The best nature destinations around Somero
Somero and its surrounding areas in Southwest Finland and Häme offer stunning natural sites that are easy to visit alongside a trip to the Someron Koirametsä dog forest. In this post, we briefly introduce the best nature destinations near Somero, which provide diverse experiences for dog owners and other nature enthusiasts alike. In addition to two national parks, the areas around Someron Koirametsä boast beautiful lakes and swimming spots, including a dog-friendly beach and skiing trails, as well as numerous intriguing nature trails.
A popular day trip destination: Torronsuo National Park near Someron Koirametsä
Torronsuo National Park in Tammela hardly needs an introduction, attracting up to 65,000 visitors annually. Torronsuo offers an easy, though often busy, boardwalk trail for day hikes. Overnight stays are entirely prohibited in this national park. Dog owners should remember that dogs must always be leashed in national parks. Additionally, in early summer, be cautious on the trails, as adders enjoy basking in the sun on the boardwalks. In winter, when there’s plenty of snow, skiing trails are maintained on the Torronsuo bog. The parking areas at Pehku and Kiljamo are just over 10 kilometers from Someron Koirametsä. Learn more about Torronsuo National Park on the Luontoon website.
Metsäkoivula Trail in Somero offers cliff views and exciting discoveries
If Torronsuo feels too crowded, the lesser-known but spectacular Metsäkoivula Trail near the Hämeen Härkätie Ox road is worth a visit. This roughly 5-kilometer trail features stunning cliffs and a beautiful view of a small, round forest pond, where swans can sometimes be seen. Along the trail, you’ll also find a barbecue hut called Pontikkapuro and several geocaches for adventurers. In wet weather, the trail can become slippery, and the roots and steep ascents add a challenge for hikers. The return path to the parking lot is an easy, accessible forest road. The meadows along the forest road attract many butterflies during summer. In winter, a 1.5-kilometer long ski trail starts from the parking lot, making the area unsuitable for dogs during snowy conditions. The parking lot for Metsäkoivula Trail is located at Levolantie, 31400 Somero, just 12 kilometers from Someron Koirametsä.
A dog-friendly beach in Hovimäki, the Hovimäki-Esakallio Trail, and ski trail for dogs in Esakallio
Hovimäki Camping is a camping area on the shores of Lake Hirsjärvi, located near the famous Badding kiosk and about 14 kilometers from Someron Koirametsä toward Helsinki. Hovimäki features a dog swimming area, a child-friendly beach, and a summer café. From Hovimäki, an 8-kilometer trail leads to the Esakallio dance pavilion. This trail is particularly suited for fitness enthusiasts. The trailhead is accessible from Hovimäki via an underpass beneath the Helsingintie road. The trail features various types of forest, some recently logged areas, and two lean-to shelters. Note that this trail is not a loop and must be traveled out-and-back. In winter, the Hovimäki-Esakallio Trail is transformed into a ski trail, but dog owners can ski with their dogs on a special training trail at Esakallio, located at Salontie 40, 31400 Somero. The address to Hovimäki: Hovimäentie 28, 31460 Hirsjärvi.
Iso-Valkee Lake in Somero: A crystal-clear retreat
Iso-Valkee, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by pine forests, offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. The area is perfect for swimmers, nature lovers, families, and dog owners, as the lake’s shores are shallow. On sunny summer weekends, Iso-Valkee can become quite busy with visitors. Near the parking lot, you’ll find a clean dry toilet and a sauna cottage available for rent from the town of Somero. The area also features two lean-to shelters suitable for overnight stays. A roughly 4-kilometer nature trail circles the lake, which is especially popular among dog owners. Iso-Valkee is only accessible during winter if there isn’t much snow, as the area is not maintained in winter. The lake is about 30 kilometers from Someron Koirametsä, in the direction of Helsinki. Address: Murjuntie 389, 31470 Somero.
Liesjärvi National Park is a diverse hiking and camping destination
Liesjärvi National Park is located about 30 kilometers from Someron Koirametsä in Tammela. The park offers plenty to see, including three camping areas. The narrow Kyynäränharju ridge is one of Liesjärvi’s highlights. From Hyypiönpolku Trail, you’ll find a scenic viewpoint at Hyypiönkallio. Additionally, the accessible Peukaloisenpolku Trail is a pleasant option for walks with dogs, as the wide trail allows for side-by-side walking. Trails starting from Korteniemi lead to the oldest parts of the national park, as Liesjärvi was established in 1956. Learn more about Liesjärvi National Park on the Luontoon website.
Ruostejärvi Recreation Area and its family-friendly cable ferry
Ruostejärvi in Tammela features a shallow, clear-water beach and several scenic trails, such as the 3.5-kilometer Eerikkilä Loop with the Myllylahti lean-to and the out-and-back Meidän Metsä Trail, which includes a cable ferry operated by pulling a rope. The Toralahti ferry, available only in summer, is a big hit with children. The Eerikkilä Loop doesn’t appear on older maps, but a long walking bridge, visible in the main photo of this article, now connects Kurjenniemi to Leppilampi ridge. Hiking the loop counterclockwise from Ruostejärvi’s parking area first takes you through forest areas near Härkätie road and ends with the most scenic ridge and walking bridge sections. The winter-maintained parking area at Ruostejärvi is located 25 kilometers from Someron Koirametsä, in the direction of Tammela. Address: Härkätie 810, 31380 Tammela.
Häntälä Hollows: Somero’s best-known nature spot (but not for dogs)
Last but not least is the Häntälä Hollows, Somero’s most famous nature attraction. Shaped by the Ice Age, the Rekijoki Valley is home to an exceptionally diverse range of plants and wildlife. The nature trail at Häntälä Hollows is open from early May to mid-October. However, dogs are not allowed on the trail, as cattle graze in the area during summer. Rare Clouded Apollo butterflies can be spotted in Häntälä on sunny June days, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Fun fact: this stunning natural area inspired the women’s football team, Häntälän Rotkot, which achieved great success in the Somero Suviheinä Tournament. The parking area for the nature trail is located at Häntäläntie 322, 31450 Häntälä, less than 20 kilometers from Somero toward Salo.