15 tips for finding things to do in Riihimäki
Riihimäki offers history, culture and a wide range of natural attractions. Explore museums, the Railway Park and nature trails, enjoy events, shopping and local delicacies.
City articles
15.12.2024
Riihimäki, the city of railways and culture in Kanta-Häme, is an excellent place to visit for lovers of history, nature and events. The city's unique location at the crossroads of the railways has shaped its identity and provided opportunities for diverse development. Riihimäki's most famous attractions include fascinating museums such as the Finnish Glass Museum and the Hunting Museum, which offer an interesting insight into history and culture.
The Railway Park and other historic areas tell the story of the city's past, while modern cultural experiences such as theatre performances and art exhibitions enliven its offerings. Nature lovers can head to places such as Hatlamminsuo or Riutta outdoor recreation area, where they can experience peace and tranquillity in the lap of nature. Sports and exercise lovers will also find plenty to do, such as gyms and frisbee golf.
Riihimäki is also an oasis for shopping and local food lovers. Market events, flea markets and artisan boutiques offer a chance to discover local products. Riihimäki is a place where history, culture and modern-day experiences meet - there is something for everyone. Join us to discover the best of Riihimäki!
The Arolamm wetlands offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Located just a short distance from the centre of Riihimäki, this natural oasis offers a wide variety of flora and fauna. Here you can go birdwatching, look for rare plants or just relax in the peace and quiet of nature.
The Arolamm wetland has well-marked paths suitable for walks of varying lengths. You can choose a short walk or spend the whole day exploring different parts of the area. Taking a picnic lunch with you allows you to picnic in the middle of nature, and it is important to follow the "leave only footprints" principle and respect the environment.
The area is open all year round, so you can experience its beauty at different times of the year. In spring you can admire the awakening nature, in summer you can enjoy the lush vegetation and in autumn you can enjoy the brown colours. The Arolamm Nature Reserve offers a peaceful environment for relaxing and enjoying nature all year round.
Riutta outdoor recreation area offers a variety of opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation in Riihimäki. The area is located in the village of Hiivola along the Kormuntien and is easily accessible. The trails and nature trails in the outdoor area showcase the unique nature of the area, and in particular the 2.5 km nature trail along the brook track reveals the glacial formations and special features of the area.
For the active, Riutta offers a frisbee golf course and mountain bike trails. In addition, there are fitness trails suitable for an effective workout. In winter, you can ski on the illuminated archery trails.
In the Riutta outdoor area, you can also explore the impressive ridge landscapes and ancient ruins, which offer an interesting insight into the geological history of the area. Parking is easy next to the Riutta Outdoor House, and there is plenty of space for cars in the area, making a visit hassle-free.
The Riihimäki Sports Centre offers a wide range of opportunities for physical activity and well-being. The aim of the centre is to create high-quality conditions for people of all ages in Riihimäki all year round. The centre offers a variety of indoor and outdoor exercise groups, suitable for beginners and more experienced exercisers alike.
If you need individual guidance, the sports centre offers free sports advice for residents over 12 years of age. This is an excellent opportunity to get support for lifestyle changes. Riihimäki also has four fitness platforms, suitable for different levels of fitness. The Piikinmäki stairs are a good option for beginners, while the Riutta stairs offer a challenge for the more experienced.
The Sports Centre also organises lectures and events on the link between physical activity and well-being. These events provide new perspectives and information on health promotion. The Sports Centre's events calendar is updated regularly, so you can easily keep up to date with what's on offer.
Riihimäki has excellent opportunities for swimming all year round. Riihimäki Swimming Hall offers a versatile framework for aquatic exercise and relaxation, with several pools for different needs. You can practice fitness swimming in the 25-metre pool or enjoy the warm therapy pool.
In summer, the Riihimäki outdoor swimming pool is a popular destination where you can enjoy the sun and fresh outdoor air while swimming. The ground pool has a large swimming pool and a diving platform for the more adventurous. Both bathing areas offer good changing and shower facilities, and saunas are available after swimming.
Swimming is a great way to keep fit and relax, suitable for all ages and abilities. Be sure to check opening times and any exceptions before your visit to ensure a pleasant swimming experience in Riihimäki.
The Hatlamminsuo nature trail offers an excellent opportunity to explore Riihimäki's most valuable natural site. This trail, about one kilometre long, is located near the city centre and runs mainly along longitudinal trees, which makes it easy to follow. The trail starts from the yard of the Kisko hut at the end of the Hiihtomajantien.
Hatlamminsuo is a diverse wetland with several dozen different vegetation types. The area remains almost in its natural state, which makes it particularly valuable. Along the nature trail there are information displays presenting the nature of Hatlamminsuo. You can read them on your mobile device using QR codes.
The reserve is about 60 hectares in size and provides an excellent opportunity to observe the marshland and its biodiversity. The Hatlamminsuo nature trail is a great day trip destination, offering a fresh climate and natural peace all year round.
This magnificent golf centre is located near Riihimäki and is an excellent destination for golf enthusiasts. Kytäjoki has two award-winning courses, South East and North West, both designed by renowned Canadian golf course architect Thomas McBroom.
Kytäjä's high-quality practice areas provide an excellent setting for golf training. You can get lessons for all levels of players and groups through the BMW Pego Golf School. Kytäjä Golf's clubhouse is home to the Pro Shop, where you will find a comprehensive range of golf equipment. The services of a caddiemaster are also available in the same facility.
If you want to combine golf and accommodation, Kytäjä Resort offers accommodation options close to the courses. Guests have free access to the padel courses. Kytäjä's surroundings offer beautiful Finnish lake and forest scenery, and you can enjoy the nature during a round of golf while admiring the sparkling waters of Lake Kytäjärvi.
Riihimäki has several interesting museums offering a wide range of exhibitions and experiences. There are five different museums in the city, each with its own unique theme. The Finnish Glass Museum is one of the city's most famous attractions, where you can learn about the history of Finnish glassmaking and admire stunning glassware from different eras.
The Riihimäki Art Museum offers temporary exhibitions and a large collection of works of art that give a comprehensive picture of Finnish art. The Finnish Hunting Museum is a unique place where you can learn about the history of hunting and hunting in the wild. The museum presents a wide range of Finnish hunting culture and its development. The Riihimäki Prison Museum offers an interesting insight into the history of the Finnish prison system, where you can explore the premises of a former prison and learn about prison life in different eras.
Museum Centre Riemu brings together the Riihimäki Art Museum and the City Museum under one roof. In addition to changing exhibitions, this versatile cultural centre offers interesting events for all ages, making it a great place to visit for culture lovers.
Riihimäki Theatre is a small and cosy professional theatre located in Hämeenaukio. The theatre has a varied repertoire and is ideal for theatre lovers. The performances are known for their freshness and surprise, offering high-quality and entertaining plays that appeal to a wide audience.
The box office is open at certain times, and you can also buy tickets an hour before the performance. We recommend you check for any exceptions to opening hours. If you want to ensure your seat for the most popular performances, you should book your tickets well in advance. The theatre lobby is a nice place to spend some time before the performance, enjoying the atmosphere and getting into the mood for the evening's performance.
Riihimäki Library, located in the city centre, is a versatile cultural centre that offers much more than books. In addition to books, you can borrow CDs and sheet music and take part in various events organised regularly.
You can check the opening hours on the library's website or by calling the library. You can also subscribe to the library's newsletter to keep up to date with upcoming events. If you want to support the library, you can donate books in good condition and fairly new. The library accepts a variety of materials, which enriches its collections.
The library offers the opportunity to learn about volunteering and participate in various projects. Riihimäki library is part of a wider library network, so you can easily renew your loans and check information about other libraries in the area via the online service.
The Railway Park is an important part of Riihimäki's history. The area was created with the construction of the railway in the 1850s, and the first buildings were erected in 1857 to house the railway workers. Later, the Rautatienpuisto was used as a residential area for railway workers, and the oldest surviving building is the foreman's house from 1857. This building represents the earliest architecture in the area.
There are several buildings of historical interest in the Railway Park area, including the former station building, which was completed when the railway service began in 1862. It originally housed the stationmaster's residence, the telegraph office and the ticket office. The buildings and surroundings of the site form a valuable ensemble that tells the story of the history of the Finnish railways. The railway park is included in the list of nationally significant cultural and historical sites.
Explore the Railway Park to see architecture from different eras. The cobbled Maantie and the old buildings create a unique atmosphere that takes you back in time to the early days of Riihimäki.
Gallery K in Riihimäki offers a wide range of art exhibitions throughout the year. You can discover works by local and visiting artists in a cosy environment. The gallery has more than 500 square metres of bright exhibition space, and a 2022 renovation brought modern hanging rails and redesigned wall surfaces.
The exhibitions change regularly, so you can always experience something new. Paintings, sculptures and other forms of visual art are on display. Gallery K's exhibitions often feature current themes and artists' self-portraits, allowing you to immerse yourself in their world and their vision.
A visit to Galleria K is a great way to discover Riihimäki's cultural life. You can spend a quiet moment with art and be inspired by new ideas.
Granit Square is a central event venue in Riihimäki, offering a varied programme of events all year round. In summer, the square hosts popular free concerts with top Finnish artists. Live music and a good atmosphere can be enjoyed without paying an entrance fee, and the concerts attract music lovers from both locals and further afield.
In August, Granite Square will be part of the Squares shopping event, a free event for the whole family. This event offers musical performances, product demonstrations and a market atmosphere. During the event, you can listen to live performances by bands such as Maajo Band and Asa, and enjoy children's entertainment in the form of the Giggling Chessman.
The square also has street food and stalls where you can shop or sample a variety of delicacies. The event will create a lively atmosphere in the city centre, offering entertainment and experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Railway Park, a historic and charming area in Riihimäki, is also a popular venue for events. The park hosts open-air concerts, markets and family events in the summer, attracting locals and visitors alike. The park's lush green surroundings and historic buildings create a unique atmosphere for events.
During your visit, you can explore the park's old buildings, such as the station building, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the area. The cobbled streets and historic atmosphere of the park also provide a great setting for walks and photography. The Railway Park is a place where past and present meet.
You can find more information about current events on the Riihimäki events page.
There are several flea markets in Riihimäki, where you can make a variety of bargains from clothes to furniture and collectibles. Riihimäki's Big Flea Market is the largest in the city, with around 150 stalls on Petsamonkatu. Here you can find everything from everyday items to vintage treasures.
Another popular destination is Femmatori, which has a neat and wide selection, especially of children's clothes, crockery and furniture. In addition, Marttila's flea market attracts visitors with its high-quality vintage products and local handicrafts.
Flea markets also offer the opportunity to rent a sales space and recycle your own goods. The flea markets in Riihimäki are excellent places to make cheap and ecological purchases.
Riihimäki has a wide variety of shopping opportunities that offer experiences for locals and visitors alike. The city centre has a wide range of shops selling clothes, household goods and more. In particular, the New Bookstore offers a wide range of books, craft and artists' supplies and office supplies.
In the Peltosaari area you will find the Havi factory outlet, which offers domestic candles and tableware for everyday and festive occasions. The shop also sells other domestic interior design products, making it a great place to find quality and affordable bargains.
Riihimäki also organises various shopping events, such as the Aukiot shopping event, which combines performing arts, product demonstrations and promotions from local retailers. This event brings life to the city centre and offers a unique shopping experience.
Riihimäki market is the heart of the city, where you can sample local delicacies and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Here you will find fresh vegetables, berries and fruit directly from local producers. The market also offers traditional Finnish pastries, such as ear cakes and Karelian pies, which you can buy to go or enjoy on the spot with coffee.
In summer, the market is particularly busy, and you can sample grilled sausages and salmon soup. The market also hosts a variety of events and themed days, which add to its appeal. Take time to browse the stalls and talk to the vendors, who will be happy to tell you about their products and give you tips on how to use them.
Remember to bring cash, as not all vendors may have card payment terminals. The market is open in the mornings and early afternoons, so arrive early to get the best selection.
