Häme by Cycle: Odin’s Journey

Sibeliuksenkatu, Forssa

Forssa

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Description

Odin’s Journey is a 136 km long cycle trail located in the westernmost part of the Häme by Cycle route in Kanta-Häme. We recommend you to take 2-3 days to enjoy the route without rushing, leaving plenty of time to experience the natural and cultural sites along the way. The route is best suited to those with some experience of cycling, and the varied terrain also provides a reasonable challenge for experienced cyclists. You can stay overnight at lean-to shelters, at camping sites, or in comfortable guesthouses and hotels.

The route leads you to Liesjärvi National Park where it’s worth stopping at Kyynäränharju ridge or Korteniemi Heritage Farm – a living museum in the middle of the national park. For breaks, the route offers lean-to shelters and campfire sites where you can also spend the night. Torronsuo Observation Tower offers an impressive view of Finland’s deepest swamp.

At the start of the journey, you travel through Forssa and Ruostejärvi Recreation Areas and then continue to Jokioinen where you can visit a working museum railway. If your timing is right, you can hop aboard a steam train and head towards Humppila station.

For culture and history lovers, there are many interesting sites along the route. At the start of the route in Forssa city centre, you can explore the national urban park and the history of the city. Along the route, cycle paths give way to gravel roads and Hämeen Härkätie, an ox road already used by the Vikings, and the lakeside scenery of Ruostejärvi Recreation Area.

After the gravel road section, you reach Liesjärvi National Park and Kyynäränharju ridge, cycling along dirt roads in the shelter of the forest to Korteniemi Heritage Farm. Korteniemi Heritage Farm offers a unique insight into old Finnish agricultural life. Liesjärvi’s lean-to shelters and campfire sites provide a perfect place for breaks and overnight stays. The route continues to Torronsuo National Park, where the observation tower offers a view of Finland’s deepest bog.

After Torronsuo, the route levels out and you reach Jokioinen. In Jokioinen, you can visit the museum railway, which is still in operation. With good timing, you can hop aboard a steam train with your bike and head towards Humppila station.

From Humppila, the last, easy part of the route leads you back to Forssa, bringing you back to the city along a picturesque riverside boulevard with parks.

Along the way you can see historic buildings, enjoy local delicacies, and relax in nature. Odin’s Journey is at its best from June to mid-August, when local cafés and restaurants are open. Adventurers can also cycle the route in early autumn or late spring.

Highlights