Evo Hiking Area Trails

Starting Points for Trails

Easy Trails

A woman and a man sit at a table in a shelter. There's a fireplace next to the table.
Accessible cooking shelter at Lake Vähä-Koukkujärvi. Photo: Sari Airas.
A half-open shelter with a woodshed on a small slope behind it. Hikers walk in front of the buildings. There's some snow on the ground.
The lean-to shelter of Vähä-Koukkujärvi in the Evo hiking area is an accessible site. Photo: Maarit Vaahteranoksa.
A man and a dog are standing on a dock. Pine forest and another dock are visible on the opposite side of the lake.
Fishing platform at Lake Vähä-Koukkujärvi. Photo: Sari Airas.
A woman and a man are carrying logs. The door of the firewood shed behind them is open. There is some snow on the ground.
Vähä-Koukkujärvi firewood shelter. Photo: Maarit Vaahteranoksa.
A man is handing logs to a woman in a cooking shelter. They are standing in front of a campfire site.
Accessible campfire site of Vähä-Koukkujärvi. Photo: Maarit Vaahteranoksa.

Vähä-Koukkujärvi Accessible Trail, (Children's Fishing Pond) 500 m, Circular trail 

In the snow-free season. Estimated travel time with a wheelchair is half an hour. No winter maintenance. 
Difficulty: an easy accessible trail. A level boardwalk 1.2 m in width. 

Accessible nature trail symbol. Accessible dry toilet symbol.

A man and a dog walk on a wooden bridge.This wide boardwalk takes you around Vähä-Koukkujärvi lake. There are seven accessible fishing platforms on the trail where you can stop to enjoy the scenery around the lake from spring to autumn. Fishing is permitted for visitors aged under 15. The cooking shelter and its large barbecue provide enough space for cooking and having a picnic even for larger groups.  

Starting Point

Vähä-Koukkujärvi parking area, Kalliojärventie 90, Hämeenlinna. There is a gate preventing driving from parking area to rest stop, but the gate can be passed walking or with a wheel chair.

Hiking Structures

  • The rest stop has
    • an accessible cooking shelter, accessible toilet and two accessible tables
    • lean-to shelter, campfire site and firewood shed

Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

There is a wide boardwalk and accessible fishing platform by the lake. A boardwalk with no trail markings. 

The trail is level and has no excessive lateral slope that could make travelling difficult for those who need mobility aids. The planks laid crossways are 1.2 m wide and have 5-centimetre edges. There are seven accessible fishing platforms which have 85-centimetre handrails with middle rails. There is a wooden pontoon bridge on the trail which bounces slightly as you go across. The bridge has accessible ramps at both ends.

See the map (julkaisut.metsa.fi)

Please Note

Fishing

Fishing in Vähä-Koukkujärvi lake is permitted for visitors aged under 15 and only from the shores. There are seven platforms with 85-centimetre handrails on the boardwalk. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout. A permit is required for fishing: Angling permits for Niemisjärvet lakes (eraluvat.fi). 

Further Information

A demanding accessible trail to Niemisjärvi lake (1.3 km) starts from the boardwalk. 

There is a campfire site and a woodshed on the lake shore. There is a flat sand field in front of the buildings.
Accessible campfire site in Lake Niemisjärvi. Photo: Sari Airas.
There is a wooden building and a ramp at the edge of the forest.
Accessible dry toilet at Niemisjärvi. Photo: Sari Airas.
A flat gravel path runs in the forest on the lake shore. Next to the road, a slope growing spruces rises sharply.
The trail runs along the shore of the lake at the edge of spruce forest. Photo: Sari Airas.
A steel bridge built above a lake next to a rock face leaning over the lake. The bridge has a steel railing on the lake side and an access ramp on the rock side.
Lookout bridge in Ylinen Niemisjärvi. Photo: Sari Airas.
The hard rock dust path leads to the lake shore. On the beach, there is a fishing rod and a cooler under a pine.
In the south-east corner of Lake Ylinen Niemisjärvi, there are hard rock ramps leading to the shore that can be used for fishing. Photo: Sari Airas.
Wooden buildings along a flat gravel path. There is a lake in the background.
Buildings at the rest stop at the Ylinen lean-to shelter. Photo: Sari Airas.
A large wooden dock with low rails. Several people, some of whom are sitting in wheelchairs, are fishing from the dock.
Niemisjärvi accessible dock. Photo: Anemone Aaltonen.
A woman is pushing a child in a buggy onto the dock along a wooden ramp. There is a wooden building in the background and some snow on the ground.
Niemisjärvi accessible dock. Photo: Maarit Vaahteranoksa.
Interior view of an accessible dry toilet. Next to the toilet seat, a hand railing is attached to the wall and there is a shelf in the corner.
Accessible dry toilet. Photo: Sari Airas.

Niemis-Koukkunen, a Demanding Accessible Trail, 1.3 km; 2.6 km Two Ways

In the snow-free season. Estimated travel time with a wheelchair around 1.5 hours. No winter maintenance.
Difficulty: a demanding accessible trail. There are several hills along the trail and a lateral slope in a few places, which is why wheelchair users and those with visual impairments should bring an assistant.
 
Demanding accessible nature trail symbol. Accessible dry toilet symbol.

Starting Point

Niemisjärvi parking area, Niemisjärventie 281, Hämeenlinna. The parking area can take around 30 cars. 

Hiking Structures

  • In Niemisjärvi parking area there is
    • an accessible cooking shelter, accessible campfire site, two accessible docks, accessible toilet
    • firewood shed
    • well
    • waste collection point
  • Along the trail an accessible toilet can be found at Ylisenlaavu lean-to shelter.
  • At Vähä-Koukkujärvi there is
    • an accessible cooking shelter, accessible toilet and two accessible tables
    • lean-to shelter, campfire site and firewood shed 

Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

Trail length: 1.3 km one way.
Height difference: Several climbs/descents, assistant required.
Trail from Vähä-Koukkujärvi parking area to Niemisjärvi kiosk is marked with black and white wooden marks on trees, otherwise there are no marks. The trail is easy to follow and there is no risk of getting lost. 

The Niemis-Koukkunen trail starts from behind Niemisjärvi kiosk and runs along the shores of Alinen and Ylinen Niemisjärvi lakes towards Vähä-Koukkujärvi lake. In addition to lake views you can admire rugged boulders, shady spruce forests and standing deadwood trees on the trail. The highlight of the trail is the viewing platform along the rock wall at Ylinen Niemisjärvi lake. As you approach Vähä-Koukkujärvi lake, the woods turn into lush mixed forest, which you can enjoy from the easy boardwalk. 

The 1.5 m wide trail is surfaced with crushed rock and, closer to Vähä-Koukkujärvi lake, it turns into a boardwalk (width 1.2 m). There is a steel bridge (width 1.1 m) along the trail. 

From Niemisjärvi parking area up to Ylinen Niemisjärvi viewing platform, the trail follows a smooth path surfaced with crushed rock. The platform material is steel mesh with approx. 2 cm x 6 cm squares. On the right-hand side of the platform, a steel ramp which is two planks wide provides access for dogs. After the viewing platform the trail turns into a boardwalk (width 1.2 m). There are several hills along the trail with a gradient of 4% to 7%. The boardwalk mainly has no lateral slope, apart from a few places which have a 3% slope towards the lakeshore. The crushed rock banks on the sides are steep in places and there is no edging, which makes the trail challenging for those with visual impairments. 

See the map (julkaisut.metsa.fi)

Please Note

Fishing

Angling permit holders can fish in Niemisjärvet lakes from the two accessible docks. Crushed rock ramps leading to the shore that are suitable for fishing can be found along the trail close to the lean-to shelter on Ylinen Niemisjärvi lake and in the south-east corner of Ylinen Niemisjärvi. There are seven platforms along the accessible trail around Vähä-Koukkujärvi lake. These platforms can be used for fishing by all those aged under 15. The Niemisjärvet lakes are stocked with rainbow trout. A fishing permit is required (eraluvat.fi).

Further Information

This trail can be combined with the accessible circle trail of Vähä-Koukkujärvi, which consists of a level boardwalk 500 metres in length. 

A fisherman is fishing from the shore. A flat gravel path continues from the shore to the forest. The forest on the opposite side of the lake is in autumn colours.

Nature Trails

Luutajoen Taimenpolku Trail, 1 km

In the snow-free season, hiking time 1 hour.
Difficulty: an easy trail 

Starting Point

The starting point of the trail is the parking area at the intersection of Highway 53 and Ruuhijärventie (Ruuhijärventie 3, Hämeenlinna).

Hiking Structures

At the starting point information boards, a picnic table and well, information boards on the nature trail. Bring your own toilet paper.

A man and a woman in front of a large information board. A little snow can be seen in the forest behind them.

Route Description

This easy trail follows closely the beautiful banks of the Luutajoki river. The information boards on the nature trail tell visitors about the life of the brown trout and stream restoration. It is a good idea to stop for a while on the river bank. You may see a beautiful brown trout with their spotted sides or other big fish in the river. The river can be crossed along bridges and duckboards that are in good condition. The trail is rocky and has tree roots in places, which is why it is not suitable for buggies and similar. Fast-track access to Evo's nature!

A family walks on a wintry trail with a stream flowing in the background.

Niemisjärvi Nature Trail, 3 km

In the snow-free season, hiking time 1 hour
Difficulty: medium difficulty trail 

Starting Point

Niemisjärvi parking area, Niemisjärventie 281, Hämeenlinna

Hiking Structures

  • Niemisjärvi starting point
    • an accessible cooking shelter, accessible campfire site, accessible toilet, two accessible fishing docks
    • well
    • recycling point
  • Ylinen Niemisjärvi lean-to shelter
    • accessible toilet
    • campfire site

Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

The trail starts at the edge of Niemisjärvi parking area. The trail is marked with blue paint stripes on trees. The first part of the trail with its long climbs and steep downhill sections is of medium difficulty. The forest consists of ancient spruce trees, and plenty of decaying wood can be found in it. Lucky hikers may get to see a flying squirrel, that lovable dweller of old-growth forests.

The trail leads through young trees for a while, and after a short road section, it crosses an area damaged by a storm and continues into an old spruce forest. When walking through the giant spruce trunks lying on the ground, you can only imagine the noise of the trees crashing down in the storm. In the summer, you can hear the trilling song of the wren and even spot this funny little bird which is only slightly bigger than a matchbox. At the end of the nature trail you cross the pristine Marjasuo mire along duckboards. The trail returns to Niemisjärvi parking area along the side of the caravan park. 

Syrjänalunen Esker Trail, 3 km

In the snow-free season, hiking time 1.5 hours
Difficulty: medium difficulty trail 

Starting Point

Syrjänalunen parking area, Vappulantie 190, Hämeenlinna.

Hiking Structures

Syrjänalunen lean-to shelter, campfire site and toilet. Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

This medium difficulty trail starts at the lean-to shelter on Syrjänalunen lake and starts with a steep climb to the esker. At the beginning, the trail takes in the scene of prescribed burning carried out to conserve the fire and light environments of Syrjänalunen esker: charred trunks, burnt trees lying on the ground and very sturdy pines.

The trail zigzags to the top of the esker with its great views. The esker section is marked with Ilvesreitti signs (lynx paw). As the trail reaches Hautjärvi lake, the barren pine woods of the esker are quickly replaced by a very lush herb-rich forest. In the final section the trail crosses a large, crystal-clear spring. 

Other Trails

Savottapolku Trail, 4 km 

In the snow-free season, hiking time 1.5 hours
Difficulty: easy trail 

Starting Point

Kelkute parking area, Kelkutteentie 486, Padasjoki.

Hiking Structures

In Kelkute parking area there is a campfire site, well and toilet. Maintained by: City of Hämeenlinna (hameenlinna.fi, in Finnish).

Route Description

Savottapolku trail in Tarus hiking area (hameenvirkistysalueyhdistys.fi, in Finnish) takes visitors back to the history of timber harvesting in 1850–1950 and explores the fates of dwellers in the wilderness. The trail is marked with Ilvesreitti signs (lynx paw). It runs through gently rolling terrain.

Ilvesvaellus Hiking Trail Network, 70 km

The Ilvesvaellus trails were established in 1987 for hiking and other recreational use on lands controlled by the City of Hämeenlinna, Häme University of Applied Sciences and Metsähallitus. The total length of the trails is around 70 km, and visitors can choose between a number of different routes of varying lengths. The trails bring hikers to a variety of forests and terrain and have relative height differences of up to around 70 to 80 metres.

For example, you can start your hike from the parking areas of Niemisjärvi, Syrjänalunen or Pitkänniemenkangas. The hiking trail is marked with Ilvesreitti signs (lynx paw). You should always bring the Ilveskartta map as in addition to a dense network of forest roads, there are also many unmarked paths in this area.

Hiking Structures

There are many lean-to shelters, camping areas and campfire sites along the trails. 

Connecting trails

The connecting trails starting in this area offer further opportunities for hiking.

Mountain Biking Trails

Mountain biking in Evo hiking area

There are three signposted mountain biking trails in Evo. The total length of these trails is around 70 km. The trails are marked in the forest with wooden posts and colourful reflective bands as well as mountain biker signs and arrows in places.

  • MTB 17 km, easy/fairly easy. White bands, travel direction clockwise.
  • MTB 39 km, medium difficulty. Yellow bands, travel direction clockwise. 
  • MTB 67 km, medium difficulty. Red bands, western loop, travel direction clockwise; eastern loop, travel direction anti-clockwise. 

MTB 17 km, Circle Trail  

In the snow-free season. Biking time 2 to 4 hours.
Difficulty: an easy trail 

A child is pushing a mountain bike along a path. Adults are walking behind the child, the first one of whom is also pushing her bike. The bikes have race numbers.

Starting Point

Evo HAMK University of Applied Sciences  information board (hamk.fi), Saarelantie 1, Hämeenlinna
Luutajoki parking area, Ruuhijärventie 3, Hämeenlinna.

Hiking Structures

  • Onkimankangas campfire site 1.7 km, Evo HAMK (hamk.fi)
    • toilet 
  • You can have a rest at the southern or northern end of Ruuhijärvi lake and admire the lake view, 7 to 8 km, no rest stop structures. 
  • Luutajoki parking area approx. 12.5 km
    • picnic table
    • well

Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

Trail markings: a white reflective band on wooden posts. At road crossings additionally a mountain biker symbol, also arrows. 
Travel direction: clockwise.
Difficulty: total climb approx. 190 m.

This trail around Iso-Ruuhijärvi lake is the shortest of the signposted mountain biking trails in Evo. It mainly consists of fairly easy forest paths, forest roads and narrower dirt roads. In Ruuhijärvi, there is an approx. 600-metre section of more difficult new paths and some short rocky or uneven sections where you can push the bike if necessary. The trail has no long, tough climbs or steep downhill sections. The trail includes around 2 km in total of forest roads surfaced with crushed stone, and in parts it shares the path with the MTB 39 km trail (yellow bands).  

Sights

Along the trail you can see different forest types from pine heaths to shady spruce woods carpeted with moss as well as the lakeshore views of Alinen Rautjärvi lake and the Luutajoki river. 

MTB 39 km, Circle Trail  

In the snow-free season. Biking time 3.5 to 6 hours. 
Difficulty: medium difficulty trail 

Starting Points

Colourful bike route marking on a signpost with a cyclist in the background.Hiking Structures

  • Niemisjärvi parking area
    • cooking shelter, campfire site
    • fishing docks
    • well
    • waste collection point
    • While there is no official bathing area, you can swim in the lake.
  • Kalliojärvi lean-to shelter
    • campfire site and toilet
    • cooking shelter (500 m)
  • Luutajoki parking area
    • picnic table
    • well 

Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

Trail markings: a yellow band on a wooden post. In places also mountain biker symbols and arrows. 
Travel direction: clockwise.
Total climb: approx. 540 m.

The trail contains easy and challenging path sections and dirt roads in between them. Fast forest road sections take bikers past rocky terrain. Some of the difficult sections are new paths that are only taking shape with small obstacles formed by the terrain, or forest roads recently surfaced with crushed stone. The longest climbs on the trail are found in the area of Niemisjärvi and Kalliojärvi lakes as well as in the northern section of the trail around Kokkovuori. MTB 39 km is the most difficult one of the MTB trails in Evo. To manage this trail, you need technical skills and a proper mountain bike. A less experienced mountain biker may have to push the bike for short sections. 

Sights

This trail introduces you to the western part of Evo area. The trail takes in the area of Niemisjärvi lake favoured by fishers and hikers as well as forests of different ages and types. There are several beautiful lakes and campfire sites along the trail where you can take a break. Bikers also have a chance to spot wetlands which are home to beavers, great boulders, streams and possibly even forest animals on the way.

MTB 67 km, Circle Trail

In the snow-free season. Biking time 6 to 10 hours.
Difficulty: medium difficulty trail 

Starting Point

Evo HAMK University of Applied Sciences  information board (hamk.fi), Saarelantie 1, Hämeenlinna

Hiking Structures

  • Niemisjärvi parking area
    • cooking shelter, campfire site
    • fishing platforms
    • well
    • waste collection point
    • While there is no official bathing area, you can swim in the lake.
  • Kalliojärvi lean-to shelter
    • campfire site and toilet
    • cooking shelter (500 m)
  • Luutajoki parking area
    • picnic table
    • well 
  • Evo HAMK, information maps 
  • Syrjänalunen lean-to shelter 2.2. km
    • campfire site and toilet
  • Keltaoja lean-to shelter 12.5 km, campfire site and toilet 300 m off the trail
    • campfire site and toilet
  • Sorsakolu lean-to shelter 14.5 km
    • campfire site and toilet
  • Valkea-Mustajärvi lean-to shelter 23 km and camping area 23.5 km
    • campfire site and toilet

Bring your own toilet paper.

Route Description

Trail markings: a red band on a wooden post. In places also mountain biker symbols and arrows. 
Direction of travel: the western loop clockwise, the eastern loop anti-clockwise.
Total climb: approx. 400 m.

MTB 67 km consists of the western MTB 39 km trail section and the 28-kilometre eastern section. MTB 39 km is the most difficult one of the MTB trails in Evo. To manage this trail, you need technical skills and a proper mountain bike. The eastern loop offers variable terrain and is only suitable for actual mountain bikes. The trail section marked anti-clockwise starts in EVO HAMK parking area and runs through almost uninhabited forests and lake landscapes. The trail is suitable for experienced mountain bikers and also for more relaxed off-road biking. There are fairly short challenging path sections on the trail, with easier dirt road sections and partly forest roads in between. The total length of this trail marked with red bands is approx. 67 km.

Sights

MTB 67 km trail gives you a thorough introduction to the western and eastern parts of Evo hiking area. The trail takes in the area of Niemisjärvi lake favoured by fishers and hikers as well as forests of different ages and types. There are several beautiful lakes and campfire sites along the trail where you can take a break. Bikers also have a chance to spot wetlands which are home to beavers, great boulders, streams and possibly even forest animals on the way. The eastern part consists of large forests and varying lake landscapes. Among others, the trail leads past Ylinen Rautjärvi, Valkea Mustajärvi, Savijärvi and Sorsajärvi lakes. The strip of land between the last two is a pleasant place for having a rest in the shade of Sorsakolu lean-to shelter. You can see traces of beavers’ efforts in the vicinity of Keltaoja. Beaver dams may cause the water to rise up onto the paths and duckboards in this area. 

Cyclist riding a bicycle on a trail with little snow in the middle of a forest.