More than 250 kilometers of trails give the Hämeen-Ilvesreitti in Kanta-Häme its regional scale. The trails are suitable for hiking, longer hikes, mountain biking and outdoor recreation. The region also has paddling routes, both for beginners and for longer excursions. This gives you the choice between getting active on land and taking a trip on the water.

Moorland, forests and trails

The landscapes reveal different sides of the region. Torronsuo National Park is Finland’s deepest bog and consists almost entirely of peatland. Winding boardwalks lead through this distinctive landscape. At Liesjärvi National Park, the scenery is shaped by sandy-bottomed lakes, old-growth forests and ridges. The two national parks offer very different impressions: a vast expanse of moorland in one, and a mix of lakes, forest and ridges in the other.

At Liesjärvi National Park, the 4.8-kilometer Pohjantikan polku trail winds through the landscape around Korteniemi Farm. For a shorter walk, there is the 1.1-kilometer Ahonnokka Trail. Comparing their lengths gives you a clear guide when choosing between a longer and a shorter route.

History that lives on in the landscape

At Korteniemi Farm, you can learn about life on a forest ranger’s farm in the 1910s. You can also see how a traditional cultural landscape is maintained using methods from the past. The farm’s buildings, gardens and fields have remained almost unchanged for more than a century. Here, history is evident not only in the architecture but also in the traditional care of the gardens and fields.

Häme Castle also offers a glimpse into the past: its construction history dates back around 700 years. You can walk through rooms where people lived as far back as the Middle Ages. The castle opened to the public in 1979; the National Museum of Finland is responsible for its museum operations.

Glass design and regional discoveries

In Riihimäki, the Finnish Glass Museum focuses on glass design and the history of glass. It presents more than 4,000 years of glass history and 300 years of Finnish glass industry history. The Iittala Glass Factory offers a different way to experience glass culture: founded in 1881, it continues Finland’s glassmaking tradition. Among other things, Alvar Aalto’s Aalto vases are made there.

Iittala Village is accessible by regional train. From the station, a signposted visitor route leads to the glass factory; check the relevant train schedules when planning your trip. If you are interested in glass, the two places complement each other: the museum is dedicated to glass design and history, while the factory’s production makes it part of Finland’s glassmaking tradition.

Explore Kanta-Häme actively

For a longer exploration, the Idänkävijän-Reitti offers a useful guide: the 260-kilometer circular route takes three to five days, runs mostly on gravel and passes through Kanta-Häme’s historic cultural landscapes, ridges, lakes and villages. It connects Riihimäki, Loppi, Tammela, Forssa and Hämeenlinna via natural attractions and local services. The Pikku-Sisun-Kierros in Janakkala is on a different scale: the 12-kilometer cycling tour is designed for families and is considered Finland’s first cycling route of its kind.

In Hämeenlinna, Aulanko offers nature experiences and opportunities for active recreation. Its well-maintained, lit park paths and outdoor trails can be enjoyed year-round for recreation in nature. Whether you want to spend several days on a circular route or explore individual trails and cultural sites, Kanta-Häme combines nature experiences with a rich regional history.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Hämeenlinna, Hauho, Harviala, Tyrväntö, Forssa, Tammela, Riihimäki, Peränne, Ypäjä, Loppi, Janakkala, Humppila, Hausjärvi, Hattula.

For the main travel overview: Finland.