Cycling Finland end to end (Hanko to Utsjoki)

[Steveybo]

Hello everyone!

I'm thinking of cycling from Hanko (in the south of Finland) to Utsjoki (in the north of Finland) this summer. I have previously cycled the end to end in Britain (Lands End to John o'Groats) so I have an idea what I am getting myself in for!!

I just wondered if anyone can give me some advice on the following?

I would like to see the fantastic views that Finland offers as much as I can (without deviating too far). Can anyone recommend any particular routes?

What are the roads generally like? I was hoping to complete this on my road bike as it will be quicker and easier. However, if some of the terrain will be rougher, I may have to take my mountain bike.

I hear the mosquitoes are particuarly annoying in the summer- especially up north. When do they generally begin to appear? This may affect the date in which I start (I'm currently thinking of starting at the end of May).

I will be taking a tent with my for overnight accomodation. Can anyone offer advice on where I should/shouldn't park up for the night?

Any help with the above will be gratefully received!

Kiitos!
Steve

[onkko]

Go either on west coast or east border, if you go from middle there is hundreds of kilometres mindnumbling boredom between Jyväskylä and Oulu. about 300km mainly only trees.
About camping read everymans right. http://www.ymparisto.fi/download.asp?contentid=25603
Roads should be asphalt if you dont plan do any weird route.
And about mosquitoes

[irnbru]

I would like to see the fantastic views that Finland offers

I think by the 100th lake and forest you may get a bit bored

[Bubba Elvis XIV]

Do a search - this has been asked a couple of times over the past year or so...so you might be able to find someone who has already done it or got a bit more info for you!

Good luck - sounds like a great idea.