Härkäniemi - Tuukkala Farm, Saimaa

The first stage of the cycling tour starts from Härkäniemi Cottages in Mikkeli. Along the way you can get to know several Saimaa Geopark sites. Admire the scenic outcrops of Naisvuori and enjoy a coffee in the observation café at the top of the hill or visit the Urpola Nature Center in Mikkeli’s oldest residential building. Along the way you will also find the lovely manors of Tertti and Kyyhkylä.

From Mikkeli, you cycle along the old museum road in Porrassalmi, which runs along the ridge towards Ristiina. Beautiful scenery opens up on both sides. Porrassalmentie is an old transit route that has retained its old alignment for 200 years.

The stage ends at the traditional Tuukkala farm, where Tuukkala family has lived since the 16th century. Here, the host of the house will give you a warm welcome and familiarize you with the customs of the house. In the historic courtyard you can enjoy the scenery and Finnish country life. In the evening enjoy the soft steam of the sauna.