Pyöräteinä

Pyöräteinä is a Finnish term that translates to "bike ferry" or "bicycle ferry." It refers to a ferry service specifically designed to transport bicycles and their riders across bodies of water. These services are often found in areas with many lakes, rivers, or coastal regions where bridges are scarce or impractical.

The primary purpose of a pyöräteinä is to facilitate cycling tourism and recreation by allowing cyclists to cross water obstacles that would otherwise impede their journey. This enables the creation of longer, more continuous cycling routes, connecting different areas and offering unique perspectives of the landscape.

Pyöräteinä services can vary in size and capacity, from small, hand-cranked platforms to larger motor-powered vessels. The operation and availability are often seasonal, particularly in regions with frozen waterways during winter. They are an integral part of the infrastructure for promoting sustainable transportation and outdoor activities in Finland. Cyclists using a pyöräteinä typically pay a fare, which helps to maintain the service.