Route description
Poronpolku (Reindeer Trail) is one of the best mountain biking and hiking trails in southern Finland. It is located in the Häme’s lake region, near Loppi. The route was created for Poronpolku event, which has been organized every year since 1960s.
The route is about a 30 kilometer long loop, which is very well marked in the terrain. Unfortunately, outside of Poronpolku-event (last Sunday of September) it is impossible to ride all the route sections in a loop. This is because the route contains one crossing over Pikku-Punelia Lake (small ferry), which is not active outside the event date. However, you can still ride the route as a loop by biking certain sections both ways. These sections are mostly fast trails, so there is no significant negative impact on the overall biking experience here. This loop without a ferry usage can be found from the map below. Poronpolku route can be also ridden in shorter sections, and these are also marked in the terrain.
Another point worth noting is the starting point of the route. Officially it is Riihisalo (Rautakoskentie 421, 12920 Topeno), but during July (2017) a parking lot and a cafeteria situated there were closed. Thus, you will have to leave your car near Laakasalo’s campsite (Laakasalontie 80, 12920 Loppi). There is a large parking lot and a possibility to stay overnight. There is also a good connection to Poronpolku from the parking area. The route begins immediately after the crossroad with the main road (Rautakkoskentie).
In general, Poronpolku is technically a medium-level route. It runs through a wide variety of terrain, which consists of forest singletrack, some rooty sections and rock gardens. The challenges of the route come mainly from the steep ridge climbs, some of which are very difficult to ride up even for the most experienced mountain bikers. However, the scenery on top of the ridges is definitely worth climbing!
In addition to the ridges there are also many lakes here. Many lake banks are equipped with shelters, campfires and tables. There are no wells on the route, so you must take enough water with you or boil lake water for drinking.
Poronpolku is one of the best mountain biking trails in southern Finland, located just an hour drive from Helsinki. It is definitely a must-visit location!
