Three stunning natural sites in Riihimäki

Riihimäki nature trails offer a variety of outdoor routes for domestic tourists. The rich nature of Hatlamminsuo and the convenient long-stemmed tree path make the area a particularly pleasant hiking destination with children. Sammalistonsuo, on the other hand, is one of the best birdwatching spots in Southern Finland. If you need an accessible outdoor route instead, head to Käräjäkoski, which offers beautiful views of the rapids and the surrounding lush nature.

Hatlamminsuo

The Hatlamminsuo Nature Trail, which has been preserved almost entirely in its natural state, is located right next to the urban area of Riihimäki. The trail is easily accessible by car or local transport.

A valuable and significant natural site

Hatlamminsuo is called the most valuable natural site in Riihimäki due to its natural state. Efforts are also being made to maintain the natural state, which requires that the trees and water conditions remain unchanged. For this reason, no drainage or logging activities are carried out in the bog anymore.

Hatlamminsuo has several dozen different types of bog vegetation. The area is home to crowberry and lingonberry, as well as heather, marsh flower and marsh primrose. The bog is also home to a wide variety of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

Hatlamminsuo is designated as a nature reserve in the provincial plan, but no nature reserve has been officially established there yet.

Pleasant and safe walking on the boardwalks

The Hatlamminsuo nature trail runs mainly along boardwalks. The outdoor trail is relatively short, about a kilometer long, which makes it particularly suitable for families with children. Along the guided nature trail, there are information boards introducing Hatlamminsuo, which can be read on a mobile device using QR codes.

Right next to the parking lot is a lean-to where you can grill sausages and enjoy a snack during your hike. This makes Hatlamminsuo a great hiking destination for families looking for something fun to do with children – first a tour of the nature trails and then a snack break at the lean-to.

The bog attracts a wide variety of outdoor enthusiasts, and the area is used for recreation all year round. Both berry pickers and nature enthusiasts find their way to the bog. In winter, people come to Hatlamminsuo to ski.

Sammalistonsuo

Sammalistosuo wetland is a lovely and special hiking destination not only for birdwatchers but also for other nature lovers. This easily accessible outdoor recreation area is located four kilometers from the center of Riihimäki.

An excellent excursion destination all year round

The Sammalistosuo Nature Trail is a 1,5-kilometer-long trail with no guardrails. On this short but rewarding nature trail, you can learn about birding, nature conservation, hunting, game management, and responsible peat production with the help of information boards. The trail is easy and pleasant to walk on, as it is flat and in good condition.

The mossy bog wetland supports significant biodiversity. The water and lush vegetation provide shelter, diverse food, and nesting and reproduction opportunities, making it a favorable habitat for many insect, bird, and mammal species. The wetland is home to numerous aquatic organisms, insects, frogs, and aquatic plants.

The best birdwatching spot in Kanta-Häme

Sammalistosuo is a true birdwatcher's paradise. So far, no less than 245 different bird species have been spotted in the wetland, making it one of Finland's most significant bird resting areas. Especially in spring and autumn, thousands of migratory birds descend on the bog to refuel. However, it is worth visiting the nature trail at any time of year, as birds can be seen there all year round.

Bird nesting is actively supported in the wetland: Bird enthusiasts have installed 250 different nesting structures in the area, while hunters have erected nesting tubes for ducks. In addition, the city of Riihimäki has built artificial nests for storks.

There is a wooden viewing platform with a table and benches at Sammalistosuo for bird watching. Bird watching can easily take a while, so it's worth packing a snack!

Käräjäkoski

The Käräjäkoski Nature Trail has been praised for its ease of access and calming nature. It is located in the Vantaanjoki rapids area near the town of Riihimäki. The trail can be accessed from the parking lot next to the bridge over the Vantaanjoki.

The peace of a lush river valley

The lush nature of Käräjäkoski Rapids enchants hikers. There is also a fishing pier along the way where you can stop and admire the roaring rapids.

The area also offers good opportunities for recreational fishing, and you may catch brown trout with your rod. However, to fish in the rapids and streams, you first need a local fishing permit, and in addition, the state fisheries management fee must be paid.

Guided and accessible nature trails

The easy-to-navigate nature trail at Käräjäkoski is just over a kilometer long. Part of the trail is also great for people with disabilities.

There are six information boards along the path that tell you about the rapids and the flora and fauna of the area.

The Käräjäkoski and Hatlamminsuo rapids featured in this blog are nature trails maintained by the city of Riihimäki. The city also maintains the Riutta, Hirvijärvi and Vahteristo hiking trails, which are also worth visiting. Discover Riihimäki's outdoor trails and nature destinations on the Riihimäki City website.