Häme by Cycle: Vikings Route

Arrival

Excellent public transport connections make the route easily accessible for cyclists from all over Finland. There are up to six railway stations along the trail. Stations on the route: Riihimäki, Hämeenlinna, Turenki, Ryttylä, Hikiä, Oitti, Humppila. By Train With 7 railway stations along the route, it’s easy to start your ride or cycle just a section of the trail. You can hop on the route from any station. Most long-distance trains stop at Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki. Local trains on the Lahti–Riihimäki line stop at Hikiä and Oitti, while local trains on the Helsinki–Tampere line stop at Turenki and Ryttylä. Humppila railway station is located on the north-west part of the route. VR trains stop here on the Turku–Toijala–Tampere line. Bikes travel free of charge on local trains without a reservation. On long-distance trains, bike transport requires a paid reservation. Always book in advance if bringing your bike on a long-distance train, especially in summer or on weekends when places can sell out quickly. By Bus You can easily start or finish your cycling trip in Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki, or Forssa, all of which have bus connections from further afield. Direct express buses run to Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki from Helsinki, Tampere, and Lahti, making the route accessible without a car. Forssa also has direct bus connections from Helsinki and other cities in Southern Finland, making the route easy to reach without a car. By Car The route can be joined from multiple access points – always check local parking rules in advance. Suitable starting points include towns and villages along the way. Parking areas, including those for long-term parking, are available in towns and villages, often near railway stations. Camper van parking areas (matkaparkki) can also be found along the trail.

Route duration

5 - 8 days

Good to know

The route is rideable in three seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. It is at its best from May to September. Any well-maintained touring, gravel, or mountain bike is suitable for the route. Tires should be at least 40 mm wide and puncture-protected. Always stay on the marked route and try to use only the recommended campsites and rest stops mentioned in the route description. Respect the fragile nature and rural surroundings — never leave litter behind. Also follow the Outdoor Etiquette and the Mountain Biking Etiquette There are several points of interest along the route that are best explored on foot. Be sure to bring walking shoes and a lock to secure your bike when visiting these sites. There are fire pits along the route, but firewood supply may vary. It’s a good idea to carry your own camping stove. Fires are only allowed in designated places, and open fires are strictly prohibited during a forest fire warning. Check the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s website for current warnings. The route is guided only by digital navigation. Visit bikeland.fi for navigation tips and instructions for a successful trip. Mobile network coverage is available throughout the route area. In case of emergency, you can always call 112 or use the 112 app. The route crosses busy roads (Highway 2 and Main Roads 54 and 53) as well as a railway level crossing — please use extra caution at these points. The route runs not only on public roads but also on private roads maintained by local road associations. If you encounter poorly maintained sections, please inform us at info@hvay.fi so we can update the route condition information.

More information on the route

The main route of the Häme by Cycle network spans the Kanta-Häme region, from ancient Iron Age trade paths to the peaceful silence of national parks. The journey flows between gentle gravel roads, easy trail sections and smooth asphalt, offering both long, unhurried stretches and climbs that will get your heart pumping. The route is best suited for gravel bikes, with riders prepared for a mix of gravel, forest tracks and occasional paved connections.

Route's length km

560

Surface material

Sand, Gravel, Asphalt, Woodchips, Soil