At the close of the Midsummer weekend, we decided to venture into the wild beauty of Torronsuo National Park. Renowned as one of Southern Finland’s most beloved parks, Torronsuo enchants visitors with its unspoiled, wilderness-like charm, reminiscent of Lapland landscapes. The journey took on a relaxed rhythm, dictated in part by our adventurous one-and-a-half-year-old, as we meandered along the jetty paths and duckboards of the Kiljamonkierros loop. The cranberries were in full bloom, showcasing summer in its pristine beauty.
Kiljamonkierros, Torronsuo National Park
- Location: Easily found on the map
- Trail Length: 1.7 km; this route can be combined with other trails.
- Hiking Infrastructure: Equipped with duckboards, toilets, a campfire site, and an observation tower.
- Car Access: Located at Somerontie 732, Tammela.
- Public Transport: Unfortunately, no public transport options are available.
- Accessibility: The initial stretch of Kiljamonkierros, known as Suopursupolku (0.3 km), is accessible. Not far from this starting point, there’s also a more challenging accessible route, Suokukkapolku, which spans 1.3 km.
The start of Kiljamonkierros is accessible.
Our trusted gear for little outings: a hip bag and a ring sling.
What did I pack for our little adventure?
- Hip bag
- Ring sling
- Water bottles for both adults and toddlers
- Snacks: two packets of raisins, two smoothie pouches, salty crackers, apple slices, a pretzel
- Mini first-aid kit (tick tweezers, adhesive bandage, disinfectant, cotton pads)
- Spare diaper
- Small towel/muslin cloth
And while we weren’t on the trail, our car held a bigger first-aid kit and a couple of extra items just in case – painkillers, a support bandage, and a knife, along with a change of clothes for both myself and our toddler, and an extra diaper along with some rice cakes for snacking.
The viewing platform at the end of Suopursupolku. From here, Kiljamonkierros continues onward as duckboards.
As we began our journey on the Kiljamonkierros loop from the Kiljamo parking area, it proved to be a delightful route. Thankfully, the accessible jetty trail was intuitive enough that our little one eagerly toddled in the right direction without a fuss. Since this was her first encounter with duckboard structures, I was curious to see how she would respond to the boggy environment and narrow pathways.
We had time to admire the cranberry blossoms.
Traveling with a one-and-a-half-year-old is a unique blend of tranquility, exhilaration, and intensity. We took the opportunity to admire the blooming cranberries while also imparting the important lesson that bits of pretzel are not meant to be planted in the bog.
The wide jetty path offered our toddler a much easier experience compared to the duckboards, though she managed those pretty well, too. Getting close to the bog’s surface was easier on the wider trail, and the appeal of solid ground was often more inviting than the boredom of staying on the boards.
A water-sipping break, and a pretzel rescued from the bog.
Where the accessible Suopursupolku ends, we encountered a viewing platform that offered captivating views over the Torronsuo bog. Along the duckboard trail, there were several resting spots with benches, perfect for a quick hydration break. However, we soon had company in the form of persistent horseflies, prompting us to move along. When our toddler’s energy dwindled, the trusty ring sling made it easy to carry her until she regained her spark.
A small traveler is easy to pop into a carrier once their own little legs can’t manage anymore, or their motivation has simply run out.
For those looking to extend their adventure, Kiljamonkierros offers the option to connect with the longer Suotaipale trail (8.6 km). This stunning duckboard route comes highly recommended. While we only briefly diverted onto that trail, we soon made our way back to our original loop at the Kiljamo rest area, where other Midsummer hikers gathered for a snack.
The duckboards didn’t spark quite as much interest or delight as I had expected. What seemed far more appealing was heading straight out onto the bog itself.
Our duckboard excursion took about 1.5 to 2 hours in total, including snack breaks. This route offers a genuinely pleasant experience and is an excellent choice for anyone spending a summer holiday nearby or just passing through, providing a chance to stretch your legs amidst breathtaking scenery.
The trail through the Kiljamo forest area is a demanding accessible route.
What’s Next on Your Adventure List?
Looking ahead, consider exploring what Finland has to offer in autumn with our thoughtfully curated 10-item bucket list!
Or delve into the magic at Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas National Park, where pristine waters meet enchanting boglands.
And for a quieter experience, don’t miss the serene Ruostejärvi Recreation area and its lovely Kurjenpolku trail in Tammela.
With nature continually calling, every outing becomes a chance to discover and cherish the beauty around us.