Route

East Coast Escapade

The East Coast Escapade is a breathtaking cycling journey that takes you through the charming historic towns and scenic landscapes of Finland's East Coast. This route offers cyclists plenty of opportunities to hop off their bike and soak in the stunning surroundings, whether it’s the captivating land, sea, or riverside vistas. Beginning in Helsinki, the capital of Finland, the path winds through the towns of Sipoo, Porvoo, Loviisa, and Kotka, ultimately concluding in Kouvola.

Credits: Visit Porvoo

Cycling the historic King's Road from Helsinki to Kouvola

Starting in Helsinki, the East Coast Escapade follows the historic King's Road, a mostly quiet, paved route with gentle climbs leading to Kotka. The journey passes through charming Porvoo, known for its picturesque Old Town, quality restaurants, and boutiques. The next stop on this route is Kotka, where you can enjoy award-winning parks, immerse yourself in rich culture, and explore the captivating archipelago. The final destination is Kouvola, surrounded by pristine nature, lush forests, and highlights like Repovesi National Park and the Verla Mill Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Route overview

Starting Point: Helsinki
Length of route: 240 kilometres
Duration: 4 days
Summer
By car: 2,5 hours
By bike: 11 hours

Travel tip

Cycling in Finland offers stunning landscapes, charming towns, and well-marked routes. The East Coast Escapade is a highlight, letting you explore scenic spots from Helsinki to Kouvola, with an easy train ride back to Helsinki, bike included. For more inspiration for biking adventures, visit Bikeland.fi. Discover detailed maps, tips, and all you need for an unforgettable biking experience in Finland!

Route highlights

View of Helsinki Cathedral on a sunny day. - Julia Kivelä

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Helsinki, the capital of Finland

Helsinki offers a vibrant mix of urban culture and stunning nature. Discover its lively city centre, explore the diverse museums, or escape to nearby national parks. Don’t miss a scenic boat tour of the beautiful archipelago, that surrounds the city, showcasing Finland's coastal charm.

Colorful wooden houses lining the riverside in Old Porvoo. - Julia Kivelä

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Picturesque Porvoo

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Porvoo and enjoy its cosy cafes, diverse culinary scene, and charming boutiques. This historic town offers a glimpse into Finnish culture, with its colourful wooden houses and riverside views.

Historic buildings in the Strömfors Ironworks village. - Julia Kivelä

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Strömfors Ironworks

Visit Strömfors Ironworks, a wonderfully preserved industrial heritage site from the 18th century. Explore historic ironworks buildings, artisan workshops, quaint boutiques, and museums that showcase the region’s rich industrial history and craftsmanship.

Sapokka Water Garden in Kotka, Finland. - Julia Kivelä

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Beautiful parks of Kotka

Kotka boasts breathtaking award-winning parks like Sapokka Water Garden and Katariina Seaside Park, perfect for relaxing walks or picnics. While in town, explore the Maritime Centre Vellamo, a fascinating museum on Finland’s maritime history, and the Kotka Maretarium, an aquarium featuring native Finnish fish.

The Verla Mill Museum's sunlit exterior on a clear day. - Julia Kivelä

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Verla Mill Museum near Kouvola

Discover the rich history at the Verla Mill Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kouvola. This preserved mill village offers a unique insight into Finland’s industrial past, set amidst scenic nature.

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Places to eat

Savour a diverse culinary experience, from fun and relaxed restaurants to charming bistros. Delight in meals that range from fresh, local ingredients to comforting favourites, ensuring every dining experience is memorable and enjoyable.

LilyChristina Photography

Haikko Manor Restaurant

Finlandia Cafe & Wine

Fazer Café Fazerila

Fazer Café Fazerila

OR Restaurant & Bar is designed by a Finnish design agency FYRA.

OR Restaurant & Bar

RUNO Kitchen

Restaurant Satama Areena

Bistro Sinne

Bistro Kronan

Bistro Santalahti

Bistro Santalahti

The Kirjokivi Manor restaurant

The Kirjokivi Manor Restaurant in Vuohijärvi

Places to stay

Choose from a range of accommodations, from comfortable hotels and unique glass cabins to charming manors. These inviting options offer the perfect retreat for travellers, ensuring a restful stay and a delightful breakfast between your adventures along the route.

Night in hammonck in Porvoo

A night in a hammock on a private island in Porvoo archipelago

Scandic Park Helsinki

Aurora Igloo Porvoo Elämyspoukama

Aurora Igloo Porvoo

Solo Sokos Hotel Helsinki

Enclosed courtyard at VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki

Hotel Helsinki, VALO Hotel & Work

Hotel Rantapuisto

Laxvarpet Stor-Pellinge

Pellinge Cottages

Strömfors Bed & Bistro

Loviisa Glamping (tent hotel)

Laawu Kultaa, new innovative accommodation on Kymi river

AuroraHut igloo boat

AuroraHut Aurantola

Hongas

Rantakari cottage in Southern Finland, in Kotka

Rantakari Cottage

Hotellin vastaanotto

Hotel Sparre

Attractions to visit

Explore captivating attractions, from the serene Kymijoki River and the charming Old Loviisa to the historic Strömfors Ironworks. Discover the beauty of Langinkoski Nature Reserve, the unique Alvar Aalto sites, and the fascinating Maritime Centre Vellamo.

The Kymijoki River

Charming Old Loviisa

Oodi from above

Helsinki Central Library Oodi

Kuvassa kävelysilta vuolaasti virtaavan kosken yli. Taustalla keisarillinen kalastusmaja. Kuva: Evgeni Usov

Langinkoski Nature Reserve

Kaksi retkeilijää kävelee puukantisella sillalla. Maassa on ohut kerros lunta ja taustalla näkyy jäätynyt järvi. Kuva: Jouni Kallio

Repovesi National Park

Located in the village of Ruotsinpyhtää in Loviisa, Strömfors Ironworks is one of the best preserved ironworks communities in Finland.

Ruotsinpyhtää

Strömfors Ironworks

majakka_söderskär

Söderskär Lighthouse

Sapokka Water Garden is an oasis in the middle of Kotka.

Parks of Kotka

Art Hall in Porvoo

Porvoo Art Hall

The Island of Kaunissaari Kaunissaari Island is the most popular tourist attraction at sea in Southeastern Finland

The Beautiful Island Kaunissaari

Maritime Centre Vellamo building and Icebreaker Tarmo captured from the sea in summer sunset light.

Maritime Centre Vellamo

Iittala Arabia Design centre store

Iittala & Arabia Design Centre

Hamina Fortress and Bastion

Hamina Fortress

Runebergin kotona

J. L. Runeberg's Home in Porvoo

Loviisa Town Museum

Svartholm Sea Fortress

Tehtaanmäki school

Alvar Aalto sites in Kouvola

Activities to explore

Enjoy activities such as unwinding in a traditional Finnish sauna, exploring breathtaking national parks, biking along scenic trails, fishing in crystal-clear waters, and hiking through verdant forests.

Half-day guided archipelago tour from Helsinki

Archipelago Excursion

A Certied Guide on the suspension bridge of Repovesi National Park

Hiking day tour in Kouvola at Repovesi National Park

Vuokraamo Porvoon saaristossa

Elämyspoukama rental shop in Porvoo

An open canoe is suitable for almost everyone

Canoe or Kayak Day Trip with Friends in Kouvola near Repovesi National Park

Blueberries can be found all over the national park!

Berry Picking in a National Park

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