Discover the magic of Häme in nature – guided tours around national parks and primeval forests

In Häme, nature tells a story that goes back thousands of years. The primeval forests, misty swamps, and glacial ridges guide the visitor to the very soul of nature. Enjoy peace, space, and a true connection with nature – right here in the heart of Finland’s wilderness.

Häme’s strength lies in its diversity and accessibility. Just over an hour’s drive from Helsinki, you’ll find national parks, clear waters, dense forests, and vast wetlands. You can walk along duckboards at dawn or take in lake views from a ridge shaped by the Ice Age.

In Häme, nature is more than just scenery – it’s an experience. There is no noise or hustle and bustle. Only silence that resonates through your whole body.

“Many visitors are surprised to learn that in Finland, you can roam freely in nature under Everyman’s Rights. The quiet of the woods and the glow of a campfire are experiences that few countries can offer to everyone,” says Satu Nelimarkka, an entrepreneur and wilderness and nature guide at Nature Nelis, which offers nature experiences and services.

Häme’s nature sites are easy to reach – whether you’re driving your own car or a rental. “Häme’s national parks are only a short distance from Helsinki, so you can combine a city break with the peace and quiet of nature and unique experiences,” says Nelimarkka. Häme’s Torronsuo and Liesjärvi National Parks are relatively close to each other, which allows you to experience two different sites in the same day.

You don’t have to venture into nature by yourself. Häme is home to several service providers, such as Nature Nelis and Elsi Luontopalvelut, whose experienced guides will make your nature tour a safe and immersive experience. The guide can choose and tailor the route to the client’s fitness and wishes, whether they are a first-timer or an experienced hiker. Nature tours can range from quick sensory escapes to overnight experiences – you decide what suits you best.

Nature Nelis offers tailored nature experiences such as wild herb foraging, forest yoga, and seasonal themed tours. “Nature in Häme offers a unique combination of peaceful forests, crystal-clear waters, and historic landscapes. Here, you can experience biodiversity in its purest and most pristine state,” says Nelimarkka.

Elsi Luontopalvelut focuses on providing low-threshold nature experiences for people of all ages and abilities. Spending time in nature should be an experience, not a performance. “The most important thing isn’t how far you travelled, but how you felt and what you sense,” says entrepreneur Elina Silmälä. She plans each tour on the participant’s terms, taking into account their wishes and any constraints.

Nature experiences don’t require any big purchases to get started. “All the necessary equipment can be hired and you don’t have to buy anything in advance. All you need to bring are shoes suitable for nature walks and weather-appropriate clothing,” says Silmälä. This lowers the participation threshold, especially for first-timers and those who do not yet have any hiking experience. Silmälä’s presence brings a sense of security and enables nature experiences for those who wouldn’t normally venture into the woods alone.

Silmälä is also an expert wilderness chef who conjures up delicious and cosy meals in the heart of nature for groups of all sizes. A campfire-cooked meal prepared with natural ingredients and under expert guidance makes the hike a unique experience.

Häme is also home to many other operators with specialised services that complement the wide range of offerings in the region:

• Vihreät Tassut offers immersive guided tours filled with stories and activities in the scenic Torronsuo area, along with wild herb walks, mushroom-picking excursions, and foraging-inspired cooking workshops.
• Somaluonto organises nature experiences complemented by guided relaxation and wilderness cooking.
• Tapiottaren Taika offers guided nature tours. Their range of services includes stargazing tours (September–March) and other themed excursions such as sunrise walks, bird song walks, full moon hikes, and forest walks.
• Erärenki offers seasonal activities and guides hikers to the landscapes of Tammela and Häme’s lake highlands by canoeing, hiking, or snowshoeing. The services also include canoe, kayak, and camping equipment rental.

In Häme, swamps, forests, and ridges change from one landscape to another even over short distances. Here are some of the main nature sites in the area:

• Liesjärvi National Park
  Old-growth forests, ridges, and the Korteniemi Heritage Farm – a versatile destination for hiking and exploring nature.
• Torronsuo National Park
  One of the largest wetlands in southern Finland, featuring duckboards, a bird tower, and profound silence, all of which create a truly unique atmosphere.
• Evo
  A large hiking and wilderness area in Hämeenlinna. Enjoy the wilderness atmosphere, fishing opportunities, and cabins for rent.
• Saari Folk Park
  An easily accessible destination in Tammela. Ideal for day trips, swimming, and outdoor activities for families.
• Aulanko Nature Reserve
  The most well-known nature site in Hämeenlinna. The observation tower, park forest, ravine, and scenic trails combine history and nature.
• Komio Nature Reserve
  A variety of nature trails where hikers can explore primeval forests, ridges, and geological formations shaped by the Ice Age.

More and more visitors are seeking a deeper connection with nature – and Häme offers the perfect setting for it. Join us on a safe, sustainable, and soul-stirring nature experience!

Discover a variety of nature experiences and activities in Häme

The article was written as part of the Elämykset esiin project, funded by the Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.