The journey from the train station home is three kilometres. Lecturer of Finnish language and communications, Doctor of Philosophy Eveliina Korpela covers the distance by bike, on foot or by hitching a ride from her husband. The teacher works in the capital and commutes between Riihimäki and Helsinki on weekdays.

“The connections are great, and I have almost an hour to work on the train, too. We moved to Riihimäki 20 years ago because of my spouse’s work. Nowadays, the children have their schools and hobbies here, and we enjoy the small town life.”

The railroads deserve all the praise but they are not all Riihimäki has to offer.

“Riihimäki is not best known for its cultural life. However, we have a very lively Nuorisoteatteri for young people. Hundreds of adolescents are included in its activities, and they put on professional performances. The summer concerts are a tradition that signal the start of the summer.”

Korpela lived in the glass village in Nuutajärvi as a child, so she enjoys the area of the Finnish Glass Museum and atmospheric Hyttikortteli, a residential area initially built as the factory workers’ accommodation. You can almost feel the atmosphere of the decades long gone. The surrounding area is great for jogging with the kids or admiring works of art on the museum’s yard.

“In addition, there are geo caches close to the Glass Museum, and you can also catch Pokémons there.”

Korpela also loves the Hatlamminsuo swamp that provides stunning nature experiences. The swamp has a duckboards route spanning a few kilometres that is almost like a piece of Lapland. The area also has exercise and information boards that guide you to notice the surrounding nature. You can also do one of Korpela’s hobbies there, trail running.

“Riihimäki has character, and you can cycle everywhere. When we lived in Helsinki, I had to think if I could make it to the library or the pool in one short evening. Here, both visits are possible.”