Häme
Looking for Finnish nature hikes in Southern Finland? The Kivijärvi Loop Trail in Häme region, Southern Finland offers a perfect escape into nature. With its winding paths, lakeshores, and lush forests, this 27-kilometer trail invites you to experience the feeling of connection when surrounded only by trees, water, and sky.
Key Facts About the Trail
- Distance: 27 km
- Duration: 9–11 hours (or 1–2 days for overnight hikers)
- Difficulty: Demanding
- Starting Point: Tervalamminsuo parking area, Antinsuontie 402, Tammela
The trail is well-marked and features blue square blazes for easy navigation. While the terrain can be challenging with elevation changes and narrow paths, it rewards hikers with silent shores and peaceful surroundings.
Trail Highlights
1. Lakes and Lean-tos
The trail’s highlights include stops at the scenic lean-tos at Kivijärvi and Onkimaanjärvi. These cozy shelters offer spots for rest, meals, or even an overnight stay. Surrounding these lean-tos are pristine lakeshores, perfect for soaking in the serene ambiance.
2. Diverse Landscapes
Experience a variety of landscapes, from mossy spruce forests to open bogs adorned with duckboards. The lush greenery is complemented by clear lakes and hidden streams like Syrjälänpuro, offering changing views at every turn.
3. Challenging Yet Rewarding Terrain
With narrow paths wind through undulating terrain, the trail challenges hikers while providing beautiful resting points.
Practical Tips for Your Hike
- Parking: The Tervalamminsuo parking area has space for around 20 cars and an information board to help you start your adventure.
- Overnight Stays: Plan to spend the night at the Kivijärvi or Onkimaanjärvi lean-tos for a relaxed and immersive experience.
- Making a fire: There are fire pits at the Kivijärvi and Onkimaanjärvi lean-to shelters. During the wildfire warning period, fires are also prohibited at the campfire sites. Always check the wildfire warnings before making a fire in nature.
- What to Bring: Sturdy hiking boots, water filter, snacks, and layers for changing weather conditions are essential for this demanding trail.
Extend Your Adventure to Liesjärvi National Park
For those seeking an even longer hike, the Kivijärvi Loop Trail connects to the Häme Lynx Trail (Hämeen Ilvesreitti), which leads to the beautiful Liesjärvi National Park and Räyskälä area. This extension allows you to explore even more of Häme’s natural treasures.
Plan Your Hike Today
The Kivijärvi Loop Trail offers a mix of challenge and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for experienced hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Whether you’re seeking a day-long adventure, trail running trails, or an overnight escape, this trail offers something for each. The varied terrain and changing landscapes keep the journey interesting, inviting you to explore the essence of Finnish nature in all its simplicity and transformation.
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.
