A Winter Afternoon on the Lake Tuusulanjärvi Ice Trail

The ice route on Lake Tuusulanjärvi offers many ways to enjoy the winter air. On this 7-kilometre-long route, you can go skating, kick-sledding in true Finnish style, walking, skiing, or even winter cycling. From Helsinki, Lake Tuusulanjärvi is about 30 kilometres away, and the journey can also be made by public transport.

Article by Jonna Viitaniemi

• Tuusulanjärvi on a map
• 7 km ice route
• Arrival by car: several parking areas, see the map
• Arrival by public transport: take the R train from Helsinki to Järvenpää; from the railway station it’s about a 10-minute walk to Rantapuisto. From Rantapuisto, you can access the ice route on the frozen lake.

Last week, I went to soak up the atmosphere and scenery of the ice route on an afternoon when the sun was trying to peek through the clouds. It felt wonderful to finally have had a sunny day, even though the sun began to slip behind the clouds again shortly after I arrived. People were smiling in the lovely outdoor weather. One man I passed while he was walking his dog remarked how wonderful it is to be outdoors when it’s so beautiful. I agreed!

The ice route runs between Gustavelund–Fjällbo–Onnela–Halosenniemi–Vanhankylänniemi–Järvenpää Rantapuisto, and nearby rises the impressive Sarvikallio hill, complete with rest spots. It’s always a good idea to check the current conditions of the ice route just before heading out on the municipality of Tuusula’s website, where you’ll also find a map of the route.

The Tuusulanjärvi ice route can be accessed from several points around the lake, and there are plenty of parking areas. In addition to the Sarvikallio trailhead parking area, options at the southern end of the lake include Anttila Manor and Gustavelund, while at the northern end you’ll find Rantapuisto and Tervanokka Harbour. From end to end, that is from Gustavelund to Rantapuisto, the distance is 7 kilometres one way.

During my visit, the wide route was shared by walkers – some with dogs – as well as skaters. There are also classic cross-country ski tracks on the route. Along the lakeshore you’ll find several renowned cultural landmarks, and it’s quite unique that you can, for example, arrive at a place like Halosenniemi by travelling across the ice.

The municipality of Tuusula reminds visitors that everyone is responsible for their own ice safety, even though the route is maintained. Skaters who enjoy speed should also keep in mind that the ice may have uneven sections and cracks.

After enjoying the atmosphere and views along the ice route, I climbed up to Sarvikallio hill for a snack break. A 3.7-kilometre circular trail called the Seittelinreitti Trail winds through the Sarvikallio area and culminates at the campfire site on this rocky outcrop. I listened to the tapping of a woodpecker climbing a tree and calmed down as I watched the afternoon slowly fade into dusk, even though the days have already begun to grow slightly longer.

From high up on the cliff, the busy thoroughfare stretching across the ice was clearly visible. As the afternoon stretched towards evening, the number of people passing by gradually thinned out.

Read next

Driving on Ice Road – Yes, Literally on a Frozen Body of Water

Ice climbing in ski resort Ruka

Ice fishing in Finland is an exotic way to enjoy nature

From Scorching Heat to Ice-Cold Water – Why Finns Do This and How You Can Experience Ice Swimming Too

Related Content

One of the most beautiful hiking areas in Raseborg hides among the reed beds and hazel groves – hiking on the trails of lake Lepinjärvi at dawn

In commercial cooperation with Visit Raseborg Article by Johanna Suomela Another world surprisingly close to the busy highway no. 25, and beyond the grain fields, awaits the curious hiker who is hungry for new experiences. Encircled by the reed beds, Lake Lepinjärvi is a paradise for birds, providing memorable experiences in nature in historical surroundings. […]

Days of Fun Riding: Imatra Awaits Mountain Bikers with Trails Along Lake Saimaa

Article by Jarno Hämäläinen In Commercial Collaboration with the ‘Elinvoimaa Kaakkois-Suomeen matkailuyhteistyöllä‘ Initiative* Located by the large and beautiful Lake Saimaa, the Ukonniemi cape area in the city of Imatra and its surroundings offer mountain bikers days of exhilarating rides. The varied lakeside trails feature both easy and slightly technical routes, offering stunning views of […]

Discover this hidden gem just an hour from Helsinki: The Kukul Lake Hiking Trail unveils Nordic nature’s beauty

Article by Jarno Hämäläinen In Commercial Collaboration with the ‘Elinvoimaa Kaakkois-Suomeen matkailuyhteistyöllä‘ Initiative* Just over an hour’s drive from Helsinki, near the city of Loviisa, the Kukul Lake hiking trail takes you through undulating rocky ridges, bogs adorned with tufted cottongrass, and the protected shores of Kukul Lake. Along the route, you’ll also visit the […]

Step into the winter wonderland: a winter walk in Southern Konnevesi National Park

Sometimes you just get an urge to get out of town, to go somewhere really quiet, with only few people around you. And if it’s winter time, what could be better than to be surrounded by the whitest snow, breathe the purest air and share the moment with a friend… So let’s go and visit […]

In the vicinity of Hämeenlinna city lies a beautiful natural destination – this is the Lake Aulanko loop trail

The splendid Aulanko Nature Reserve boasts not only a variety of unique curiosities but also a complete 7-kilometer loop trail encircling Lake Aulanko. Predominantly serene in nature, this loop deviates at two swimming beaches and a fire pit, ventures through a forest named after Finland’s national composer Jean Sibelius, and meanders past stunning scenic cliffs. […]