Poronpolku

Poronpolku is located in the municipality of Loppi in Kanta-Häme, known for its wide range of hiking and outdoor routes. There’s something here for a quiet day trip and for longer treks alike, and each autumn the trails become the setting for one of Finland’s best-known hiking events. While Poronpolku is best known for its autumn event, the routes are open for hiking and nature enjoyment all year round.

The paths lead through shifting forest and esker scenery, along the shores of clear lakes, and across boardwalks over open bogland. During the event, you can choose the route that suits you and move at your own pace. Poronpolku welcomes seasoned hikers and first-time nature explorers alike.

Poronpolku’s landscapes are just as rewarding from the saddle. The area is one of southern Finland’s best-known mountain biking destinations, and its trails form part of the wider Häme Lynx Trail (Hämeen Ilvesreitti) network.

The varied routes cross esker and forest terrain, sandy tracks, forest paths, root systems and rocky sections — with options ranging from technical rides for experienced bikers to easygoing routes for a relaxed pace in nature.

A good place to start a mountain biking trip is the car park at Räyskälä Aviation Centre, though the network can also be joined from several other starting points.

When autumn colours sweep through the forests of Häme, it’s time to head to Loppi. Poronpolku is one of Finland’s best-known outdoor and hiking events, and this year it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Over the decades, the event has drawn tens of thousands of people into the outdoors and become a well-loved part of Finnish hiking tradition.

Every year, the event brings together people of all ages to enjoy nature, community and the simple pleasure of moving outdoors.

A highlight found only on the longer routes during the event is the crossing of the Marskin Maja strait — by hand-pulled cable ferry at Vorsmanni, or by rowing boat. On event day, local associations run refreshment points along the trail, selling food and drink, with toilets available at each stop.

Over six decades, Poronpolku has grown from a local gathering into a nationally known event, shaped by its varied outdoor routes, the strong contribution of volunteers, and a warm sense of togetherness.

The anniversary year’s programme will include special content, such as glimpses into the event’s history, festivities, and surprises for participants.

Event day, 27 September 2026: Räyskälä Aviation Centre (address: Räyskäläntie 311, Loppi)

At other times: Rautakoskentie 500, Loppi, or the car parks at Komio Nature Reserve

More information on the programme, routes and registration will be published on the event website.

To mark the anniversary year, OP Häme is making participation free for children and young people (aged 0–12). The collaboration aims to encourage physical activity among children and young people and to build a healthier future. The adult participation fee for the walking event is 10 euros.

poronpolku.fi Opens in a new window

Poronpolku’s story began in 1967, when the first hiking event drew around 300 participants into the forests of Loppi. Over the decades, it has grown into one of Finland’s longest-running and best-known hiking events, now drawing thousands of people into the outdoors each year.

The name Poronpolku — “Reindeer Path” — dates back to the 1960s, when a reindeer farm stood along the trail. Passers-by would stop to admire the reindeer, brought in from Salla, and the route came to be known as Poronpolku. The reindeer left Loppi in the 1970s, but the name stuck. When a change of name was later proposed, hikers wanted to keep the familiar one — and so Poronpolku continues its journey to this day.