt (depending on the weather forecast);
light windbreaker (clothes should "breathe");
cycling gloves (recommended, but not required);
bike shorts (recommended, but not required);
raincoat or membrane jacket (in case of bad weather);
2-3 pairs of regular socks;
headdress (cap or bandana). Remember that during the running day you will still have a helmet on your head.

3. Comfortable shoes WITHOUT heels, 3 pairs:

one for an active day on bicycles (shoes must completely cover the foot, sandals are prohibited),;
the second one is for the camp (you can take rubber boots if it rains according to the forecast);
The third one is "urban".

4. Personal items:

repellents (mosquitoes, midges);
bicycle goggles (optional, but it is a good protection from wind and insects);
a headlamp with a set of spare batteries;
sunglasses and sunscreen and after sunburn, if it is sunny according to the forecast;
personal hygiene products (including toilet paper) and an individual first aid kit;
small polyurethane seat mat;
portable charger;
personal utensils (mug, deep bowl, spoon).

5. Documents: passport, medical insurance policy (photocopy is possible).

6. Money.
We recommend that you always have a small amount of cash with you so that, if desired, you can quickly buy the necessary things at stops along the route.

7. You can take a camera.

Remember that you should always have 1 set of dry clothes. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your trip. Synthetic, quick-drying clothes are more practical. The raincoat should be tight and reliable.

The clothes you will be wearing during the day should cover your elbows and knees, as well as be dense enough so that mosquitoes/midges cannot bite through them.

A cyclist often has to travel on roads, including those with heavy traffic. Therefore, it is necessary to know and be able to put into practice the Rules of the road (SDA).

General rules:

when riding a bicycle, the tourist must wear a bright vest and helmet;
Bicycles should only move in the rightmost lane in one row as far to the right as possible. It is allowed to move along the roadsides, if this does not interfere with pedestrians;
Sometimes, in case of a breakdown or injury, you have to walk along the roads with a bicycle. In these cases, persons driving a bicycle must follow the direction of movement of vehicles;
columns of cyclists, when moving along the roadway, should be divided into groups of 10 cyclists;
to facilitate overtaking, the distance between the groups should be 80-100 meters;
the pace and order of movement are determined by the instructor;
always keep the necessary distance to a moving or stationary object for stopping;
correlate the required braking distance and braking forces with the condition of the road.

Riding in rainy (wet) weather:

in rainy (wet) weather, the brakes work with less efficiency than in dry weather, so you need to take into account the increase in braking distance;
in wet weather conditions, visibility and traction are reduced;
when turning on slippery surfaces, you need to slow down;
protect the bearings from moisture entering them.

Special signs when cycling:

turning or rearranging to the right: right arm extended or left arm extended and bent at the elbow;
turning or rearranging to the left: the left arm extended or the right arm extended and bent at the elbow;
Stop: raised hand (any);
Pits on the right: the right hand lowered down;
Pits on the left: the left hand lowered down;
the leader gives the signs first, and the group members immediately repeat them.

Do not wait until you pass or see the pit, you need to sign immediately for the next cyclist in front of you. The leader (or a single cyclist) must give signs in advance.

It is forbidden to:

overtake the instructor (exception if the instructor has identified you as leading the column);
to drive without holding the steering wheel with at least one hand;
bicycle towing;
driving in the opposite lane;
driving a bicycle under the influence of alcohol, as well as under the influence of narcotic and psychotropic substances;
while driving, use a phone that is not equipped with a technical device that allows you to negotiate without hands.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

Individual dates available on request

15 Jun – 1 Sep, 2025

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$398

13 – 19 Aug, 2025 7 days 6 nights

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