recommended route
Vellamo bikepacking route, Hartola - Sysmä
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Pyöräilijä Itä-Hämeen museon edessäPhoto: Patrick Dormischian, Visit Lahti
The Vellamo bikepacking route (71 km) is marked with signs and information boards in accordance with the Road Traffic Act and runs on asphalt and gravel roads in the countryside of Hartola and Sysmä. The route takes you through the idyllic scenery of Tainionvirta and Lake Päijänne.
The Vellamo route is a marked circular route between Hartola and Sysmä, offering a chance to admire beautiful rural landscapes and visit interesting places. The route passes through the Tainionvirta river scenery and along the shores of Lake Päijänne.
Both Hartola and Sysmä have a wide range of restaurants. Don’t miss the chance to taste the traditional Päijät-Häme sahti (farmhouse ale) at the legendary Krouvin Lava! When you want to enjoy the charming atmosphere by Lake Päijänne, visit Ilola Inn with its sunny terrace and swimming pool.
Those hungry for culture should pay a visit to the Itä-Häme Museum and Taidesalonki Talvio’s art exhibition in Hartola. For those interested in ancient history, there are many interesting sites near the church of Sysmä.
Author’s recommendation
Along the Vellamo cycling route, there are many good swimming spots, providing refreshment on a hot summer day.
Track types
Rest stops
La Kar de Mumman Herkkukammari, HartolaPinxinmäki, Sysmä
Ilola Inn Café and Restaurant, Sysmä
Hotel-restaurant Uoti, Sysmä
Rantala farm shop & summer café, Sysmä
Lintan Kammari, café and design boutique, Sysmä
Sysmä Marina
Krouvi Camping and Brewery
Kuninkaan Portti, Hartola
Keskustien kotikahvila, Hartola
Safety information
The route mainly runs along public roads so pay attention to other traffic.
Tips and hints
In the summer, you can rent a bike from, for instance, Pyöräpalvelu Ari Kääriäinen in Hartola.
Start
Turn-by-turn directions
You can start the route from either Hartola or Sysmä. A parking area and large information boards can be found next to the church in Hartola and on the Hyvien ihmisten tori square in Sysmä. The route is marked with cycling route signs.
Public transport
The express bus stop for buses on the national road 4 is near Liikenneasema Jari-Pekka in Hartola. For timetables and tickets, see Matkahuolto’s website.
By road
From the national road 4, take the Liikenneasema Jari-Pekka exit towards Hartola (Hartola kk) and drive along Yhdystie street for approximately 500 metres. When you come to the Keskustie street, turn right and drive approximately 50 metres to the parking area next to the church.
Parking
The parking area next to the church, address: Keskustie 55, 19600 Hartola Hyvien ihmisten tori, address: Askontie 2, 19700 Sysmä.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Map Centre (Karttakeskus): Hiking GT Southern Finland, 1:250 000.
Statistics
- 45 Waypoints
- 45 Waypoints
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