Häme by Cycle: Viking’s Route

The Viking’s Route is the backbone of the Häme by Cycle network – a 560 km gravel and bikepacking adventure. A journey where you’ll encounter the silence of deep forests, the sparkle of countless lakes, and centuries-old roads once traveled by merchants and storytellers long before us.

The route stretches widely across Häme, from ancient Iron Age trade paths to the tranquility of national parks. Along the way, you’ll ride relaxed gravel roads, easy trail sections, and smooth asphalt surfaces. Expect both long, peaceful transitions and pulse-raising climbs.

Best suited for gravel bikes, the loop takes you on a mix of gravel, forest roads, and occasional paved connections.

The Viking Loop is divided into three shorter adventure loops: East Strider’s Trail, Tapio’s Gravel Path, and Ukko’s Trail. You’ll find these routes listed at the bottom of this page.

Gravel bikes are the best fit, and riders should be prepared for a variety of surfaces – gravel, forest tracks, and sporadic paved stretches.

The Viking’s Route is best enjoyed in stages – start anywhere and return when time and energy allow. While grit (sisu) will be your companion, the route is supported by service points, accommodation, and local cafés offering food, rest, and energy for the road ahead.

Plan your stages carefully: the route breaks naturally into day rides. Overnight stays are best combined between nature sites and inns or hotels. Food and water are easiest to replenish near towns and villages, but be prepared for long stretches without services.

Make sure your bike is well-maintained, as the varied surfaces require reliable gear. Pack for all weather – Häme’s conditions can change quickly, whatever the season. And most importantly: take breaks, breathe deep, and enjoy the ride – you are in Häme.

From Riihimäki to Räyskälä – 67 km

Starting point: Riihimäki Railway Station

The route conveniently begins at Riihimäki Railway Station, which has excellent train connections. Before setting off, Riihimäki’s services provide a chance to stock up on snacks and last-minute bike supplies.

The first kilometres follow well-maintained cycle paths through the town. After about 3 km, it is worth stopping at Hyttikortteli, known for Riihimäki’s glass industry history. Its preserved architecture and atmosphere offer a glimpse into the past and a meaningful start to the journey.

A short ride away are two major cultural attractions: the Finnish Hunting Museum, presenting Finland’s hunting heritage, and the Finnish Glass Museum, showcasing the world-renowned art of Finnish glassmakers.

The route changes to winding gravel roads, leading towards Paalijärvi. Its beach and lean-to shelter make for a perfect break. Just 2 km further lies Hirvijärvi, another fine swimming spot with lakeside relaxation and even a rentable sauna.

The journey continues along good-quality gravel roads, with some short but steep climbs, before reaching Loppijärvi and Vanhankoski Mill & Power Plant Museum. After 35 km, the route arrives at Loppi village, where shops and restaurants allow you to replenish supplies and enjoy a meal. Note: the next larger grocery store is 60 km away, so plan ahead.

From Loppi, the route follows Pilpalantie road towards the Komio Nature Reserve. A detour via Pappilanlääni road leads to Luutasuo mire, where the fire pit at Luutalammi Lake makes a peaceful rest stop. From the parking area, several marked trails start: Esteetön Samo (1 km, accessible), Pikku-Samo (3.5 km), and Luutaharjun Samo (6.5 km). Overnight stays are allowed at Komionlampi camping area.

The route winds through pine forests and sandy ridge roads. After Komio, the terrain becomes rollercoaster-like, first along gravelled Eräläntie, then paved Räyskäläntie. Ride carefully here. Before Räyskälä, you can detour 2 km to Marskin Maja, Marshal Mannerheim’s historic lodge, with a summer café and museum. Along the way, you will also find day-use shelters such as Pilkutin Kota and Sähkönokka. In Räyskälä village (70 km from Riihimäki), the local shop is the last chance to stock up before Tammela. Nearby are the Räyskälä Airfield restaurant and Camping Laakasalo, offering both meals and camping facilities.

Häme Lake Uplands to Saari Folk Park – 21 km

The Räyskälä area marks the gateway to the Häme Lake Upland, a landscape filled with stunning lakes and ridges. The route continues along Tauluntie to Häme Ox Road on asphalt before turning onto gravel towards Lake Saarijärvi. Along the way, you’ll pass the Kaitajärvi lean-to shelter, an excellent spot for a break.

The route follows gravel roads to the historic Hämeen Härkätie (Ox Road of Häme) and arrives at Porras village. Once a key crossroads of Southern Finland, the village hosts Nahkurinverstas café, guesthouse, and a unique leather museum. Soon after, one of the most beautiful sections begins, leading into Saari Folk Park. After 85 km of riding, the lush park with its restaurant, kiosks, beaches, and historic sites makes an ideal rest stop. Overnight stays are only permitted at the Raanpää lean-to with its wooden tents by Kuivajärvi Lake. Additional lodging and dining can be found at Venesilta Camping. Before heading onwards, visit Kaukolanharju lookout tower and the Albert Edelfelt memorial.

A Short Day from Tammela to Forssa – 15 km

Leaving Saari, the route crosses the old Saarensalmi concrete bridge and follows cycle paths towards Tammela. Here, shops and services allow you to restock before the final stretch.

From Tammela, the route continues along the old church road over Syrjänharju ridge. This section includes technical trail riding where short bike pushing may be necessary. The stage ends at Forssa Bus Station, surrounded by cafés, shops, and restaurants – a fitting close to the first part of the route.

From Forssa to Hämeen Härkätie and Pääjärvi Recreation Area – 34 km

The section towards Hämeenlinna follows parts of the historic Hämeen Härkätie (Ox Road of Häme). Stock up in Forssa before leaving, as the next larger shop is over 60 km away.

The route passes Linikkalanlampi swimming beach and then follows small gravel roads towards Mustiala Manor. The manor is a historic landmark with a rural museum. Continuing onwards, the path leads to Pääjärvi Recreation Area. Along the way, Hykkilä Villas provide accommodation. After climbing the steep Uudensillanmäki hill, the route descends to Pääjärvi along paved Hämeen Härkätie. At Pääjärvi, facilities include a swimming area, lean-tos, and camping opportunities – a perfect picnic spot before continuing.

Along Hämeen Härkätie to Hämeenlinna – 65 km

From Pääjärvi, the route follows Hämeen Härkätie for a few kilometres, then turns onto rustic Rauniotie towards Pitkäjärvi Farm. The climb is steep and slippery when wet, but the farm itself makes a scenic stop. Next, Nummenkylä village hall awaits with a café and swimming beach. The route then continues to Renko village, with shops, restaurants, and the Ox Road Museum. Nearby, the Kulttila village kota offers a rentable shelter.

From Renko, the route continues on rolling gravel roads. Services are sparse, so carry enough water and food. The first café after Renko is Jurevita, about 30 km ahead. Closer to Hämeenlinna, the trail rejoins Hämeen Härkätie and climbs Ahvenisto Ridge. This technically challenging stretch rewards you with scenic views and the chance to swim in Ahvenistonjärvi. After short push-bike sections, the trail descends through Punaportti district and along Lake Vanajavesi shoreline to Hämeenlinna Railway Station.

Before finishing, take a detour to Hämeenlinna Market Square or visit Häme Castle, the Prison Museum, and the Military Museum. To unwind, you can swim at Hämeenlinna’s public pool or the lakeside beach. Cyclists are warmly welcomed at Hostel Naurava Kulkuri.

Hämeenlinna — Hauho — Evo (97.9 km)

The route begins at Hämeenlinna railway station, following the lakeside trail along Lake Vanajavesi towards Aulanko. Soon you’ll reach the edges of the Aulanko Nature Reserve. The Aulanko lookout tower, with its sweeping views over Lake Aulangonjärvi, is well worth a visit — but note that the paths and climb can be steep, so take your time. Before continuing, you can enjoy refreshments in the area’s cafés.

From there, the journey heads towards Hauho, where you’ll find good opportunities to restock supplies or enjoy local restaurants. Hauho’s shingle-roofed medieval stone church and historic village street mark the third church site along the route. For an extra detour, you can climb Vuorenharju tower to take in views of the village, the church spire, and Lake Hauhonselkä. The route then continues towards Lake Iso-Roine, where the Vähäniemi–Tohkoo recreational area offers a campfire site, swimming, and a lookout tower with lake views.

From Kuohijärvi, the trail turns onto gravel roads and cart tracks, leading into the forest landscapes of Evo. The Evo Hiking Area has several lean-tos, campfire sites, and services at the Evo Visitor Centre, making it a good place to pause or stay overnight before the next stage.

Evo — Oitti — Riihimäki (109.7 km)

From the Evo Visitor Centre, the route continues through Iso-Evo village and north towards Lammi. The first stretch is paved, soon changing into gravel and forest tracks. At Niemisjärvi, you’ll find lean-tos and campfire spots — a perfect place for a break. A nearby café may offer light snacks, and opportunities for canoeing or other water activities are also available.

The journey then moves on through the Lammi and Teuronjärvi areas. From Mommila village shop begins one of the longer gravel sections. The climb at Koivukehä and the winding gravel roads that follow test your stamina but reward you with beautiful scenery. On Lake Teuronjärvi’s shore, SFC Tilkunpelto offers a water point, kiosk, and tent sites.

The Mallinkaistenjärvi recreational area has two lean-tos, ideal for a rest or overnight stay. From here, the trail leads to Mommilanjärvi village shop, a popular summer spot with local products and events. Along Löyttymäentie, the route runs through open fields before reaching the Puujoki dam. After crossing Highway 54, the trail shifts to gravel again and offers a detour to Valkjärvi beach.

At Oitti, the route circles the Cherry Park (kirsikkapuisto) with its ponds and continues on a well-maintained gravel path. Oitti also has a railway station, making it a convenient entry or exit point for the route. This is a good place to stock up on food and drinks, as shops can be far apart on the following stretches.

The final leg goes through Hausjärvi church village and Lempivaara before arriving at Riihimäki railway station. Riihimäki’s services provide opportunities for dining, accommodation, or bike maintenance before setting off on the last section.

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.