New Nature Trails and Cycling Routes Offer Spiritual Journey Outdoors - inviting to reflect and reconnect

New Cycling Route Connects Church to Church

In early May, during Finland’s national Cycling Week, Espoo parishes launched a new “Churches of Espoo” cycling route, covering all six Lutheran main churches in the city and guiding cyclists through diverse landscapes. The full route is 73 kilometers long, but it can easily be broken into shorter sections.

“The idea was to create a ready-made route for both Espoo residents and visitors to explore the city more broadly,” says Arto Vallivirta, Pastor and long-distance cyclist who designed the route.

“It follows good-quality bike paths, while avoiding the busiest everyday cycling roads. Along the way, you’ll get to visit six very different churches architecturally – each one a unique experience.”

Nature Trails for Self-Guided Reflection

Espoo parishes are placing increasing emphasis on nature-based spirituality – a form of faith exploration that’s self-directed and moves at your own pace.
“Not everything the church offers needs to be organized,” Vallivirta explains.

“We also want to provide space for personal, experiential encounters with spirituality. Nature has a calming effect on our nervous system. Combined with walking, running, or cycling, it offers space for spiritual reflection and a sense of the Sacred. Christianity also teaches that humans have a responsibility to care for the Creation – not as something separate, but as part of it.”

Four self-guided spiritual nature trails have been created, each with stop points featuring reflection texts that invite people of all ages to explore their connection to themselves, nature, and spirituality. These routes can be accessed via the Citynomadi app.

Highlights include:

• Peikko Path (Peikon patikka): A 2.5 km circular trail starting at the Velskola camp center. Aimed at families, the trail features 12 stop points with creative characters like Petja the Troll and Pohto, who reveal nature’s forest secrets.
• Linnainen – Espoo’s Old Stone Church Route: This 13 km route follows the historic King's Road, offering both local history and space for personal reflection. It can be walked in parts or in full.
• Path of Silence (Hiljaisuuden polku) at Villa Elfvik: Starting from the gates of the Villa Elfvik Nature House, this trail features 14 reflection stops in any order, encouraging calm and contemplation.
• Small Nature Pilgrimage in Nuuksio: A 2.3 km loop beginning and ending at the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. It features seven stops combining environmental education and spiritual practices.

Join Group Walks and Nature Activities

In addition to self-guided options, Espoo parishes offer guided outdoor activities throughout the summer:

• Every Monday until 25 August, 1–2 PM – Community Walks near Tapiola Church
  Starting from Café Valo’s side entrance (Kirkkopolku 6), walks vary in pace and route. A short devotional is included. Coffee and conversation follow. No registration needed.
• Tuesday 17 June, 11 AM–12 PM – Gentle Exercise in Matteus Forest Church
  Light fitness session (balance and strength) for all levels. Liisankuja 3. In case of rain, sessions move indoors to the multipurpose hall. Instructor: Adèle Salonen – body care teacher, physiotherapist, and Radio Dei presenter.
• Sun 3 August, 6 PM – Small Nature Pilgrimage in Nuuksio
  Starts at Haltia Nature Centre (Nuuksiontie 84). Bring proper footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and snacks. Canceled in heavy rain or storms. Info: marja.malvaranta@evl.fi / 040 5311 040.
• Thu 7 August, 6 PM – Small Nature Pilgrimage at Villa Elfvik
  Starts at the gates of Villa Elfvik (Elfvikintie 4). Bring water, good shoes, and optional snacks. Info: marja.malvaranta@evl.fi / 040 5311 040.
• Sun 31 August, 2 PM – Espoo’s King’s Road Pilgrimage
  A 5 km walk from Espoo Cathedral Parish Hall (Kauppamäki 1) to Kauklahti Chapel, including spiritual reflection stops. Ends with the Radalla Festival’s final concert at 4 PM. Info: raigo.liiman@evl.fi / 050 438 0116.

Summer Cafés and Devotionals in the City

• Chapple Summer Café (inside Iso Omena, 2nd floor)
  Open weekdays all summer, 9:30 AM–4 PM
  Games, billiards, chill-out space, bring-your-own lunch, and free coffee or tea.
• Matinkappeli Summer Service & Café
  Tuesdays 3 June–26 August, 12–1:30 PM
  A short service or devotional followed by coffee in the chapel café.
• Karakappeli Summer Café & Evening Eucharist
  Every other Thursday from 5 June
  Café open 4:30–5:45 PM, Eucharist 6–6:30 PM
• Musical Summer Café at Leppävaara Church
  Every Wednesday at 12 PM
  Concert followed by coffee outside. Free admission; voluntary donations welcome.
• Aurora Chapel Summer Café
  Tuesdays 5–26 August, 12–2 PM

For Families with Children

Espoo parishes also offer summer programs for families, including cafés, clubs, music playgroups, and excursions. Discover the full range of family-friendly activities on our website.