Matildanjärvi Loop Trail (Matildanjärven kierros) in Teijo National Park
Matildanjärven kierros is a 5.5 km loop trail in Teijo National Park, starting and finishing at Teijo Nature Centre (Teijon Luontokeskus). The route follows the shoreline of Lake Matildanjärvi and is often an easy-to-find first hike for visitors to the area.
Matildanjärvi Loop – Teijo National Park’s most popular trail
Matildanjärven kierros is a circular route, meaning the start and end point are the same at Teijo Nature Centre.
As the name suggests, the trail largely follows the shoreline of Matildanjärvi. Most hikers walk the loop counter-clockwise, and the trail is signposted accordingly. Walking in the same direction as others helps avoid congestion—especially on the narrow boardwalk sections. A long stretch of the route crosses wetland terrain, and the ground is particularly boggy on the eastern side of Matildanjärvi.
After the boardwalks, the trail enters a beautiful dry pine heath forest, where the path widens into a very atmospheric forest section. In places, you’ll walk right by the lake’s edge.
Near the Mathildedal ironworks village, the route briefly follows the roadside for a few hundred metres before turning back into the forest. You’ll cross a wooden bridge over Välioja, the narrow channel connecting Matildanjärvi and Puolakkajärvi—one of the most scenic spots along the entire loop.
Start point: Teijo Nature Centre and Metsäravintola
The Matildanjärvi Loop in Teijo National Park begins and ends at Teijo Nature Centre, making it easy to combine your hike with a break at Metsäravintola (Forest Restaurant) at the nature centre.
At Metsäravintola, your hiking day can be rounded off with treats made from seasonal and local ingredients. Options include pastries, pinsa, salads, and salmon soup.
Services in Teijo National Park
Campfire sites along the Matildanjärvi Loop
Kariholma campfire site is located on the south shore of Matildanjärvi. The site is accessible, and a wheelchair-suitable route runs along the lakeshore from Teijo Nature Centre. There is also a boat dock and a dry toilet.
Vicksbäckinlahti lean-to shelter is located on the north shore of the lake.
Kavanderinlahti campfire site is located on the southern side of Matildanjärvi. Natura Viva’s sauna is also located at the Kavanderinlahti campfire site, right at the tip of the peninsula.
Roosiniemi lean-to shelter and a dry toilet are located on the eastern side of the lake.