Simpelejärvi is a region in South Karelia, Finland, centered around its namesake lake. The area is characterized by a blend of serene lake scenery, diverse forests, and landscapes shaped by the Ice Age, including ridges and quiet sand roads. These natural features provide varied terrain suitable for several sports like hiking and touring cycling. The region also encompasses significant wetlands and rural village landscapes, offering a rich environment for outdoor pursuits.
The Simpelejärvi region offers…
14
Routes
4.4
(13)
Average rating
101
People visited

4.7
(3)
26
hikers
4.04km
01:11
110m
110m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.

4.0
(2)
5
hikers
9.00km
02:20
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

6
hikers
4.81km
01:16
30m
40m
Moderate hike. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
3.14km
00:50
30m
30m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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3.3
(3)
17
riders
72.4km
04:23
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

1
riders
88.2km
05:42
470m
470m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.0
(1)
10
riders
57.1km
03:38
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.

4.0
(1)
8
riders
55.2km
03:23
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces.
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The Simpelejärvi region offers opportunities for hiking and touring cycling. The area features diverse landscapes, including lake scenery, forests, and rural villages. There are 80 kilometers of marked hiking routes and nature trails available.
Simpelejärvi features varied hiking terrain, including forest paths, lakeside trails, and routes through landscapes shaped by the Ice Age. The region offers 80 kilometers of marked hiking routes and nature trails. A general overview of hiking options is available in the guide Hiking around Simpelejärvi.
Cyclists can find routes ranging from easy, paved roads to more demanding tours on gravel roads, including sections of the EuroVelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail. The region offers ever-changing rural sceneries. Guides like Cycling around Simpelejärvi and Traffic-free bike rides around Simpelejärvi provide specific options.
Key natural features include Lake Simpelejärvi, the Siikalahti wetland, and diverse forests with ridges and forest ponds. Rural village landscapes, such as those by the Parikkala church and from Kuposenmäki hill, also offer scenic views.
The Siikalahti wetland is an internationally recognized birdwatching site. Over 250 bird species have been observed in this area, making it a notable location for nature enthusiasts.
Simpelejärvi has 1 route listed on komoot, with an average rating of 4.44 out of 5 stars. More than 90 visitors have shared their experiences in the region.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the region. These include Hiking around Simpelejärvi, Cycling around Simpelejärvi, and Traffic-free bike rides around Simpelejärvi.
Lake Simpelejärvi is a medium-sized lake with a surface area of 34.06 square miles (88.205 square kilometers). It is known for its serene scenery and a unique subspecies of European whitefish.
Beyond hiking and cycling, visitors can engage in activities such as canoeing, boating, and fishing on Lake Simpelejärvi. Mushroom picking, geocaching, jet skiing, SUP boarding, and kayaking are also available.
More information about the Simpelejärvi region can be found on the official tourism website for the Parikkala municipality, visitParikkala.com. For general inquiries, contact the Parikkala municipality at +358 400 851 951.

