2000 kilometers by bike in Finland - a review

When we told about our plan to cycle from Kirkenes to Helsinki on the MS Vesteralen, we were always a bit hesitant because we didn't know exactly what it means and what is involved. But now we made it - and we are both proud of it. We fought our way through the lonely and barren landscapes of Lapland, 10 kilometers at a time, to the next intersection, the next village shop, and the next accommodation. We could rely on our equipment, we mostly agreed on the length of the daily stages, the accommodations in the destination, and the meals. This makes the processes and efforts much easier. We also agreed not to take any rest days except for the rainy day in Kuhmo. Nevertheless, some mornings we had to overcome ourselves to get back on the bike. A big praise to Dominique, who persevered without complaining (but with some fear of whether she would make it) and took the lead on the road again every morning.

We always encountered friendly and helpful people, and Finns often showed themselves to be more talkative than they are said to be. The often mentioned problem of Finns with alcohol was not visibly apparent to us, but understandable given the living conditions. There is hardly any public life in the north, almost everything happens in the private sphere.

It was not only 2000 km, but also over 15,000 meters of altitude. It was sometimes laborious, demanding, and also exhausting to fight up the slopes over and over again, only to have the next climb ahead shortly afterwards. In reference to our favorite place name Lappeenranta, we gave Finland the name Rampenlanta, Land of a Thousand Climbs for cyclists. It should be added that because of the constant ups and downs, you hardly need brakes.

We also didn't need a tent. With proper planning, thanks to modern tools, there was always a good accommodation where we could unpack our sleeping bags. Harald always planned at least two days ahead, he did a great job. Without his organizational talent, we probably would have run into some problems! When I think about how I struggled with the heavy luggage in the first few days... At least we have used it twice now and will definitely use it in the Baltic States as well.

Now we leave the -kylä (villages), joki and järvi (rivers and lakes), as well as the vaara (hills) behind and will remember many things as challenges overcome.

We say: Kiitos ja hyvästit Suomi.