Outdoor destinations
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Looking for the best winter hiking destinations in Pirkanmaa? Here are Metsähallitus’ outdoor experts’ tips for walking, skiing, snowshoeing and campfire sites.
In the national parks of Seitseminen, Helvetinjärvi and Isojärvi, walking trails are not maintained or ploughed during winter. However, some of the most popular routes become compacted by visitors and form walkable paths. Weather conditions must always be taken into account. After heavy snowfall, trails may be difficult to follow, and under certain conditions they can become very slippery.
The trails with the best chance of remaining walkable throughout winter are:
In Pirkanmaa, the national parks and other nature sites managed by Metsähallitus do not maintain ski tracks.
Municipalities maintain ski track networks in their own nature areas.
If a parking area is maintained in winter and there is a campfire site nearby, a walkable path usually forms between them thanks to visitors. Information about winter maintenance can be found by clicking the parking area icon on the map, or by checking the site’s “Directions” page.
Campfire sites that are easily accessible even in winter include:
In Pirkanmaa’s nature destinations, there are no designated snowshoeing routes. You may snowshoe anywhere while respecting movement restriction areas. The easiest option is to follow summer hiking trails, which provide clear markings and safe terrain. Please note that snowshoeing is physically demanding in deep snow, so beginners are recommended to choose short routes.
When planning your snowshoe trip, start by checking the winter maintenance of parking areas by clicking the relevant icon on the map or by visiting the site’s “Directions” page.
In Pukala Recreational Forest, Riuttaskorpi Recreational Forest and Siikaneva Mire Reserve, parking areas are not maintained in winter, making access difficult.
Extra caution is required when visiting Helvetinjärvi in winter. Although the Helvetistä itään trail is usually walkable, its rest area is located at the lakeshore at the bottom of a long staircase. Snow and ice accumulate on the stairs during winter. Viewpoints can also be dangerously slippery. Walking at the bottom of Helvetinkolu Gorge is prohibited year-round for safety reasons.
Seitseminen National Park
Helvetinjärvi National Park
Isojärvi National Park
