Distance
133 kmDuration
2-3 daysTotal ascent
1243mHighest point
149m% Unpaved
71 %% Singletrack
15 %Difficulty (1-10)
1% Rideable
100 %Along the Old Railway takes cyclists through the landscapes of the former Pikkupässi Railway between Hyvinkää, Kytäjä, Läyliäinen and Karkkila. The route combines fascinating railway history, peaceful villages, forest recreation areas and the historic ironworks of Karkkila into a unique cycling experience. On the return journey, the lakes, ridges and small rural villages of Loppi provide entirely new scenery before the route returns to Hyvinkää.
Along the Old Railway tells the story of a railway that connected Hyvinkää and Karkkila for more than six decades. The narrow-gauge Karkkila Railway, completed in 1907, transported agricultural and forestry products, raw materials for the Högfors Ironworks and finished products to markets around the world. The steam locomotives, affectionately known as Pikkupässi (“Little Rams”), also pulled passenger carriages until transport gradually shifted to roads and the railway was dismantled in the late 1960s.
Although the trains have disappeared, the old railway still lives on. Cyclists follow long sections of the former railway embankment, where gentle curves, steady gradients and remnants hidden among the forests tell the story of a bygone era. The route offers a rare opportunity to explore railway history exactly where the trains once ran.
Along the way, cyclists experience the natural beauty of the Kytäjä and Usmi recreation areas, the local services of Läyliäinen village and the historic ironworks district of Karkkila. On the return journey, the scenery changes once again as the lake highlands of Loppi, the ridges of Komio Nature Reserve and small countryside villages lead riders back towards Hyvinkää.
The route is ideally suited for a two- or three-day cycling adventure. Daily distances are moderate, services are conveniently spaced and accommodation options range from rural farm stays to urban hotels.
- The former Pikkupässi Railway and its unique railway heritage.
- The forests, shelters and rest areas of the Kytäjä and Usmi Recreation Areas.
- The village of Läyliäinen with its local services and authentic atmosphere.
- The historic Högfors Ironworks area in Karkkila.
- The ridges, lakes and viewpoints of Komio Nature Reserve.
- The unique accommodation experience at Metsä-Nummela Farm.
- 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.
- Bicycle maintenance services are available in Karkkila and Hyvinkää.
- 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:
- Hotel Sveitsi, Hyvinkää
- Kytäjä Resort, Hyvinkää
- Lempistö Farm, Karkkila
- Tehtaan Hotelli, Karkkila
- Metsä-Nummela Farm, Loppi
- Recommended Camping Locations:
- Maijalankoski Lean-to Shelter, Karkkila
- Piilolampi Recreation Area, Hyvinkää
- Metsä-Nummela Farm, Loppi
- Iso-Kypärä Camping Area, Hyvinkää
- Restaurant and Café recommendations:
- Hotel Sveitsi Restaurant, Hyvinkää
- Kulmakonditoria, Hyvinkää
- Restaurant Spoon, Kytäjä, Hyvinkää
- Neste Loppi, Läyliäinen
- Luso Restaurant, Karkkila
- Pelto-Seppälä Farm, Loppi
- Café Lättis, Loppi
- Pirteeks Sheep Café, Loppi
- The route alternates between paved cycle paths, gravel roads and sandy railway embankments.
- The route can be ridden on a regular bicycle, although wider tyres found on mountain bikes are beneficial on the softest sections.
- The route is classified as easy.
- Much of the route follows public roads, so cyclists should follow traffic regulations and ride with caution.
- Recommended starting points are:
- Hyvinkää Railway Station in Hyvinkää
- Karkkila Bus Station in Karkkila
The route description starts from Hyvinkää Railway Station, which is easily reached by train from all parts of Finland. The route forms a circular loop of approximately 130 kilometres through Karkkila, Loppi and Hyvinkää. However, it can also be started from Karkkila or Loppi. The suggested stages and accommodation tips below can help you plan your own itinerary.
Hyvinkää Railway Station – Karkkila Town Centre (52 km)
The route leaves Hyvinkää through the town's services and heads towards Kytäjä and the Usmi Recreation Area.
Approximately one kilometre from the railway station, cyclists can make a short detour to the Finnish Railway Museum and discover the history of Finnish rail transport before setting off. The Sveitsi Recreation Area, hotel and swimming facilities offer an excellent opportunity for a first break.
Near the lands of Kytäjä Manor, the route reaches the old Pikkupässi Railway, which it follows for long stretches. The gentle curves and even gradients of the former narrow-gauge railway make cycling particularly enjoyable.
About halfway along the stage lies the village of Läyliäinen, where cyclists will find a grocery store, a restaurant and the local meeting place, the café at Neste service station.
Approximately ten kilometres beyond Läyliäinen, Lempistö Farm, located beside the former railway route, offers charming countryside accommodation.
Approaching Karkkila, the route first follows the beautiful rapids of the Karjaanjoki River before arriving at the historic Högfors Ironworks area. A visit to the Finnish Foundry Museum and the old factory environment is highly recommended.
The largest grocery stores are located approximately one kilometre from the route, and accommodation is available in the town centre at places such as Tehtaan Hotelli.
Karkkila Town Centre – Metsä-Nummela Farm, Loppi (26 km)
From Karkkila, the route heads towards the lake highlands of Loppi, and the scenery gradually changes from the ironworks environment to forested ridges and lakeside landscapes.
Part of the route continues along the former Pikkupässi railway towards Pilpala, where two pleasant rest stops await cyclists: Pelto-Seppälä Farm and Café Lättis.
Metsä-Nummela Farm offers an unforgettable overnight stay in the peaceful countryside. The farm's accommodation, saunas and nature-filled surroundings make it an excellent destination for the first day of the journey.
Metsä-Nummela Farm, Loppi – Hyvinkää Railway Station (55 km)
From Metsä-Nummela, the route continues through the forests and lake landscapes of Loppi towards Hyvinkää.
In the Loppi region, it is worth taking time to explore the Komio Nature Reserve, known for its beautiful ridges, lakes and scenic viewpoints.
Halfway between Komio and the village of Läyliäinen, cyclists can enjoy a gentle break in nature at the Pirteeks Sheep Café.
On the way to Hyvinkää, the route follows one final section of the former Pikkupässi railway before turning north towards Lake Hirvijärvi. The lakeshore features a popular swimming beach and sauna facilities.
Before reaching Hyvinkää, the route passes once more through the Kytäjä–Usmi Recreation Area.
Hyvinkää offers a wide range of restaurants, accommodation and railway connections, making Along the Old Railway an easily accessible and ideal weekend bikepacking adventure.
Hyvinkää Railway Station – Karkkila Town Centre (52 km)
The route leaves Hyvinkää through the town's services and heads towards Kytäjä and the Usmi Recreation Area.
Approximately one kilometre from the railway station, cyclists can make a short detour to the Finnish Railway Museum and discover the history of Finnish rail transport before setting off. The Sveitsi Recreation Area, hotel and swimming facilities offer an excellent opportunity for a first break.
Near the lands of Kytäjä Manor, the route reaches the old Pikkupässi Railway, which it follows for long stretches. The gentle curves and even gradients of the former narrow-gauge railway make cycling particularly enjoyable.
About halfway along the stage lies the village of Läyliäinen, where cyclists will find a grocery store, a restaurant and the local meeting place, the café at Neste service station.
Approximately ten kilometres beyond Läyliäinen, Lempistö Farm, located beside the former railway route, offers charming countryside accommodation.
Approaching Karkkila, the route first follows the beautiful rapids of the Karjaanjoki River before arriving at the historic Högfors Ironworks area. A visit to the Finnish Foundry Museum and the old factory environment is highly recommended.
The largest grocery stores are located approximately one kilometre from the route, and accommodation is available in the town centre at places such as Tehtaan Hotelli.
Karkkila Town Centre – Metsä-Nummela Farm, Loppi (26 km)
From Karkkila, the route heads towards the lake highlands of Loppi, and the scenery gradually changes from the ironworks environment to forested ridges and lakeside landscapes.
Part of the route continues along the former Pikkupässi railway towards Pilpala, where two pleasant rest stops await cyclists: Pelto-Seppälä Farm and Café Lättis.
Metsä-Nummela Farm offers an unforgettable overnight stay in the peaceful countryside. The farm's accommodation, saunas and nature-filled surroundings make it an excellent destination for the first day of the journey.
Metsä-Nummela Farm, Loppi – Hyvinkää Railway Station (55 km)
From Metsä-Nummela, the route continues through the forests and lake landscapes of Loppi towards Hyvinkää.
In the Loppi region, it is worth taking time to explore the Komio Nature Reserve, known for its beautiful ridges, lakes and scenic viewpoints.
Halfway between Komio and the village of Läyliäinen, cyclists can enjoy a gentle break in nature at the Pirteeks Sheep Café.
On the way to Hyvinkää, the route follows one final section of the former Pikkupässi railway before turning north towards Lake Hirvijärvi. The lakeshore features a popular swimming beach and sauna facilities.
Before reaching Hyvinkää, the route passes once more through the Kytäjä–Usmi Recreation Area.
Hyvinkää offers a wide range of restaurants, accommodation and railway connections, making Along the Old Railway an easily accessible and ideal weekend bikepacking adventure.