Häme by Cycle: Evo Green Gold Gravel Loop

Evo Green Gold Gravel Loop is a 35 km cycling adventure in the heart of Evo Hiking Area. The circular route winds along forest roads and sandy trails, taking 4–6 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.

Evo is one of Southern Finland’s largest continuous forest areas, where old-growth woods, quiet lakes, and untouched wilderness create a true back-to-nature experience. Along the way, you’ll find swimming spots, campfire sites, lean-to shelters, and plenty of places to pause and enjoy the silence.

For those wanting to stay longer, Evo offers camping areas, rental huts, and cottages — perfect for overnight bikepacking or as a base for deeper exploration of this unique forest landscape.

Evo Green Gold Gravel Loop is a circular route winding through the diverse landscapes of Evo Hiking Area. The 33 km loop follows dirt roads and sandy outdoor trails, with a few short asphalt sections along the way. Forested ridges and countless lakes create a refreshing variety in the scenery. The ride typically takes 4–6 hours to complete, but with a more relaxed, adventurous spirit, you can easily spend longer enjoying the nature experiences and attractions that showcase the history of forest use along the route.

Set in the unique watershed landscapes of Evo, the Green Gold Gravel Loop offers peaceful surroundings where tranquil lakes like Niemisjärvi invite you to take a break, enjoy the waterside atmosphere, go fishing, or simply pause for a moment of stillness.

The surroundings of Evo Student Campus serve as the heart of the route and a great base for exploring. The area has rental cottages, camping sites and reservable huts, making it suitable both for first-time overnight bikepackers and for experienced touring cyclists. From the campus area, you can also access a wide network of marked hiking trails, as well as lean-tos, campfire sites, and plenty of geocaches that invite you to stop and explore on foot.

Evo is easy to reach by bus or car from Hämeenlinna. The area lies only 1–2 hours’ drive from southern Finland’s major cities such as Helsinki, Tampere, Lahti and Hämeenlinna. For those arriving by car, parking areas can be found in several parts of the Evo Hiking Area.

Step into the wild heart of Häme. Evo is a vast forest wilderness where old-growth trees, shimmering lakes, and quiet ponds create a timeless landscape. With its cozy rental huts, lakeside cottages, and inviting campsites, Evo is the perfect base for an overnight bike adventure – whether it’s your very first or a return to a beloved hobby.

The cycling route lets you enjoy a full day in nature’s calm. Starting from the campus of Finland’s first forestry institute, gentle forest roads lead you through peaceful scenery, past ancient woods and scenic picnic spots. Easy enough for beginners yet rewarding for experienced riders, this is cycling at its most relaxing – surrounded by the sounds and stillness of the Finnish forest.

Starting point: Evo Student Campus (Saarelantie 1 , 16970 Evo)

Evo Student Campus – Onkimakangas (approx. 5 km)
The route begins at Evo Centre, where plenty of parking is available. Right at the start, cyclists can refresh themselves with a swim at two nearby beaches. The trail heads east along a short stretch of paved road before turning onto well-maintained gravel roads. The first rest stop is Onkimakangas lean-to, equipped with a fireplace and a dry toilet, offering a peaceful break in the middle of nature. Accessing the lean-to may require a short walk while pushing the bike due to technical terrain.

Onkimakangas – Niemisjärvi (approx. 10 km)
From Onkimakangas, the route continues along smooth gravel roads towards Niemisjärvi. This section is easy riding with beautiful views along the way. Niemisjärvi is a perfect spot for a longer break: two lean-tos, a fireplace, a dry toilet, and a sandy beach await cyclists. The area is also a popular overnight destination, making it an excellent place to linger if time allows.

Niemisjärvi – Vaarinkorpi – Sorsakolu (approx. 10 km)
The trail continues on rolling gravel roads towards the northeastern part of the loop. Here, cyclists will find the Vaarinkorpi and Sorsakolu lean-tos, both equipped with fireplaces and dry toilets. Sorsakolu, located on the scenic shore of Lake Savijärvi, is an idyllic place to pause, relax, and enjoy the lakeside atmosphere.

Sorsakolu – Evo Camp Area – Syrjänalunen – Evo Student Campus (approx. 5 km)
The final stretch leads west through the historic Evo camp area, well known for hosting major scouting camps. The area provides several fireplaces and toilets. Before returning to Evo Centre, cyclists can stop at Syrjänalunen lean-to, which features a jetty and a fireplace, ideal for a short break. The last kilometres pass by Keskinen Rautjärvi and cross the Saarela Canal just before arriving back at the starting point.

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.