Distance
116 kmDuration
2-3 daysTotal ascent
969mHighest point
154m% Unpaved
36 %% Singletrack
15 %Difficulty (1-10)
1% Rideable
100 %In the Footsteps of the Vikings takes cyclists through the historic landscapes of Northern Uusimaa, where a nearly thousand-year-old Viking legend meets peaceful country roads and the ridges of the Salpausselkä formation. The route passes through the regions of Hausjärvi, Mäntsälä and Hyvinkää, crossing river valleys, sandy ridges and idyllic villages. Along the way, history, tranquillity and unexpected experiences come together, from a unique art café in the middle of the countryside to the region's diverse outdoor destinations.
In the Footsteps of the Vikings is built around a story that has been passed down through generations in the Mustijoki River Valley.
According to local legend, three Viking chieftains raided the Hämeenlinna region during the eleventh century and fled with their treasures towards the Gulf of Finland. Near Hausjärvi, they were forced to drag their boats across the Salpausselkä ridges near Lake Pursijärvi before continuing along the headwaters of the Mustijoki River towards the Baltic Sea.
Today, cyclists can travel through the same landscapes where this historic event may once have taken place. The sandy ridges of Hausjärvi, the pine forests of Erkylä and the open fields of the Mustijoki River Valley create a unique atmosphere where history and nature go hand in hand.
The route connects the services of Hausjärvi, Mäntsälä and Hyvinkää, while the sections between the towns showcase the very best of the southern Finnish countryside: small villages, river valleys, gravel roads and landscapes framed by forests.
Along the route, cyclists can stay at the Niklandia Holiday Resort, visit the In The Middle of Nowhere Art Café or spend time exploring the cultural landscapes of the Mustijoki River Valley.
The route is ideal for a relaxed two- or three-day cycling trip. It can be started from any of the three municipal centres, making it both easily accessible and highly flexible.
- The ridges and landscapes of the Salpausselkä formation, over which Viking boats are said to have been dragged.
- The historic Mustijoki River Valley, which according to legend served as the Vikings' escape route towards the Baltic Sea.
- The sandy roads and pine forests of Erkylä in Hausjärvi.
- Niklandia Holiday Resort, surrounded by sandy ridges and small lakes.
- Middle of Nowhere Art Café and Art Park in the heart of the Uusimaa countryside.
- The cultural landscapes and traditional river scenery of the Mustijoki Valley.
- • 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 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
- • Hotel Sveitsi, Hyvinkää
- • Niklandia Cottages, Hausjärvi
- • Majatalo Elisa and Hirvihaara Manor, Mäntsälä
- • Hotelli Kartanon Meijeri, Mäntsälä
- • Ruustinnan Kammari, Mäntsälä
- Recommended Camping Locations
- • Piilolampi Recreation Area, Hyvinkää
- • Keravanjärvi Recreation Area, Mäntsälä
- • Niklandia Holiday Resort, Hausjärvi
- • Hotel Sveitsi Restaurant, Hyvinkää
- • Kulmakonditoria Willa, Hyvinkää
- • Bursalad Burger Restaurant, Hyvinkää
- • Middle of Nowhere Summer Café and Art Park, Hyvinkää
- • Café Restaurant Ilona, Hausjärvi
- • Seon Juoru Café Restaurant, Mäntsälä
- • Keragrilli, Keravanjärvi, Mäntsälä
- • The route mainly follows easy gravel roads and cycle paths through rural landscapes.
- • The natural gas pipeline corridor between Keravanjärvi and Hirvihaara may be uneven in places.
- The route can be started from the railway stations of Hyvinkää, Mäntsälä or Oitti.
The route description starts from Hyvinkää Railway Station, which is easily reached by train from different parts of Finland. The route forms a circular loop through Hausjärvi, Mäntsälä and Hyvinkää, but it can also be started from Oitti or Mäntsälä. The suggested stages and accommodation tips below can help you plan your own itinerary.
Hyvinkää Railway Station – Niklandia, Hausjärvi (28 km)
The Finnish Railway Museum is located approximately 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. In the town centre, cyclists can stop at the outdoor swimming pool or stock up on supplies before heading into the countryside.
After leaving the urban area, the scenery quickly changes into the sandy ridges and pine forests of Erkylä. The fast-flowing gravel and forest sections are among the highlights of the entire route.
About three kilometres before the municipal centre of Oitti, the route reaches Niklandia Holiday Resort, beautifully located among small lakes and sandy ridges. Accommodation is available both in cottages and at the campsite.
Niklandia, Hausjärvi – Mäntsälä Town Centre (50 km)
From Niklandia, the route continues through the services of Oitti towards Mäntsälä. After leaving the centre of Oitti, cyclists arrive at the shores of Lake Pursijärvi, where the historical heart of the route begins.
According to legend, three Viking chieftains raided the Hämeenlinna region almost a thousand years ago and fled towards the Gulf of Finland. Near Oitti, they were forced to drag their boats across the Salpausselkä ridges to the headwaters of the Mustijoki River before continuing their journey towards the Baltic Sea.
Today, cyclists can follow these same landscapes along peaceful village roads and through the traditional scenery of the river valley.
Approximately seven kilometres before Mäntsälä town centre, a restaurant is located beside the golf course, and five kilometres before the town lies the village of Hirvihaara, where Majatalo Elisa and the beautiful rapids provide an excellent place for a break.
Mäntsälä offers comprehensive services and accommodation options, including Hotelli Kartanon Meijeri and Ruustinnan Kammari.
Mäntsälä Town Centre – Hyvinkää Railway Station (41 km)
From Mäntsälä, the route heads towards the village of Kaukas along peaceful country roads. Part of the route follows the natural gas pipeline corridor.
Along the way, cyclists should stop at the In The Middle of Nowhere Art Café, whose art park and unique surroundings are among the most memorable surprises of the route.
From Kaukas, the route continues towards Hyvinkää through fields, forests and quiet village roads. Before reaching the town centre, cyclists may wish to visit the Hyvinkää Health Forest, located close to the centre.
Hyvinkää offers a wide range of services, restaurants and accommodation options. Before heading home, it is also worth making a final visit to the Sveitsi Recreation Area or the Finnish Railway Museum.
Hyvinkää Railway Station – Niklandia, Hausjärvi (28 km)
The Finnish Railway Museum is located approximately 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. In the town centre, cyclists can stop at the outdoor swimming pool or stock up on supplies before heading into the countryside.
After leaving the urban area, the scenery quickly changes into the sandy ridges and pine forests of Erkylä. The fast-flowing gravel and forest sections are among the highlights of the entire route.
About three kilometres before the municipal centre of Oitti, the route reaches Niklandia Holiday Resort, beautifully located among small lakes and sandy ridges. Accommodation is available both in cottages and at the campsite.
Niklandia, Hausjärvi – Mäntsälä Town Centre (50 km)
From Niklandia, the route continues through the services of Oitti towards Mäntsälä. After leaving the centre of Oitti, cyclists arrive at the shores of Lake Pursijärvi, where the historical heart of the route begins.
According to legend, three Viking chieftains raided the Hämeenlinna region almost a thousand years ago and fled towards the Gulf of Finland. Near Oitti, they were forced to drag their boats across the Salpausselkä ridges to the headwaters of the Mustijoki River before continuing their journey towards the Baltic Sea.
Today, cyclists can follow these same landscapes along peaceful village roads and through the traditional scenery of the river valley.
Approximately seven kilometres before Mäntsälä town centre, a restaurant is located beside the golf course, and five kilometres before the town lies the village of Hirvihaara, where Majatalo Elisa and the beautiful rapids provide an excellent place for a break.
Mäntsälä offers comprehensive services and accommodation options, including Hotelli Kartanon Meijeri and Ruustinnan Kammari.
Mäntsälä Town Centre – Hyvinkää Railway Station (41 km)
From Mäntsälä, the route heads towards the village of Kaukas along peaceful country roads. Part of the route follows the natural gas pipeline corridor.
Along the way, cyclists should stop at the In The Middle of Nowhere Art Café, whose art park and unique surroundings are among the most memorable surprises of the route.
From Kaukas, the route continues towards Hyvinkää through fields, forests and quiet village roads. Before reaching the town centre, cyclists may wish to visit the Hyvinkää Health Forest, located close to the centre.
Hyvinkää offers a wide range of services, restaurants and accommodation options. Before heading home, it is also worth making a final visit to the Sveitsi Recreation Area or the Finnish Railway Museum.