Sulkava is a region in the heart of the Finnish Lakeland, situated on the shores of Lake Saimaa. Its landscape is characterized by extensive waterways, including Lake Saimaa which covers a significant portion of the municipality, and notable geological formations such as the Vilkaharju esker. These natural features provide a diverse environment for outdoor activities, including several sports like hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling.
For those seeking things to do in Sulkava, the region…
18
Routes
4.8
(15)
Average rating
106
People visited

4.5
(6)
11
hikers
6.80km
01:53
50m
50m
Hard hike. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(1)
6
hikers
6.42km
01:40
40m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
10.5km
02:59
90m
90m
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

5.0
(2)
13
hikers
3.01km
00:47
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
riders
139km
05:47
950m
950m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
12
riders
93.0km
04:26
790m
790m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

8
riders
33.9km
01:23
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

3
riders
101km
04:27
610m
610m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.0
(1)
15
riders
86.1km
05:20
700m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
riders
61.3km
03:43
510m
510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
19.0km
01:38
150m
150m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
23.0km
01:54
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Sulkava offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The region features more than 10 routes, with options for water-based activities like rowing and canoeing on Lake Saimaa.
Popular hiking trails in Sulkava include the Vilkaharju esker, a nationally significant nature conservation area. Other notable trails lead to the Julunkivi erratic boulder and the Annikinniemi nature trail. More information is available in the Hiking around Sulkava guide.
Sulkava provides cycling routes varying in difficulty, from easy to hard, suitable for different fitness levels. The Vekaransalmi scenic road 438 is a notable route for cyclists. Detailed routes can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Sulkava and Cycling around Sulkava guides.
Sulkava is home to several natural landmarks, including the Vilkaharju esker, a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) long ridge. Other features include the Julunkivi erratic boulder, one of Finland's largest, and the extensive Lake Saimaa, which covers 25% of the municipality's area.
The Oravareitti, or "Squirrel Route," is a popular canoeing route winding through rivers and small lakes, offering a family-friendly way to experience the Finnish Lakeland's nature. Some hiking trails are also suitable for families.
The Vekaransalmi Bridge offers scenic views from its viewing platforms. The Pisamalahti Hill Fort, rising about 180 feet (55 meters) above Lake Enonvesi, also provides historical interest alongside natural beauty and panoramic vistas.
Sulkava features 17 routes on komoot, with an average rating of 4.86 out of 5 stars from 15 ratings. More than 150 visitors have explored the region's outdoor offerings through komoot.
Komoot offers several guides for Sulkava, including Hiking around Sulkava, Road Cycling Routes around Sulkava, and Cycling around Sulkava. These guides provide detailed information on routes and activities.
The official website for Sulkava is sulkava.fi. This site provides general information about the municipality and its services.
The main geological feature of Sulkava is the Vilkaharju esker, an approximately 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) long ridge. It is recognized for its nationally significant scenery and geological formations, surrounded by the waters of Lake Saimaa.
Sulkava has historical significance, with traces of Stone Age settlements and rock shelters. The Pisamalahti Hill Fort, an ancient fort site, offers historical interest. Additionally, armored roads and anti-tank obstacles from the Salpa Line are present.
The Sulkava Rowing Race is an annual event held every July. It is a significant rowing competition that draws enthusiasts and highlights the region's strong connection to its waterways and Lake Saimaa.

