Vahteristo Nature Trail and my purchase of Finnish design glass

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This is another tip for a small trip outside of Helsinki. It can be easily made within one day, and one doesn´t even need a car. Vahteristo Nature Trail is in Riihimäki which is easily accessible by train. The trail is not very long, it takes a little bit over two hours depending on how big circle you decide to make. I recommend combining this trip with visiting Riihimäki glass museum. And of course, a stop for something good in one of the cafes cannot be missed. This makes for a fully satisfying trip.


Vahteristo Nature Trail 

We arrived by car and parked at the small parking lot nearby the Vahteristo Nature Trail. There was a big board with a map, so I took a photo for later orientation. 


We started our walk on an unpaved but quite wide and maintained path. I saw on both sides of the path small wetlands which seemed to me like constructed wetlands for water retention. I went closer to explore if I see some life there, but they were barren. No signs of frogs nor aquatic invertebrates. 


The way continued nicely into the forest. But the feeling of truly being in the forest was a bit suppressed by the path which was too man-made for my taste. I would have preferred a narrower one so the tree crowns could close over us. But the path was very suitable for runners and cyclists. And I guess it would be possible to go there with a stroller as well. 


Liverleaf (Hepatica nobilis)

I was the most looking forward to the nature path (“luontopolku”). The length is 1,2 km and it leads through the forest. It felt adventurous. Already the entrance was atmospheric, when we made our way through the thick stand of spruce trees. 

The spruces created a cool microclimate, so on the narrow path there were the last remnants of snow. Although it was already the beginning of May. 

Along the way there were educational boards with information about the species of the forest. They were in Finnish with nice illustrations.

I especially liked walking on the wooden path which was in area that probably tends to be moist. This time it was dry.

We haven´t met any people on luontopolku, only one Common toad was crossing the path.

Common toad (Bufo bufo)

Riihimäki Glass Museum

In Riihimäki we also visited the glass museum which was the main target of our trip. There was exhibition of two famous Finnish designers Saara Hopea and Kaj Franck. I was blown away as always when I visit this place. 


Saara Hopea designs

I often think how nice would it be to have some things from there but this time I spotted something I really wanted. Ice cream bowls from Saara Hopea. They were on a stem with a plate in the lower part. They looked so cute, but also elegant. Colourful and cheerful, just everything you expect from ice cream bowls. 


Because they are vintage and cannot be bought anymore in regular shops, I searched on the internet flea market. And, voilà, I was lucky! I actually found them for a very good prize, and it feels much better to buy second hand things than new ones. Moreover, these design pieces are often more beautiful!




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