Distance
326 kmDuration
4-6 daysTotal ascent
3296mHighest point
154m% Unpaved
70 %% Singletrack
17 %Difficulty (1-10)
2% Rideable
100 %Treasures of the National Parks is a journey through two national parks, historic railway trails, cultural river valleys, and the rural landscapes of Northern Uusimaa. Covering 326 kilometres, this route offers a unique combination of peaceful nature, rich cultural heritage, and an easily accessible bikepacking adventure.
The route brings together some of the most remarkable natural and cultural attractions in Northern Uusimaa. Highlights of the first section include the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, the lake uplands of Nuuksio National Park, the historic ironworks area of Karkkila, the old Pikkupässi railway, the Sveitsi Recreation Area in Hyvinkää, and the Finnish Railway Museum, the centre of Finland’s railway heritage.
The journey continues through sandy forests, river valleys and rural villages towards Hausjärvi and Mäntsälä, where the cultural landscapes of the Mustijoki River Valley unfold. The river has served as an important travel route for centuries, and according to local stories, even Vikings used it to find their way from Häme to the Gulf of Finland. In Numminen, visitors can explore the childhood home of explorer A. E. Nordenskiöld, while the waterfall of Halkiankoski in Pornainen is a reminder of the area’s long history.
The final treasure of the route is Sipoonkorpi National Park, where forest trails and traditional smoke saunas by Kuusijärvi and the Sipoonjoki River provide a perfect ending to a long cycling adventure before returning to the centre of Helsinki.
The route is best experienced over 4–6 days. A fast-paced four-day itinerary involves daily distances of around 80 kilometres, while a five-day trip leaves more time for sightseeing. A six-day journey allows for a more relaxed pace and a wider choice of accommodation.
The route can also easily be divided into shorter sections, as the railway stations in Hyvinkää and Mäntsälä provide convenient starting and finishing points for your own cycling adventure.
- The historic ironworks of Karkkila and the heritage of the old Pikkupässi Railway
- The fast-flowing forest trails of Erkylä in Hausjärvi
- The traditional smoke saunas of Sipoonjoki and Kuusijärvi in Sipoonkorpi
- Finnish Nature Centre Haltia and the rest areas of Nuuksio National Park
- The rural landscapes and manor estates of the Mustijoki River Valley between Mäntsälä and Pornainen
- The services of the Sveitsi Tourism Centre in Hyvinkää
- The Kytäjä–Usmi Recreation Area in Hyvinkää
- Accommodation at Niklandia Holiday Resort in Oitti
- The childhood home of explorer A. E. Nordenskiöld at Alikartano
- • The route can be ridden with any type of bicycle, provided that the tyre width is at least 40 mm. Surface conditions vary from smooth gravel to occasional rough sections, so wider tyres will improve comfort.
- • The best time to ride the route is generally from May until the end of October, although pleasant cycling conditions can occur throughout the year.
- • The route offers excellent support services for bicycle maintenance. Bike service facilities are available in Nummela, Karkkila, Hyvinkää and Mäntsälä.
- • Always stay on the marked route and use only the recommended campsites and rest areas described in the route guide. Please also follow the Finnish Outdoor Etiquette and the Code of Conduct for Mountain Bikers in Finland.
- • Mobile phone coverage is available throughout the route. Emergency assistance can always be reached by calling 112 or by using the 112 Suomi mobile application.
- Suggested Accommodation from the Start of the Route to Hyvinkää
- • Hawkhill Cottages, Nuuksio National Park
- • Polku Hotel, Nuuksio National Park
- • Veikkola Manor, Vihti
- • Tehtaan Hotelli, Karkkila
- • Lempistö Farm Bed & Breakfast, Karkkila
- • Kytäjä Resort, Hyvinkää
- Suggested Accommodation from Hyvinkää to the End of the Route
- • Hotel Sveitsi, Hyvinkää
- • Niklandia Cottages, Hausjärvi
- • Majatalo Elisa and Hirvihaara Manor, Mäntsälä
- • Hotelli Kartanon Meijeri, Mäntsälä
- • Ruustinnan Kammari, Mäntsälä
- • Kuohuvirran Kartano, Numminen, Mäntsälä
- • Kotojärvi Estate, Pornainen
- Recommended Camping Locations Along the Route
- • Saarilampi Camping Area, Nuuksio
- • Maijalankoski Lean-to Shelter, Karkkila
- • Piilolampi Recreation Area, Hyvinkää
- • Niklandia Holiday Resort, Hausjärvi
- • Nummistenkoski Lean-to Shelter, Mäntsälä
- • Ängesböle Camping Area, Sipoonkorpi
- Restaurant and Café Recommendations from the Start of the Route to Hyvinkää
- • Backby Manor Restaurant, Espoo
- • Restaurant Haltia, Nuuksio
- • Tuusan Tupa Café, Nummela
- • Luso Restaurant, Karkkila
- • Neste Loppi, Läyliäinen
- • Restaurant Spoon, Kytäjä, Hyvinkää
- Restaurant and Café Recommendations from Hyvinkää to the End of the Route
- • Hotel Sveitsi Restaurant, Hyvinkää
- • Kulmakonditoria Willa, Hyvinkää
- • Café Restaurant Ilona, Hausjärvi
- • Seon Juoru Café Restaurant, Mäntsälä
- • Nummisten Ruokala, Mäntsälä
- • Kesämopo Café, Pornainen
- • Café Sininen Talo, Sipoo
- • Café Kuusijärvi, Sipoonkorpi
- • The route mainly follows easy gravel roads and cycle paths through rural landscapes.
- • The section from Petikko through the Herukkapuro Nature Reserve and Kurkijärvi Forest towards Serena includes several steep climbs. However, the beautiful forest scenery makes the effort worthwhile.
- • The route between Pirttimäki and the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia is also hilly in places.
- • One of the starting points of the route is Kansalaistori Square in central Helsinki, which is easily accessible by public transport. The route can also be started from Pasila Railway Station, which also works well as a finishing point.
- • If you arrive by car and are looking for convenient parking, Haltiala Farm in Vantaa provides an excellent place to start and finish the route.
- • The route can also be divided into shorter sections by using the railway stations in Hyvinkää and Mäntsälä.
The route description starts from Kansalaistori Square in central Helsinki, next to the Central Railway Station. Since the route can be started from several different locations and ridden at various daily distances, it has been divided into clear stages. You can use these suggested stages and accommodation tips to plan your own itinerary.
Helsinki – Saarilampi Camping Area, Nuuksio (56 km)
This section largely follows the Route 2000 trail network. Cycling through Helsinki Central Park is easy and peaceful. The most demanding sections are in the Petikko area and on the route between Pirttimäki and the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia.
After Haltia, the route continues through Nuuksio National Park and offers several excellent places for breaks and overnight stays all the way to Saarilampi. Near the camping area, additional accommodation is available at Polku Hotel and the cottages of Hawkhill.
Saarilampi Camping Area – Karkkila Town Centre (45 km)
After Saarilampi, Nuuksio National Park is left behind and the scenery gradually changes into more open countryside in the Vihti region. Along the way, cyclists pass through the service centres of Nummela and Vihti Church Village. Around 20 kilometres after Saarilampi, just before Vihti Church Village, the idyllic Veikkola Manor offers accommodation in a historic setting.
Beyond Vihti, the route returns to gravel roads and heads towards Karkkila. About three kilometres before the town centre, the Maijalankoski lean-to shelter offers a pleasant camping spot beside the crystal-clear Karjaanjoki River.
In Karkkila, the route passes through the historic ironworks area, where visitors can also explore the Ironworks Museum. The largest grocery stores are located about one kilometre east of the route. Accommodation is available at Tehtaan Hotelli in the town centre.
Karkkila Town Centre – Hyvinkää Railway Station (52 km)
From Karkkila, the route follows the old Pikkupässi railway line. Roughly halfway along the stage lies the village of Läyliäinen, where cyclists will find both a grocery store and a restaurant. About 10 kilometres before Läyliäinen, accommodation is available at Lempistö Farm along the former railway route.
Approaching Hyvinkää, the route passes through the lands of Kytäjä Manor and the Usmi Recreation Area before reaching the town. Piilolampi Recreation Area offers a good camping option. In Hyvinkää, riders can also take advantage of the services of the Sveitsi tourism area, as the route passes by both the hotel and the swimming facilities.
Hyvinkää Railway Station – Niklandia, Hausjärvi (29 km)
The Finnish Railway Museum is located about one kilometre from Hyvinkää Railway Station and is well worth a short detour. From the station, the route continues through the services of central Hyvinkää, initially following cycle paths towards Hausjärvi. Along the way, cyclists will also find an outdoor swimming pool and a kiosk – perfect for cooling down on a warm summer day.
After leaving the urban area, the route changes from paved cycle paths to fast-flowing gravel trails through the sandy forests of Erkylä. About three kilometres before the municipal centre of Hausjärvi (Oitti), the route reaches the junction for Niklandia Holiday Resort. Located in a scenic pine forest area, Niklandia offers cottages of various sizes beside small lakes, and camping is also possible on site.
Niklandia, Hausjärvi – Mäntsälä Town Centre (43 km)
From Niklandia, the route continues through the services of Oitti and towards Mäntsälä. Passing through beautiful rural landscapes, the route reaches the banks of the Mustijoki River near the village of Maitoinen.
According to local legends, three Viking ships once raided Hämeenlinna and used the Mustijoki River as an escape route from Häme to the Gulf of Finland. Near Oitti, the boats had to be carried over land to the headwaters of the river before continuing their journey by water. The cycling route follows parts of this historic river valley all the way to Pornainen.
About seven kilometres before the centre of Mäntsälä, a restaurant can be found beside the golf course, and five kilometres before the town centre cyclists reach Majatalo Elisa and the café in the village of Hirvihaara. The village also features a beautiful rapids area that is ideal for a picnic stop.
Mäntsälä town centre offers comprehensive services and accommodation options, including Hotelli Kartanon Meijeri and Ruustinnan Kammari.
Mäntsälä Town Centre – Sipoo Town Centre (55 km)
From Mäntsälä, the route heads towards the village of Numminen, located 13 kilometres away. A cycle path covers much of the distance before the route once again follows the Mustijoki River through peaceful rural landscapes.
In Numminen, cyclists will find Restaurant Ruokala, accommodation at Kuohuvirran Kartano, and a cosy lean-to shelter and campsite beside the Nummistenkoski rapids. The village is also home to the childhood residence and museum of explorer A. E. Nordenskiöld, Alikartano, which is open during the summer months and also features the charming Hedda Noora Café.
Between Numminen and Pornainen, the route follows approximately five kilometres of paved road. Traffic is generally light, and the surrounding scenery consists of protected cultural landscapes. At Halkiankoski, it is worth making a short detour to see the 12-metre waterfall, once the largest free-flowing waterfall in Southern Finland before it was harnessed for hydropower. Next to the power station is Koskenniska Summer Theatre, which hosts performances throughout the summer.
On the way to Sipoo, the route follows cycle paths through the municipal centre of Pornainen and the Kotojärvi Golf area, where accommodation and dining services are available. The distance from Kotojärvi to Sipoo is 16 kilometres. After Kotojärvi, the cycle path once again turns into a quiet gravel road near Kesämopo Café.
Sipoo Town Centre – Helsinki (46 km)
After leaving the services of Sipoo town centre, the route enters Sipoonkorpi National Park. Before reaching the edge of the park, cyclists pass the traditional Sipoonjoki Smoke Sauna, a unique partly underground smoke sauna beside the road.
Only five kilometres from the centre of Sipoo, it is also possible to make a short detour to the Ängesböle camping area.
Crossing Sipoonkorpi National Park eventually brings riders to the Kuusijärvi Outdoor Recreation Area, which offers a wide range of services from restaurants to traditional saunas. From Kuusijärvi, the route follows the recreational trails along the Keravanjoki and Vantaanjoki rivers towards central Helsinki.
Vanhankaupunginkoski, with its beautiful outdoor surroundings, provides one final nature stop just seven kilometres before reaching Kansalaistori Square in the heart of Helsinki.
Helsinki – Saarilampi Camping Area, Nuuksio (56 km)
This section largely follows the Route 2000 trail network. Cycling through Helsinki Central Park is easy and peaceful. The most demanding sections are in the Petikko area and on the route between Pirttimäki and the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia.
After Haltia, the route continues through Nuuksio National Park and offers several excellent places for breaks and overnight stays all the way to Saarilampi. Near the camping area, additional accommodation is available at Polku Hotel and the cottages of Hawkhill.
Saarilampi Camping Area – Karkkila Town Centre (45 km)
After Saarilampi, Nuuksio National Park is left behind and the scenery gradually changes into more open countryside in the Vihti region. Along the way, cyclists pass through the service centres of Nummela and Vihti Church Village. Around 20 kilometres after Saarilampi, just before Vihti Church Village, the idyllic Veikkola Manor offers accommodation in a historic setting.
Beyond Vihti, the route returns to gravel roads and heads towards Karkkila. About three kilometres before the town centre, the Maijalankoski lean-to shelter offers a pleasant camping spot beside the crystal-clear Karjaanjoki River.
In Karkkila, the route passes through the historic ironworks area, where visitors can also explore the Ironworks Museum. The largest grocery stores are located about one kilometre east of the route. Accommodation is available at Tehtaan Hotelli in the town centre.
Karkkila Town Centre – Hyvinkää Railway Station (52 km)
From Karkkila, the route follows the old Pikkupässi railway line. Roughly halfway along the stage lies the village of Läyliäinen, where cyclists will find both a grocery store and a restaurant. About 10 kilometres before Läyliäinen, accommodation is available at Lempistö Farm along the former railway route.
Approaching Hyvinkää, the route passes through the lands of Kytäjä Manor and the Usmi Recreation Area before reaching the town. Piilolampi Recreation Area offers a good camping option. In Hyvinkää, riders can also take advantage of the services of the Sveitsi tourism area, as the route passes by both the hotel and the swimming facilities.
Hyvinkää Railway Station – Niklandia, Hausjärvi (29 km)
The Finnish Railway Museum is located about one kilometre from Hyvinkää Railway Station and is well worth a short detour. From the station, the route continues through the services of central Hyvinkää, initially following cycle paths towards Hausjärvi. Along the way, cyclists will also find an outdoor swimming pool and a kiosk – perfect for cooling down on a warm summer day.
After leaving the urban area, the route changes from paved cycle paths to fast-flowing gravel trails through the sandy forests of Erkylä. About three kilometres before the municipal centre of Hausjärvi (Oitti), the route reaches the junction for Niklandia Holiday Resort. Located in a scenic pine forest area, Niklandia offers cottages of various sizes beside small lakes, and camping is also possible on site.
Niklandia, Hausjärvi – Mäntsälä Town Centre (43 km)
From Niklandia, the route continues through the services of Oitti and towards Mäntsälä. Passing through beautiful rural landscapes, the route reaches the banks of the Mustijoki River near the village of Maitoinen.
According to local legends, three Viking ships once raided Hämeenlinna and used the Mustijoki River as an escape route from Häme to the Gulf of Finland. Near Oitti, the boats had to be carried over land to the headwaters of the river before continuing their journey by water. The cycling route follows parts of this historic river valley all the way to Pornainen.
About seven kilometres before the centre of Mäntsälä, a restaurant can be found beside the golf course, and five kilometres before the town centre cyclists reach Majatalo Elisa and the café in the village of Hirvihaara. The village also features a beautiful rapids area that is ideal for a picnic stop.
Mäntsälä town centre offers comprehensive services and accommodation options, including Hotelli Kartanon Meijeri and Ruustinnan Kammari.
Mäntsälä Town Centre – Sipoo Town Centre (55 km)
From Mäntsälä, the route heads towards the village of Numminen, located 13 kilometres away. A cycle path covers much of the distance before the route once again follows the Mustijoki River through peaceful rural landscapes.
In Numminen, cyclists will find Restaurant Ruokala, accommodation at Kuohuvirran Kartano, and a cosy lean-to shelter and campsite beside the Nummistenkoski rapids. The village is also home to the childhood residence and museum of explorer A. E. Nordenskiöld, Alikartano, which is open during the summer months and also features the charming Hedda Noora Café.
Between Numminen and Pornainen, the route follows approximately five kilometres of paved road. Traffic is generally light, and the surrounding scenery consists of protected cultural landscapes. At Halkiankoski, it is worth making a short detour to see the 12-metre waterfall, once the largest free-flowing waterfall in Southern Finland before it was harnessed for hydropower. Next to the power station is Koskenniska Summer Theatre, which hosts performances throughout the summer.
On the way to Sipoo, the route follows cycle paths through the municipal centre of Pornainen and the Kotojärvi Golf area, where accommodation and dining services are available. The distance from Kotojärvi to Sipoo is 16 kilometres. After Kotojärvi, the cycle path once again turns into a quiet gravel road near Kesämopo Café.
Sipoo Town Centre – Helsinki (46 km)
After leaving the services of Sipoo town centre, the route enters Sipoonkorpi National Park. Before reaching the edge of the park, cyclists pass the traditional Sipoonjoki Smoke Sauna, a unique partly underground smoke sauna beside the road.
Only five kilometres from the centre of Sipoo, it is also possible to make a short detour to the Ängesböle camping area.
Crossing Sipoonkorpi National Park eventually brings riders to the Kuusijärvi Outdoor Recreation Area, which offers a wide range of services from restaurants to traditional saunas. From Kuusijärvi, the route follows the recreational trails along the Keravanjoki and Vantaanjoki rivers towards central Helsinki.
Vanhankaupunginkoski, with its beautiful outdoor surroundings, provides one final nature stop just seven kilometres before reaching Kansalaistori Square in the heart of Helsinki.