Häme
Nature and silence on Lake Kuohijärvi
The Hietasalo recreation area is located in Kanta-Häme on Lake Kuohijärvi. The area includes three islands of different sizes: the island of Hietasalo, which is the largest and offers great facilities for hiking, the small island of Kaituri, which also has a campfire site and the smallest, Kolusaari, which does not have a marked landing spot.
You can only reach the recreation area by water. That’s exactly what makes this place special: the feeling of an island adventure is easy to access, and once you arrive, you’re greeted by peace, beautiful trails, and well-maintained campfire sites. In summer and during the ice-free season, you can paddle to the island by kayak, SUP, rowboat, or boat. In winter, when the ice is safely bearing, Hietasalo also invites you to cross over on foot along the ice.
We set off by kayak from the western shore of Lake Kuohijärvi and drove to the boat launch at Pitkäläntie 659, 16900 Hämeenlinna. From there, it’s about 800 metres to Hietasalo. Another possible launch point on the western shore is Pitkäläntie 989, from where the water crossing is about 3 kilometres. From the eastern shore, a good starting point is the Vähä-Evo beach (Porraskoskentie 719), which is also about a 3-kilometre crossing.
On the last day of September, the weather was kind to hikers. As we crossed the lake, the wind and gentle waves rocked the kayak peacefully, and the trip flew by as we admired the beautiful lake scenery. The crossing was over quickly—so quickly, in fact, that before landing we felt like paddling a little loop around the island’s shoreline.
A natural place to land was easy to find on a sandy beach. A yellow reflective marker, visible all the way from the opposite shore, clearly showed where to head. There are several of these markers along the shoreline, and at each marker there is a campfire site. Landing by boat is also easy, and in many places there are metal rings for tying up a boat.
We landed directly on the opposite shore from our starting point. The sandy beach received our kayaks softly, and we stepped onto the island with dry feet. In summer, this beach works well as a swimming spot. Another swimming beach can be found on the island of Kaituri.
Silence, beauty, and diverse nature — that’s what the Hietasalo recreation area is all about
Quiet Hietasalo, dressed in autumn colours, invited us to explore right away. The first campfire site was right by the shore: extremely tidy and well equipped with firewood and tools for processing it. We decided to save that spot for later, because first we wanted to climb to the island’s highest point, which had caught our eye on the map at the shoreline. So we headed north—and were surprised to find that the very next bay held a second campfire site, a true hidden gem.
Hietasalo is just the right size for a relaxed day trip. A trail runs lengthwise across the island from end to end, leading hikers through varied nature. In the northern part, you can admire lichen-covered slopes, climb up to a high rocky ridge to take in the lake views, and then descend back toward the shore, where the path winds close to the waterline. On one side the water shimmers; on the other rises a dramatic rock wall. Before long, you’ll come across yet another of the island’s beautiful campfire sites. Set among smooth shoreline rocks, this fire site would also be a wonderful place for camping.
In the middle of the island, wide boardwalks cross over the island’s own small and beautiful bog area. Imagine that—on an island under two kilometres long and, at its widest, only 370 metres across, there’s still a lovely little bog of its own. This time we didn’t find cranberries, but we did find lingonberries.
As you continue north, the landscape changes again. The forest becomes denser and the undergrowth much more abundant. A mossy “troll forest” leads you to yet another well-equipped campfire site right by the shore. This fire site, too, feels carefully planned and placed in a prime spot, so hikers can enjoy both shelter from the wind and the beauty of the surroundings.
We ended this trip at the campfire, enjoying our snacks. We returned to the fire site near our kayaks, where the last afternoon rays of the autumn sun were still shining.
It’s easy to settle into Hietasalo for longer, too. You can easily imagine returning for a summer camping trip—or in late winter, crossing the ice with campfire food in your pack. And we’re sure we will return!
Tips for hikers visiting Hietasalo
- Campfires are allowed only at designated fire sites. Remember to check any current warnings before making a fire.
- A dry toilet can be found next to one of the fire sites on the island’s western shore.
- Overnight stays are allowed near the fire sites. The island is well suited for small-scale tent camping.
- Take your trash with you: there are no bins in the area. Bring your own trash bag and carry out everything you bring in.
- Great for families and beginners: short water crossings, a clear trail, multiple fire sites, and well-maintained structures make Hietasalo an easy destination even for less experienced hikers and those travelling with children.
- Please note that the island is always accessed by water. Assess weather conditions and ice safety carefully before your trip.
The article was written as part of the Löydä Luonto (Find Nature) project, which has been funded by the Alueiden kestävän kasvun ja elinvoiman tukeminen (Sustainable Growth and Vitality of Regions) appropriation.
