CYCLING IN SAIMAA REGION: PARTAKOSKI
The road through the village of Partakoski has as early as in the 17th century been part of the route connecting two south-eastern Finnish provinces. Even today the road Partakoskentie is the natural choice when touring Lake Saimaa. To help planning itineraries, especially for cyclists, Partakoski Village Association has collected this guide to services and attractions along the road and the road itself. Used on mobile devices the linked information, e.g. opening hours should be up-to-date.
In south the tour can continue to Taipalsaari and Lappeenranta, in north via Ristiina to Mikkeli and Puumala. On the road it is recommendable to use a mobile map e.g. this Outdooractive map of Great Saimaa Tour.
The road (no 409)] winds 34 kilometers between the lakes Saimaa and Kuolimo. It crosses the rapids Partakoski and Kärnäkoski, passes the Kärnäkoski fortress and Partakoski village and the village Suomenniemi. A vivid reminder of the age of the road is 'the S-bends' halfway the route.
From south the road begins at Savitaipale where you arrive by highway 13 or Taipalsaarentie (408). If cycling from north by Karkauksentie (14696) or highway 13, it begins at Kauriansalmi. From the crossroads till Suomenniemi the name of the road is Kirkonkyläntie.
Another road from Partakoski to Taipalsaari – and for example the Saimaa Archipelago Route - branches from Partakoskentie about 500 meters south of Kärnäkoski.
In July 18th and 25th there will be a bike ferry transport Partakoski – Puumala.
Due to low car traffic the road Partakoskentie is quiet. It is paved 10 km from both ends. In between there is an unpaved 13 km section. The quality of its surface may vary depending on weather conditions and maintenance. Lake sceneries follow along the way. In planning the schedule it is worth noting, however, that along the gravel road passage the only place for a rest break by water is at Onkilampi about 6 km from Partakoski.
Historical attractions and places for a break
Best places for a rest break along the way are Kärnäkoski, Partakoski and Onkilampi.
* The Kärnäkoski fortress is a part of the defence chain built by Russia in 1790's. Upstream 500 meters from the bridge there is a small redoubt, called the Mountain fort. In the early 1900's there was a barge harbour for transporting timber over the isthmus. Now you find there a lean-to shelter and a dock: quiet lovely spot for a break – have a snack, swim, even have a nap or stay overnight camping. Also in the basic fortress there is a dock for swimming. Not far from the fortress is a monument to the 1788-90 war. In 2021 parts of the fortress are being restored but the area is open to visitors.
The Kärnäkoski double-arch stone bridge was built in 1886. The original flour mill and sawmill were built in 1830's. The current buildings date from about 1900. They are now maintained by the Partakoski Village Association.
* The Partakoski stone bridge was built in 1902. As early as in 1750 the first sawmill of the village was founded upstream the river. In the last century till 1960's the rapids were in summertime a route for driving logs downstream and to the waterways of Saimaa. Since then the rapids have been restored. Partakoski is the only spawning place for lake trout in the southern Saimaa. The waters of Kuolimo are home of the critically endangered arctic char. Both Partakoski and Kärnäkoski are now under protection and fishing is not allowed in or near the rapids.
At the end of the 19th century russian prince Bariatinsky who had settled in Paris, decided to build a villa on the hill near the river. The prince was an enthusiastic sailor in Saimaa and the Baltic Sea, and his cruises and unique vessels draw wide attention. In 1912 the villa was turned into village school. In the 1920s there were also two shops, a post office and a library in the village. The buildings still exist, in one of them a summer restaurant and a little shop.
* Some two kilometers from Partakoski to Mikkeli there are fortified defences from the era of the 1st world war on the left near the cell phone tower.
* Six kilometers from Partakoski to Mikkeli a signpost to the right leads to Onkilampi with a lean-to shelter, a campfire site, toilets and a dock for swimming. It offers also the opportunity to try the hiking trail Orrainpolku. At Suomenniemi there is one more rest place along the road, an observation tower with a lean-to shelter and a campfire. The path up to the tower begins about 1 km from the highway.
Shops and restaurants
By the road, at the village of Partakoski there is a popular summer restaurant Partaranta with a small shop. The distance to Partakoski is 10 km from Savitaipale and 24 km from Kauriansalmi. Partaranta offers a good selection of food and refreshments. On the terrace you can admire the lake view. The marina is part of the Saimaa waterways.
Along the road at Suomenniemi, 5 km from Kauriansalmi grocery store “Sale” sells food, drinks and everyday supplies. At the northern end of the road there is a café-restaurant Salmenranta.
Tourist info point in the centre of Savitaipale provides information about restaurants, shops, pharmacy and other services at the centre of the municipality.
Accommodation
Right along Partakoskentie there are accommodation services at Karhurinne Holiday 2 km from Savitaipale. At Savitaipale Olkkolan hovi will offer various accommodation options, and its tourist point can inform about all accommodation services.
At Suomenniemi, log cabin accommodation can be asked at Loma-Väkkärä. Other accommodation options at Suomenniemi can be found on the Mikkeli tourism site.
Two lean-to shelters by the road can be used for overnight stay. One is at Kärnäkoski, another at Onkilampi. They both have a campfire site, toilet and a dock for swimming. At Kärnäkoski the sawmill building is also a place for a break and rest.
Have a nice trip!
Partakoski Village Association