In the Middle of a Bog with a Toddler: The Kiljamonkierros Trail in Torronsuo National Park

At the end of the Midsummer weekend, we took a little trip to Torronsuo National Park. Torronsuo is one of the most popular national parks in Southern Finland, perhaps because its raw, wilderness-like character brings to mind the landscapes of Lapland for many visitors. Our one-and-a-half-year-old toddler got to set the pace part of the way, as we walked the jetty paths and duckboards of the Kiljamonkierros loop. The cranberries were in bloom and summer was at its most beautiful.

Kiljamonkierros, Torronsuo National Park

• Location on the map
• Trail length: 1.7 km. Can be combined with other trails.
• Hiking infrastructure: duckboards, toilets, campfire site, observation tower
  • Read more: luontoon.fi
• Getting there by car: Somerontie 732, Tammela
• Getting there by public transport: not possible
• Accessibility: The first stretch of Kiljamonkierros, Suopursupolku (0.3 km), is accessible.
  • The same parking area is also the starting point for a demanding accessible route, Suokukkapolku, 1.3 km.

What did I pack?
– Hip bag
– Ring sling
– Water bottles for adult and toddler
– Snacks: 2 packets of raisins, 2 smoothie pouches, salty crackers, apple slices, a pretzel
– Mini first-aid pouch (tick tweezers, plaster, disinfectant, cotton pads)
– Spare diaper
– Small towel/muslin cloth

Waiting in the car:
– Bigger first-aid kit (painkillers, support bandage, knife)
– Spare shirt for the adult
– Change of clothes for the toddler
– More snacks: rice cakes
– Extra spare diaper

The Kiljamonkierros loop, starting from the Kiljamo parking area, turned out to be a lovely choice of route! The accessible jetty trail at the beginning is apparently intuitive enough that our toddler set off toddling in the right direction without any fuss. Our little one hadn’t walked on duckboard structures before, so I was curious to see how the bog environment and the somewhat narrow trail would affect her.

Travelling with a one-and-a-half-year-old is peaceful, exhilarating, and intense all at once. We got to admire the cranberries blooming freely, all while teaching our little nature enthusiast that bits of pretzel bread are not meant to be planted in the bog.

The wide jetty trail was an easier route for the toddler than the duckboards, even though walking along the boards went reasonably well too. It was just noticeably easier to get close enough from the boards to examine the surface of the bog, and the clearly drier ground was more tempting than staying put on the boring boards.

At the start of Kiljamonkierros, where the accessible Suopursupolku ends, there was a viewing platform with a lovely view out over Torronsuo bog. Along the duckboard trail there were a few resting spots (benches) where we stopped to sip some water. The horseflies joined us fairly quickly, though, so we continued on our way. It was handy to pop the toddler into the ring sling once her legs ran out of strength and her motivation ran out right along with it.

Kiljamonkierros can be combined with the longer Suotaipale (8.6 km). It’s a stunningly beautiful duckboard route that I warmly recommend hiking. We only made a brief detour onto that trail before heading back to finish our own loop at the Kiljamo rest area. A few other Midsummer hikers were having a snack break there too, and we fit right in among them.

Our little duckboard excursion with a one-and-a-half-year-old took about 1.5–2 hours in total, snack breaks included. A genuinely nice little route, and also a great option for anyone spending a summer holiday in the area, or simply passing through! A chance to stretch your legs amid gorgeous scenery.

Read next

What to do in Finland in Autumn? Here is a Wonderful 10-Item Bucket List for You!

Where Pristine Waters Meet the Magic of the Boglands – Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas National Park

On the winter-quiet Ruostejärvi recreation area: Kurjenpolku trail, Tammela

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