Häme by Cycle: Hulder’s Journey

Set out on a cycling journey across Southern Finland’s green forests, glittering lakes, Viking raid routes, and historic landscapes. Hulder’s Journey – part of the Häme by Cycle network – is a 265-kilometer bikepacking loop that takes riders deep into the wooded heartlands and cultural heritage of Southern Finland.

Designed as a 3–5 day ride, the route winds through eastern Kanta-Häme, forming a loop between Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, and Evo. With over 1,200 meters of elevation gain, it offers a moderately demanding but rewarding challenge, especially for experienced bikepackers.

The trail is easily accessible: just an hour by train from Helsinki or Tampere, and only half an hour from Lahti.

Best suited for gravel bikes, the route consists mainly of gravel roads and forest tracks, with occasional paved connectors between sections.

Hulder – a seductive forest creature familiar from the Scandinavian folklore – leads riders onto gravel roads where landscapes shift from woodland trails and open farmlands to old-growth forests and national sceneries. Along the way, history is not only visible but something to be experienced first-hand.

Accommodation can be combined between nature sites, guesthouses, and hotels. While the main towns of Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki provide plenty of lodging and dining options, there are also choices in Hauho, Evo, Hausjärvi, and Janakkala. Food and water resupply should be planned in advance, especially in the Evo area where services are more sparse.

Tapio’s Gravel Journey is easy to access by train: Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki are well connected to Helsinki and Tampere. Local trains also stop at Ryttylä, Turenki, and Oitti. The route can be cycled in either direction, split into sections, or linked with other Häme by Cycle trails.

Tapio’s Gravel Journey partly follows the ancient Viking routes of Häme – where tales of raids and age-old travel paths come alive in the heart of nature. The trail runs alongside ridges shaped by the Ice Age, in landscapes inhabited since the Stone Age.

Hämeenlinna leads cyclists straight into the layers of cultural history. The national landscapes of Aulanko Nature Reserve and the medieval Häme Castle make for an impressive starting or ending point for your bikepacking adventure.

Heading east, the route passes through Hauho’s old village street with its idyllic wooden houses and medieval church, before reaching the vast forests of the Evo hiking area. Evo offers peace, wilderness trails, and plenty of rest spots.

Further south, the ride winds through rural scenery, where Mommila’s nostalgic village shop museum and summer café invite you for a break. Around Riihimäki, you can dive into local cultural history at the Glass Museum and the Hunting Museum.

Between Riihimäki and Janakkala, the trail follows sandy roads along Ice Age ridges – areas inhabited by humans since the Stone Age. The journey concludes in the world of manor culture, with Harviala Manor and Vanajanlinna reflecting the long history of the region.

Hunger won’t catch you off guard on this route – at least near towns and villages. Along the way, and with a few small detours, you’ll find a variety of places to eat, from cozy village cafés to riverside spots and summer cafés at historical sites.

Hämeenlinna — Hauho — Evo (97.9 km)

The route starts from Hämeenlinna railway station and follows the lakeside trail along Lake Vanajavesi towards Aulanko. Soon the path climbs to the edge of Aulanko Nature Reserve. The Aulanko Lookout Tower and its national views over Lake Aulangonjärvi are well worth a visit — the climb can be steep in places, so it’s wise to pace yourself and control your speed on the descents. Cafés in the area offer a good opportunity for a snack before continuing.

The journey continues toward Hauho. Hauho offers good possibilities to restock food and drinks and to enjoy restaurant services. The medieval shingle-roofed stone church and the old village street form one of the route’s notable cultural stops. From Hauho, you can make a short detour to the Vuorenharju lookout tower for sweeping views of the village, church tower, and Hauhonselkä lake.

From here, the route follows the shores of Lake Iso-Roine. The Vähäniemi–Tohkoo recreation area provides a campfire site, swimming spot, and a lookout tower with beautiful lake views.

Beyond Kuohijärvi, the surface turns into gravel and forest tracks leading into the forests of Evo. The Evo Hiking Area has several lean-tos and campfire sites for breaks. At Niemisjärvi and the Evo Campus, you’ll find a café and accommodation services.

After Kuohijärvi, the surface changes to gravel and forest tracks before reaching Evo. This section is scenic but rougher, so wider tires are recommended.

Evo — Oitti — Riihimäki (109.7 km)

From Evo Centre, the route continues toward Iso-Evo village and then south toward Lammi. The first section is asphalt, which gradually changes into gravel and forest roads. On the shore of Lake Teuronjärvi lies SFC Tilkunpelto, with a water point, kiosk, and tent sites. The long Koivukehä downhill rolls pleasantly toward the Mommilanjärvi village shop — a popular summer stop for local products and small events.

Mallinkaistenjärvi Recreation Area offers lean-tos for resting or overnight stays, though the trails there are not suitable for gravel bikes. The Kahilahti hut is the easiest to reach by gravel bike. From Mallinkainen, the route follows Löyttymäentie through open farmland toward the Puujoki dam. The surface soon changes from asphalt to gravel and offers the chance for a short detour to the Valkjärvi beach. Crossing highway 54 at Puujoki requires caution — traffic can be busy.

In Oitti, the route circles around the ponds of Cherry Park along a well-maintained gravel path. Oitti also has a railway station, so the route can be joined or ended here. It’s also a good place to refill food and water supplies.

From Oitti, the journey continues toward Hausjärvi village (Hikiä). The first kilometres follow an old roadbed of varying condition, which soon turns into smooth asphalt. Before reaching the village, the route passes the Niklandia campsite and several summer cafés and restaurants — great places for a meal break.

Upon reaching Hikiä, it’s worth stopping at the local museum to explore regional history and enjoy a peaceful pause before continuing. The route passes through the village along the old Alitie road and then heads toward Riihimäki. The ride continues via Lempivaara before reaching Riihimäki railway station. The city offers plenty of services — restaurants, accommodation, and bike maintenance — before the final stage.

Riihimäki — Janakkala — Hämeenlinna (50.7 km)

From Riihimäki railway station, the route leads back toward Hämeenlinna. The first section follows a well-maintained cycle path network before heading into rural landscapes and small villages. From Riihimäki, the route passes Kolmilammi and Ryttylä — Kolmilammi features a traditional dance pavilion and a small lake for swimming, and from the ridge above, you can enjoy fine evening views.

The journey continues through Leppäkoski and Haukankallio. In Leppäkoski, a summer café serves traditional Finnish pancakes, and the tar-scented wooden bridge over the Puujoe River makes a picturesque photo stop. The Kiipula area offers a range of activities: animal yard, frisbee golf, fitness stairs, marked running and hiking trails, and dedicated mountain biking routes. Accommodation, a hut, and a lean-to are also available for rent.

The next main stop is Turenki (Janakkala), where the Liinalammi swimming spot and several shops and restaurants make for a pleasant break. From Turenki, the route continues to Harviala Manor — the manor café is ideal for a refreshing stop. The Vanajanlinna area features park-like surroundings and a historic castle that invites a moment of rest and a touch of local culture.

In the final stretch, the route runs alongside Lake Katumajärvi and passes the Honkalanranta Nature Reserve. The route concludes after crossing the old Viipurintie bridge, at Hämeenlinna railway station.

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.