EuroVelo 13 Iron Curtain Trail

Finland

Finnish border in northeastern Lapland to Vaalimaa at Virolahti in southeastern Finland. This 1,687-kilometer route follows the historic border between Finland and Russia, guiding you through some of the country’s most remote and untouched landscapes. The Salpalinja defensive line, extending 1,200 km from the Gulf of Finland to Näätämö, is one of the most impressive World War II fortifications in Europe, visible along the route in both natural landscapes and museum sites.

EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2019.
EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe since 2019.
Landen

Legend

Development status
  • Certified These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
  • Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
  • Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
  • Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
  • Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

Markers

  • Natuurlijk Erfgoed
  • UNESCO-werelderfgoed
  • Cultureel Erfgoed
  • Culinaire Hoogstandjes
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Service
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center

National & Regional Information

EuroVelo 13 in Finland

The EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail stretches across Finland from Näätämö on the Norwegian-Finnish border in northeastern Lapland to Vaalimaa at Virolahti in southeastern Finland. This 1,687-kilometer route follows the historic border between Finland and Russia, guiding you through some of the country's most remote and untouched landscapes. As you cycle, you'll be accompanied by the sounds of nature—birds, wildlife, and, in Lapland, the occasional reindeer. The trail meanders through dense forests, open marshlands, swamps, fells, rivers, and countless lakes, each changing the scenery and enhancing the journey.

Website bezoeken

Bikeland

Bikeland.fi is Finland’s official cycling travel website, showcasing the country’s diverse and expansive biking landscape. Whether you’re a casual rider or an experienced adventurer, Finland offers unforgettable experiences—from bike touring through scenic lakesides to exploring thrilling mountain trails under the midnight sun, or bikepacking in the remote beauty of Finnish Lapland. Bikeland.fi helps you discover the best cycling destinations, routes, and bike-friendly services to make your journey smooth and memorable.

Website bezoeken

Welcome Cyclist

Finland offers a wide range of bike-friendly accommodations, restaurants, cafes, tour operators, attractions, and bike transport services, all dedicated to providing excellent service for cycling travelers. These establishments adhere to the bike-friendly service standards set by Bikeland and can be easily recognized by the Welcome Cyclist badge displayed at their entrance. You can explore and find them on the Bikeland.fi website.

Website bezoeken

Gerelateerd nieuws

Kaarten & Gidsen

EuroVelo 10, EuroVelo 13: Iron Curtain Trail 1 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This cycling guide describes EuroVelo routes in Finland from Helsinki, across Russia and Estonia (1,778 km). 10 km to Riga are also described in Latvia. Also available in German. The perfect tool to guide you during your journey preparation and on the road: precise and very informative maps at a scale of 1:120,000 and 1:400,000, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory, LiveUpdate, handlebar bag format, and spiral-bound.

Services

Welcome Cyclist
Finland
EV7 EV10 EV11 EV13
national

Finland offers a wide range of bike-friendly accommodations, restaurants, cafes, tour operators, attractions, and bike transport services, all dedicated to providing excellent service for cycling travelers. These establishments adhere to the bike-friendly service standards set by Bikeland and can be easily recognized by the Welcome Cyclist badge displayed at their entrance. You can explore and find them on the Bikeland.fi website.

Website bezoeken