As the sun begins to warm the ground, snow melts quickly, trails dry out, and the first sounds of nature return to forests, mires and lakeshores. We have listed destinations where spring hiking is at its easiest and most enjoyable: trails are usually free of flooding, access roads remain in good condition, and key outdoor facilities are often available early in the season.
How were the destinations selected?
- Locations in Southern and Central Finland.
- Snow melts early or evenly: No significant lingering snow in the terrain.
- Trails dry out early: Not prone to flooding.
- Easy access: Roads leading to the sites are paved or otherwise not severely affected by spring thaw.
- Spring phenomena: Migratory birds, awakening nature or powerful spring floods make the destination especially appealing in spring.
Teijo National Park – a versatile spring destination
Best in spring
In Teijo, snow cover is often thin and melts early. Forested hills, rocky outcrops, lakeshores and historic ironworks villages with services offer a varied and easily accessible hiking environment.
Route recommedations for spring
- Totti Nature Trail (1.3 km) runs through the charming park of an old manor and is suitable for all ages.
- Matildanjärvi Trail(6.1 km) – Lake Matildanjärvi and the village of Mathildedal are captivating regardless of season or time of day.
Latokartanonkoski Nature Reserve – roaring spring rapids
Best in spring
Latokartanonkoski is a small hiking destination whose lush, grove-like nature is perhaps at its most beautiful in spring. During snowmelt, the roaring rapids and the bridges crossing them provide striking viewpoints for a short day trip.
Route recommedations for spring
Latokartanonkoski Nature Trail (1.5 km) is the only trail in the area. It is easy to walk but not fully accessible, as there are stairs along the route.
Repovesi National Park – from viewpoint to viewpoint
Best in spring
Babbling streams, sun-warmed rocky viewpoints and the calls of black-throated divers returning to their nesting lakes complete the spring hiking experience.
Route recommedations for spring
- Koppelon kierros Trail (8.4 km) is ideal for a long day hike through varied scenery.
- Kaakkurin kierros Trail (26 km) offers an early start to the hiking season.
Good to know
The Ketunlossi cable ferrywill be launched in 2026 slightly later, by mid-May. Before that, Kaakkurin kierros can be completed in a modified form along the northern shore of Lake Kapiavesi.
Siikalahti Nature Reserve – a valuable bird wetland awakens
Best in spring
Siikalahti in Parikkala is one of the best-known inland sites for observing spring bird migration. The peak migration period occurs in early May, from May Day to around Mother’s Day. Dozens of species remain to breed in the area, totalling around two thousand breeding pairs.
Route recommedations for spring
- Siikalahti luontopolku (0.9 km) is the only trail in the reserve. It is easy to walk and partly accessible, and one of the birdwatching towers is also accessible.
Liesjärvi National Park – traditional landscapes and esker ridges
Best in spring
In Liesjärvi National Park, spring arrives particularly early along lakeshores and in esker forests. The terrain dries quickly and is easy to walk, and most trails become snow-free early. Ice break-up on the lakes, the first singing birds and bright shoreline paths create a strong sense of early spring.
Recommended spring routes
- Pohjantikan polku Trail (4.8 km) through the landscapes of the Korteniemi heritage farm, with views over Lake Liesjärvi from Ahonnokka. You can also choose the shorter Ahonnokka trail (1.1 km).
- Peukaloisen polku, demanding accessible trail(4.2 km) leads from pine heaths to small mire lakes. There are plenty of rest areas along the route.
- Korteniemi Heritage Farm opens in May.
Kurjenrahka National Park – cranes announce the arrival of spring
Best in spring
Cranes return to the mires early, often already in March. Around ten pairs breed in Kurjenrahka each year, but during migration periods hundreds of cranes may stop to rest in the area. Thanks to the open raised bogs, snow cover diminishes early. Boardwalks lead out across open mire landscapes, making walking easy already in early spring.
Recommended spring route
- Karpalopolku Trail, demanding accessible trail (1,7 km). A well-serviced route to marshland is suitable for everyone.
Ruunaa Hiking Area – easy access to roaring rapids
Why visit in spring
Ruunaa is known as a fishing and white-water rafting destination, and in spring the rapids are at their most impressive. In eastern Finland, snow often lingers longer than in the west, but Ruunaa is still a good place to begin the spring hiking season. Head towards Neitikoski, where there are plenty of easily accessible facilities, such as campfire sites and viewing platforms right by the rapids.
Recommended spring route
Neitikoski esteetön reitti
