Häme by Cycle: Odin’s Journey

Odin’s Journey is a circular route of 140 km and 3-5 days connecting Forssa to Tammela, Jokioinen, and Humppila along dirt roads and paved country lanes. The route passes through the lush forests of Liesjärvi National Park and the beautiful Kyynäränharju ridge, along the side of Torronsuo National Park towards Jokioinen Museum Railway.

From hilly, wooded landscapes, the route leads to flatter and more fertile rural landscapes. Along the route, you can camp for the night in nature reserves and camping sites, or totally without a tent, staying in local accommodations and hotels.

Odin’s Journey is a peaceful route in the middle of nature with plenty of experiences for those interested in culture, too.

In ancient Finnish mythology, Ukko was the supreme god of sky, weather, and rain – powers that life depended on. His name still lives on in place names and folklore, symbolising both wisdom and strength. Across the north, the Vikings worshipped Odin, the ruler of gods and wisdom. Much like Ukko, he embodied the might of the sky and reminded people of their bond with nature’s forces.

Odin’s Journey leads you into the varied landscapes of Kanta-Häme: peaceful ridges, lush green forests, and shimmering lakes. You can travel at your own pace, spending the night under the stars at lean-tos and campsites, or choosing the comfort of soft sheets in local accommodations and hotels. Along the way, you’ll experience the finest gems of Finnish nature and enjoy local flavours in charming village cafés.

Odin’s Journey is a 136 km long cycle trail located in the westernmost part of the Häme by Cycle route in Kanta-Häme. We recommend you to take 2-3 days to enjoy the route without rushing, leaving plenty of time to experience the natural and cultural sites along the way. The route is best suited to those with some experience of cycling, and the varied terrain also provides a reasonable challenge for experienced cyclists. The route starts in Forssa, leading first to the Ruostejärvi Recreation Area and onwards through Jokioinen and Humppila before returning to Forssa.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Liesjärvi National Park with its peaceful ridges and lakes, and continue to Torronsuo National Park, where the observation tower opens up a view over Finland’s deepest bog. After Torronsuo, the terrain evens out as you reach Jokioinen. Here you can visit the museum railway, which is still in operation today. With a bit of luck and good timing, you can even board a steam train with your bike and ride towards Humppila station. From Humppila, the final stretch of the route is easygoing, bringing you back to Forssa along a charming, park-lined boulevard by the river.

Culture and history come alive along the route. Korteniemi Heritage Farm in Liesjärvi offers a glimpse into traditional Finnish farming life, while the Jokioinen Museum Railway connects visitors to the golden age of steam travel. In Forssa, the National Urban Park introduces you to the city’s industrial heritage and unique cultural landscape.

Accommodation options range from lean-to shelters and campfire sites in the national parks to local ins and hotels along the way. You can choose to spend the night under the stars or enjoy the comfort of soft sheets – or mix both for a perfect balance of outdoor adventure and relaxation. Seasonal cafés and restaurants open their doors in summer, making June to mid-August an ideal time to cycle the trail. Adventurers will also find Odin’s Journey rewarding in late spring or early autumn, when nature is at its most peaceful.

Rinse off the day’s dust in the saunas of the Forssa region. Choose from atmospheric smoke saunas, scenic lakeside saunas, an underground sauna, a floating sauna boat, and traditional shoreline saunas. Each is a perfect place to relax your muscles and enjoy the peace of the countryside after a day of cycling.

From Forssa to Ruostejärvi (30 km)

Starting point: Forssa Bus Station

The journey begins along the urban road network at Forssa Bus Station, conveniently located near city services. Right next to the station are the Forssa Market Square and the Ankkalampi pond, creating a pleasant setting to start the ride. This is a good opportunity to stock up on food, as shops and restaurants are scarce along the early part of the route. If traveling clockwise, the next grocery store is in Jokioinen—about 90 km away.
Alternatively, the route can also be started from Humppila Railway Station.

Toward Tammela and Lake Pyhäjärvi

From the starting point, the route crosses the Loimijoki River. A birdwatching tower is located about 500 meters off the route nearby. The ride continues along a paved road on the western side of Lake Pyhäjärvi, passing by the Similä riding stables. A cycling path near Highway 2 transitions onto gravel roads, offering a change of scenery. There are several lakeside cottages for rent along the shores of Pyhäjärvi. The route briefly follows a cart track along the Häme Lynx Trail up the edge of a large hill—this section is best taken slowly.

Eerikkilä Sports & Outdoor Resort and Ruostejärvi Recreation Area

The route continues along a peaceful gravel road before joining the historic Hämeen Härkätie for a 3 km stretch of asphalt. Near Ruostejärvi, a nature trail loops around the lake. The Eerikkilä Sports & Outdoor Resort offers accommodation and restaurant services. From Eerikkilä, the route follows a unique forest ridge  toward the Ruostejärvi Recreation Area. The ridge offers scenic views of both Lake Ruostejärvi and Lake Leppilammi. A small bridge takes you into the recreation area, which features a sandy beach, trails, fire pits, and toilets.
By the shore of Myllylahti, near the Härkätie and walking route to Eerikkilä, you’ll find the Myllylahti lean-to. It doesn’t have a wood supply but can be used for overnight stays. For a unique experience, take a short detour to Sarkinniemi where a hand-pulled ferry—even suitable for bikes—crosses the water.

To Liesjärvi National Park (15 km)

Liesjärvi National Park and Kyynäränharju Ridge

This section passes through Liesjärvi National Park, where cycling is permitted only on marked trails. A smooth road winds past lakes Kaksvetinen and Peukalolammi, offering some of the most stunning scenery along the route—old-growth forests and surrounding mires. You can take a break at the Kaksvetinen hut or the Peukalolammi lean-to, both of which allow overnight stays. Nearby, Eräkeskus Koivu ja Kuusi offers lodging, and Hyypiö and Peukaloinen rental cabins are available with advance booking.
Upon reaching Kyynäränharju Ridge, panoramic views open up over Lake Liesjärvi and Lake Kyynäräjärvi. A slightly technical path runs along the narrow ridge but is rideable at a calm pace with a touring bike. After rainfall, the roots may be slippery.

From Liesjärvi to Jokioinen (45 km)

Korteniemi Heritage Farm and Torronsuo

The route continues to the restored Korteniemi Heritage Farm, where visitors can learn about traditional rural life and enjoy the fire pit. From here, the trail heads toward Torronsuo National Park. It follows an old forest road for a short distance, with a narrow bridge crossing a body of water—a rocky path leads to it, and this section is best walked while pushing the bike. The bridge may be slippery after rain or in early spring.
After this, the route passes through a moose fence via a gate that must be closed afterward. Then follows a brief stretch along Highway 2 before turning left onto Salkolantie, a paved road with a narrow shoulder.
The route continues on a winding gravel village road and rejoins Hämeen Härkätie, passing through the historically significant Letku village. Upon reaching Torronsuo, take a break at Kiljamo rest stop or the Idänpää rock birdwatching tower—both offer amazing views over the vast mire. While the duckboards across the bog offer an unforgettable hiking experience, camping is not allowed within the park.

Jokioinen and Elonkierto

From Torronsuo, the route continues along a straight gravel road and curvy paved local roads toward Jokioinen. Near Murronkulma, a few kilometers before reaching Highway 10, Vanhakurppa offers accommodation, live-action role-playing events, and summer stand-up comedy shows.
In Jokioinen, visit the Elonkierto Rural and Domestic Animal Park, and across from the Parsonage Museum, explore Ferraria’s Hillside Garden, where you can taste different varieties of berries or fruits growing side by side. On Sundays in June and July, and on Saturdays in August, a steam train runs between Jokioinen and Humppila. Bicycles can be taken aboard free of charge, offering a scenic shortcut if desired.
From Jokioinen, the route continues through gentle agricultural landscapes along easy gravel and asphalt roads toward Humppila.

From Jokioinen to Humppila (20 km)

Humppila and Koivistonlammi

Humppila Railway Station is the only station along the route for train arrivals. Nearby, Koivistonlammi Beach offers a chance to swim.

Return to Forssa (28 km)

The route crosses Highway 2 by riding briefly along its edge before turning onto Matkuntie. The beginning of Matkuntie is paved with a narrow shoulder. The route turns toward Kuuma; near the junction is a level crossing, so be cautious and do not cross if a train is near. Always cross railway level crossings with caution. Stop if the barriers are down or warning lights are flashing – this means a train is approaching. Never attempt to cross when the barriers are lowered or lights are flashing. Make sure the tracks are clear before crossing. Walk your bike across if the surface is slippery or uneven.Before crossing the Jänhijoki River, the well-maintained gravel road includes the most significant climbs and descents of the route. From here, the trail follows a smooth village road back toward Forssa.

The final kilometers wind along a scenic riverside cycle path next to the Loimijoki River, leading back to Forssa Bus Station. The beautiful river views make for a pleasant and memorable ending to the journey.

The Häme by Cycle routes have been created through the Häme by Cycle – Developing Cycle Tourism in Kanta-Häme project by LAB University of Applied Sciences and the Häme Nature Recreation Association. The project has been funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for the 2023–2027 programme period.