At the southern edge of Liesjärvi National Park lies the Korteniemi Heritage Farm, a treasure trove of history that invites hikers to step back in time. This former forest ranger’s homestead serves as a picturesque gateway to the park, embodying the charm of yesteryears. From its grounds, the short Ahonnokka Nature Trail unfolds, a delightful one-kilometer journey that encapsulates the essence of Liesjärvi’s natural beauty, showcasing its majestic old-growth forests and serene lake views.
- Trailhead on the map
- Route length: 1.1 km
- Campfire site: near the trailhead (map)
- Accessibility: From the parking area to the Korteniemi yard is accessible, but the nature trail itself is not.
- By car: Korteniementie 270, Tammela
- By public transport: The park is reachable via buses along Highway 2 between Vihti and Forssa. From the Kyynärä stop, it’s about a one-hour walk to Korteniemi, or just 20 minutes to the park’s main trail network (Kynäränharju).
Christmas can be a splendid time for hiking—whether the ground is blanketed in snow or just chilled by winter air. Escaping into nature provides a welcome respite from holiday clamor, a sentiment I wholeheartedly embraced. Imagine my surprise when I arrived at Liesjärvi National Park on Christmas Day to find it nearly deserted. Expecting a throng of fellow adventurers, I found only one car parked at Korteniemi—its occupants nowhere to be seen on our entire outing.
Korteniemi Heritage Farm
It was around eleven o’clock as we settled into our car for a sandwich lunch. After a quick stop at the well-kept restroom—complete with an accessible section—we headed towards the Korteniemi Heritage Farm, nestled just beyond a small wooded rise.
The farmyard greeted us with an eerie stillness, the only sounds the gentle lapping of water from a partially frozen lake. I could only imagine the vibrant life this place must hold in the summertime, bustling with people and the unmistakable hubbub of farm animals. Today, however, we were alone, the only sign of wildlife the faint rustle of leaves in the forest.
We planned to tackle the short Ahonnokka Nature Trail first, followed by the longer Pohjantikka Trail. As I scouted the Korteniemi yard for a park map, I came up empty-handed. Later on, I was equally unsuccessful in locating the sign for the Pohjantikka Trail; the markers merely indicated place names. Fortunately, my phone remained powered and connected, allowing me to navigate through the trail information and map the intersecting routes.
Campfire Site
Our adventure began with a small detour to a campfire site delicately located by the lake—a truly enchanting spot. Had we been better organized, it would have made for an ideal picnic setting.
Returning to the main trail, we found ourselves at a junction where four routes converged: the yellow-marked path to Kyynäränharju and Savilahti, the blue-marked Pohjantikka Trail, and our green-marked Ahonnokka route. We chose the Ahonnokka trail as it branched off, soon enveloping us in the beauty of a lush spruce forest by the lakeshore. Moss blanketed the forest floor like a thick green carpet, and the glistening lake scene shimmered just beyond the trees.
Old-growth Forests of Ahonnokka
Along the nature trail, informative panels elucidated the unique flora of the area, including moss species that thrive only in low light conditions—indicative of the old-growth forest our path traversed. Intriguingly, it took 200 years for the Ahonnokka forest to mature into its current state, resiliently reclaimed from its former life as slash-and-burn farmland. Standing amid this preserved wonder, I felt a profound sense of joy for the ancient trees and their tiny inhabitants, momentarily easing my environmental anxieties. If only Finland had countless more sanctuaries like this one. We remained on the trail, careful to avoid disturbing the pristine moss that surrounded us.
Lake Views
Ahonnokka itself juts into the lake, offering a striking vantage point from a rocky outcrop. A bench invites weary travelers to pause, although any fires must be kindled at the designated campfire site back at Korteniemi.
We lingered at the rocky viewpoint, surrendering ourselves to the profound silence. Not a single soul crossed our path, and I mused about the solitary car’s owner—perhaps they were finding their own Christmas retreat deeper in the park, a serene way to spend the holiday without the hustle of crowds.
Although the forecast hinted at sunshine, the sky stubbornly clung to a blanket of gray. Yet, the scenery remained enchanting, a testament to nature’s allure even under muted skies. In fact, there’s a unique charm in wandering a dark forest on such days—perfect for reflection and solitude.
Following our pause on the viewpoint, we ventured deeper into the forest, the path winding through the tranquil beauty of the shoreline woodland before rejoining the main trail back to Korteniemi.
Perfect for Family Hikes
While I don’t have children, I can easily envision the Ahonnokka Nature Trail as a fantastic outing for families. The parking area features a restroom, a campfire site is conveniently located at the trailhead, and the gentle terrain makes the loop both manageable and engaging. This trail offers a captivating glimpse into a genuine old-growth forest, a cradle of biodiversity that never fails to inspire awe. It serves as a sanctuary for both young explorers and older adventurers seeking an accessible slice of nature’s tranquility.
Read Next
Spring Comes to Southern Finland: A February Day in Liesjärvi National Park
Canoeing in the Land of a Thousand Lakes: Liesjärvi National Park in Southern Finland
The Soothing Silence of the Woods – Forest Bathing in a Finnish Spruce Forest
Hike Finlandia: a journey from Finland’s southernmost tip to the Arctic sea. Part 1