The nearby nature of Riihimäki is charming

Being in nature doesn't always require you to pack a lot of equipment and go somewhere far away. Instead, you should focus on your own living environment and enjoy the nearby nature, preferably on a daily basis. A true local nature enthusiast enjoys, for example, cross-country skiing in their own backyard.

On Riihimäki, versatile nature exercise is easy, because in addition to actual nature trails and outdoor recreation areas, nearby nature bursts forth almost everywhere, and wonderful destinations can be reached even without a car. Riihimäki's most valuable natural sites are unique in the whole of Southern Finland.

Every day to the forest

Veera Hovila, who lives on Riihimäki in Kumela, heads to the forest every day. Most of the time, the route is directed to the nearby forests of one's residential area.

"It's important to me that you see the value of local nature. You don't always have to go far," says Hovila.

Hovila also wants to teach the same values ​​to her 4- and 6-year-old children.

"Children are naturally interested in what they see. I want to support this enthusiasm and it works brilliantly, even in urban areas. It's wonderful to be in nature with children, because they discover things that adults don't even notice," says Hovila.

Hatlamminsuo as the number one destination

On the weekends, Hovila and her children go on longer day trips or even overnight camping, but even then a suitable destination can often be found in Riihimäki.

“I tend to scan maps and see if I can find any interesting new destinations,” says Hovila.

Hatlamminsuo is a favorite destination in Hovila, where the natural conditions are amazing, but it's still easy to get around. Hatlamminsuo is the single most valuable natural site in Riihimäki, because it has an unusually diverse species of marsh plants and it is mostly completely natural. And yet very close to the urban area.

"Käräjäkoski is also an easy place to visit with children. I also like the natural old forests that can be found outside the official hiking areas," says Hovila.

In nature, worries are forgotten

Hovila's most recent nature hobby is bird watching, which he started a couple of years ago. Sammalistonsuo in Riihimäki is one of the best birding spots in Finland, as it is one of the most significant resting areas for birds in the entire inland. Several species that are rare elsewhere nest in the area, so bird watchers come from further afield to Sammalistonsu.

Hovila thought it would be a shame not to take advantage of a hobby opportunity when such a great destination can be found within a bike ride. At best, Hovila visits Sammalistonsu a couple of times a week. The hobby has deepened the relationship with nature, and today Hovila pays more attention to birds in the corners of his home as well.

In Hovila's opinion, that is the best thing about nature, you can immerse yourself in it. Worries and stressors are forgotten when you walk in nature with your senses open and observing.

Hill for skiing

In the nearby nature, you can do more than just day walks on Riihimäki. For Mikko Kalliokoski from Riihimäke, the sports he loves the most are cross-country skiing and cross-country skiing, and they can also be done nearby, as long as there is enough snow.

"Well, of course you can't go mountain hiking in Riihimäki, but there is hilly terrain for skiing here too. The local nature offers a lot of opportunities if you go with an open mind," says Kalliokoski.

In addition, Kalliokoski's repertoire includes kayaking, mountain biking and excursion skating.

A passion to know the forests from edge to edge

At times, the soul of Kalliokoski is torn by logging and other measures that discipline wild nature, but on the other hand, you can also ski and bike in the clearing. The goal is still to always succeed in finding as untouched a forest as possible.

"In the Summamutika forest, you may encounter overgrown bushes and bushes, they are unbearable places to walk. Finding proper forests requires the ability to read and understand maps and aerial photographs," says Kalliokoski.

"I have a passion for getting to know all the forests of Riihimäki from end to end. There are many beloved places, and some of them are probably not open to visitors. Part of the hobby is finding great routes for yourself."

In recent years, Kalliokoski has grown especially in the area between Paalijärvi and Usmi in Hyvinkää.

“I have been intensively looking for good routes there, and it has become an important project for me.”

On Riihimäki, Kalliokoski especially likes the fact that there is a lot of nature suitable for hiking that can be reached by bicycle. No need to drive.

“There are also our own specialties here, such as the soup terrains in Riuta, which are part of the remnants of Salpausselkä, and which stimulate the imagination.”

Life close to nature is easy in Riihimäki

• In the vicinity of Hatlamminsu is the residential area of ​​Metsäkorvi, where there are still plenty of vacant lots. From the residential area close to nature, you can reach the recreation area of ​​Hatlamminsuo via paths, and there are also nice water bodies nearby.
• On the other hand, there are free plots next to the racetrack, from which it is a short walk to Sammalistonsuo. The area belongs to the Juppala residential area. Juppala pond is also located in the area.
• More than 20 detached house plots will be available in the Kortinmäki area next year, surrounded by large park areas with many walking paths. Next to Kortinmäki there is a marsh area for hiking and from there you can walk to Vantaanjoki. The area is known to be home to a wide variety of animals, so you can even spot a moose on a walk.
• In the center, new apartments are being built in the Asemapuisto area, where excellent transportation connections and the versatility of services are combined with green values. The development of Riihimäki station area, or Asemanpuisto, is one of the central projects of the city of Riihimäki.

Emmi Tuomisto