Helsinki: Liesjärvi Forest Hike & Lake Lunch with Transfers

Summary

Walk ancient Taiga paths taste lake-cooked lunch near Helsinki

You’ll meet your group at Kiasma Museum before heading out of Helsinki to hike peaceful forest trails in Liesjärvi. Taste Finnish-style lunch cooked over an open fire by a quiet lake, listen to stories from your local guide, and breathe in real Taiga air. Expect moments of true silence—and maybe laughter over burnt bread—before returning refreshed to the city.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost missed the meeting spot—Kiasma’s glassy front blends right into Helsinki’s morning bustle. But there was our guide, grinning and waving, making it easy. The drive out to Liesjärvi felt like leaving the city behind with every kilometer—buildings thinning out, forests thickening, that sort of slow change you only notice when you’re not looking at your phone. We stopped once for coffee and a bathroom break (Finnish gas stations are oddly cozy), then suddenly we were surrounded by trees so tall they made me feel small in a good way.

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the trail was the smell—pine needles crushed under boots, something damp and earthy that stuck to my jacket. Our guide (I think his name was Jari?) pointed out these tiny berries along the path; he said they’re best in late summer but honestly I tried one anyway. Tart enough to wake you up. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet at once—no cars, no voices, just wind through branches and a woodpecker somewhere far off. It’s weird how loud silence can feel when you’re not used to it.

Lunch by the lake was nothing fancy but honestly perfect—open fire crackling, soup bubbling in a battered pot. The bread had this smoky edge from being toasted on sticks over the flames (I dropped mine in the ashes but ate it anyway). People swapped stories about home; someone from Germany tried to pronounce “Liesjärvi” and we all laughed. Afterward we wandered around snapping photos—the water reflected everything like glass except when a breeze messed it up for a second. I still think about that view sometimes.

The walk back felt shorter somehow. Maybe it was knowing hot coffee waited on the bus or maybe just feeling lighter after hours in the woods. By the time we reached Helsinki again around 4pm, my legs were tired but my head felt clearer than it had in weeks—you know that feeling?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike and lunch in Liesjärvi Park

• Meet at Kiasma Museum, Helsinki
• Drive 1 hour 20 minutes to Liesjärvi Park
• Begin peaceful forest hike
• Reach scenic lake lunch spot
• Start fire and cook Finnish lunch
• Enjoy lunch and explore surroundings
• Continue hiking back to start
• Return to Helsinki by 4 PM

Top questions

Where does the Liesjärvi forest hike start?

The tour starts at Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art in central Helsinki.

How long is the day trip from Helsinki to Liesjärvi?

The total length is about 7 hours including transfers and hiking.

Is lunch included during the hike?

Yes, a Finnish-style lunch cooked by a lake is included.

What’s the walking distance on this tour?

The total walking distance is approximately 4.5–5 km.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated for lunch?

Yes, let them know your dietary needs when booking.

Is transportation provided from Helsinki?

Yes, round-trip transportation with pickup at Kiasma is included.

Do I need special gear for hiking in Liesjärvi?

No special gear needed; raincoats are provided if necessary.

Is this forest hike suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Kiasma Museum in central Helsinki with comfortable transfers out to Liesjärvi, guided hiking through Taiga forest trails, raincoats if needed, WiFi on board for sharing photos later, and a Finnish-style lunch cooked right by a scenic lake before heading back refreshed in the afternoon.