Riihimäki Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, how to get around, and more in Riihimäki, Finland.


Introduction to Riihimäki

Located in Tavastia Proper, in Southern Finland, Riihimäki is a small but picturesque city that is often overlooked by tourists. It’s a hidden gem nestled between two of Finland’s largest cities, Helsinki and Tampere. Despite its small size, Riihimäki has a rich cultural and natural heritage that attracts visitors from different parts of the world. The city is also famous for its museums, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreational activities, making it a perfect destination for those looking for an authentic Finnish experience.

List of Places to Visit in Riihimäki

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Riihimäki Art Museum

The Riihimäki Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of Finnish art ranging from paintings, sculptures, and drawings. The museum has a permanent exhibition of Finnish modern art and also features a rotating schedule of temporary exhibits that showcase emerging and established Finnish artists.

Finnish Glass Museum

The Finnish Glass Museum is a fascinating journey through the history of Finnish glass. The museum showcases over 2,000 glass pieces ranging from modern-day pieces to those from ancient times. The museum also highlights the history of Riihimäki’s glass industry and the designs that have shaped the industry for over 200 years.

Finnish Railway Museum

The Finnish Railway Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Riihimäki. The museum exhibits a vast collection of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, as well as passenger and freight carriages. Visitors can explore the trains and exhibits, taking a walk through the history of Finnish railways.

Natural Attractions of Riihimäki: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Lake Tuusula

Lake Tuusula is one of the largest lakes in the Helsinki metropolitan area, near Riihimäki. The lake is surrounded by a variety of outdoor activities and attractions, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Visitors can take a peaceful boat ride on the lake or wander through the walking trail around the lake, taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Nuuksio National Park

Nuuksio National Park is located just 30 minutes from Riihimäki and offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. The park’s natural beauty includes lakes, streams, forests, and wildlife, providing a serene escape into pristine nature.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Riihimäki

Riihimäki’s location between two of Finland’s most prominent cities, Helsinki and Tampere, allows for numerous biking and hiking trails to explore the surrounding area. Here are some of the most popular routes:

Tampere-Helsinki Bike Route

This bike route spans about 200 miles through quaint towns, rugged coastline, and rolling forests. The route takes you through many different landscapes, providing an immersive journey through the natural beauty of Finland.

Riihimäki-Hyvinkää Nature Trail

The Riihimäki-Hyvinkää Nature Trail is a 10-mile hiking trail that takes you through diverse flora and fauna, glacial mounds, and tranquil lakes. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and provides a glimpse into the spectacular natural beauty of Finland.

Best Things to Do in Riihimäki: Activities and Tours

Sauna Experience

No trip to Finland is complete without experiencing a traditional Finnish sauna. The Riihimäki Sports Park is an ideal place to relax and unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna while enjoying the beautiful scenery and tranquility.

Glass-Blowing Workshops

The Finnish Glass Museum offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at glass blowing. Participants can create their own glass piece during the workshop, providing a unique, hands-on experience and a souvenir to take home.

Week-Long Itinerary for Riihimäki

Day Activity
1 Visit the Finnish Railway Museum
2 Explore the Riihimäki Art Museum
3 Experience a traditional Finnish Sauna
4 Go on a day trip to Nuuksio National Park
5 Visit Lake Tuusula
6 Take a glass-blowing workshop at the Finnish Glass Museum
7 Explore the Tampere-Helsinki Bike Route

Food and Drink Scene of Riihimäki

Must-Try Dishes

Karjalanpaisti

Karjalanpaisti is a hearty Finnish stew made with beef and pork, potatoes, carrots, and turnips. The dish is prepared in a pot that is tightly covered with rye flour dough and baked in an oven. This iconic Finnish dish is worth a try during your visit to Riihimäki.

Rye Bread

Rye Bread is an iconic Finnish bread with a dark brown color and dense texture. The bread is baked in traditional wood-fired ovens, which give it a distinct taste. The bread is a staple of the Finnish diet, and different variations of rye bread can be found throughout the country.

Local Beverages

Salmiakki Koskenkorva

Salmiakki Koskenkorva is a Finnish spirit made with the traditional Koskenkorva Vodka with added salmiakki, a salty licorice flavor popular in Finland. The strong flavor and taste will give you the authentic Finnish experience in every sip.

Lapin Kulta Beer

Lapin Kulta is a beer brand from the Finnish town of Lapland. The beer is widely available in Finland and has a crisp taste with a unique Finnish character making it a popular beverage among locals and visitors alike.

Where to Stay in Riihimäki: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Scandic Riihimäki

This hotel is located at the heart of Riihimäki, a few steps away from the train station. The hotel has a guest sauna, fitness center, and a lush garden terrace.

Cumulus City

The Cumulus City hotel is located in the center of Riihimäki, with easy access to museums, parks, and shopping areas. The hotel has a sauna, fitness center, and 24-hour reception desk.

Ankkuri Guesthouse

The Ankkuri Guesthouse is suitable for budget travelers. It offers basic, yet comfortable rooms that are perfect for a short stay. The guesthouse is located a few minutes away from the city center.

What to Buy in Riihimäki: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Riihimäki Glass

Riihimäki is known for its glass industry, and visitors can take home a unique piece of Finnish crystal as a souvenir. The glass is available at the Finnish Glass Museum gift shop and other stores in the city center.

Finnish Design

Finland is famous for its minimalist and functional design. Visitors can find unique pieces of clothing and accessories from famous Finnish designers in the boutiques and stores in Riihimäki.

Local Culture and Customs of Riihimäki

Finns are known for their love of nature and their passion for the sauna. Finnish saunas are an integral part of Finnish culture, and visitors are encouraged to experience this for themselves.

Best Time to Visit Riihimäki

The best time to visit Riihimäki is in the summer months, from June to August when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. The winter months can be quite cold and dark, but the city does offer beautiful winter scenery for nature lovers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Riihimäki

Do:

  • Do respect people’s privacy and personal space.
  • Do remove your shoes when entering homes, saunas, and certain shops.
  • Do try to use some Finnish phrases such as “Kiitos” (Thank you) and “Hei” (Hello) - locals appreciate it.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t engage in small talk. Finns tend to be reserved and prefer not to waste time with idle chatter.
  • Don’t leave a mess in public areas. Finns are very respectful of public spaces and keeping these spaces tidy.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Finns are generally very friendly and helpful to visitors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Riihimäki

Riihimäki is a safe city overall, with low crime rates. However, it’s still essential to take general precautions such as locking your doors and being mindful of your valuables in public areas.

Health in Riihimäki

There are no specific health concerns in Riihimäki. Basic healthcare services are available in the city, and international visitors are advised to have health insurance that covers medical expenses in Finland.

Getting to Riihimäki: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Riihimäki

The nearest airport to Riihimäki is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is approximately 50 kilometers away. Visitors can take a taxi or a train from the airport to the city center.

Bus Stations Near Riihimäki

The main bus station in Riihimäki is located near the train station, offering frequent bus services to other cities in Finland.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Riihimäki by train, which is the most efficient way to travel within Finland.

How to Get Around in Riihimäki

Riihimäki is a small city, and most attractions can be reached on foot. However, visitors can also take a bus or taxi to reach attractions outside the city center.

Where to Go Next from Riihimäki: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Helsinki

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is a bustling city known for its beautiful architecture, rich history, and culture. Visitors can take a train from Riihimäki that takes just under an hour to reach the city center.

Tampere

Tampere is a vibrant city known for its cultural and natural attractions. Visitors can take a train from Riihimäki that takes just over an hour to reach the city center.

Conclusion

Riihimäki may be a small city, but it is full of surprises. Visitors will be surprised to find themselves enchanted by the city’s rich culture, nature, and history. It’s a place where you can experience the true essence of Finnish life and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with family, Riihimäki is a destination that should not be missed.

View from a train window at Riihimäki railway station View from a train window at Riihimäki railway station Exhibits at the glass museum Exhibits at the glass museum Hämeenkatu, the main street Hämeenkatu, the main street