Helsinki Day Trip: Pumpkins and Autumn Colors at Koiramäen Pajutalli
The Magic of the Nordic Autumn
About a month ago, when September had just begun and summer was turning into autumn, we took the car with my mom and my daughter to visit a place we'd heard of many times, but were yet to visit ourselves. That is the beautiful, surprisingly large area of Koiramäen Pajutalli in Tuusula, Finland.
Koiramäen Pajutalli is the perfect romantic spot for a cozy autumnal date, for an afternoon spent with family and friends, or just for yourself when you want to surround yourself with something beautiful. Koiramäen Pajutalli has various themes throughout the year, including a beautiful Christmastime. Finland doesn't have a widespread tradition of American-style pumpkin farms where you can go and pick your own from a field, but there are a few treasured and beloved autumn destinations here, including the pumpkin displays at Koiramäen Pajutalli. But more than that, the true beauty of the Finnish autumn lies in its nature and colors.
When autumn finally arrives with its golden leaves and crisp air, it is yet again my favourite season—though you might hear me say this loud and clear during each of our four seasons. What I love about Northern European nature is its four seasons, the anticipation, and also some form of melancholy that comes with it. All of our seasons are rather long and complete. Though the start and end of each season is always a mystery, if frost comes to stay in December or January, we don't get a 'meh' winter where it's cold without the beauty of snow. We don't get a spring so fast that, if you blink, you miss the long bloom and beauty of tulips and lilacs. The same applies to our autumn, which truly turns the leaves into a gorgeous palette ranging from yellow to dark red, which you can admire for weeks on end.
How to Get to Koiramäen Pajutalli from Helsinki
Back to this beautiful spot called Koiramäen Pajutalli. The exact address is Forsteninkuja 10 as 1. It is located in Tuusula, about a 15-minute drive from the border of Helsinki, or 35 minutes from the city centre. There is a large parking area, which can be crowded during the busy hours. Usually, you will always find a spot, though, as people come and go constantly.
It is also possible to arrive via public transport. The closest bus stops are within a 5-minute walk, called Jussla and Jusslan suora.
The buses that take you to Koiramäen Pajutalli:
— 641 (Tikkurila – Hyrylä – Kerava)
— 642 (Leinelä – Lahela – Hyrylä)
— 643 (Hakaniemi – Hyrylä)
A Country-Style Café & Wonders for the Little Ones
What you will find is a beautiful country-style café, a few shops, and many activities perfect for families with kids: barn animals including chickens, bunnies, and sheep, a children's playhouse, and a troll forest called 'Peikkometsä'.
The café has both indoor and outdoor seating, offering traditional pastries. During our stay, the cute donut stand outside also opened. We stayed seated outside, as our toddler loved playing with the big gravel under the coffee tables.
Aesthetic Boutiques and Pretty Home Decor
Besides that, there are a few very cute and aesthetic shops, one in the café building and another one in the barn. They are filled with beautiful home decor items, soaps, and gift ideas. There is also a shop called "Eternal Christmas", where you'll for sure find me shopping for a little home decor closer to Christmas.
Also, pumpkins are up for purchase, and I did buy a few pumpkins along the way with some other plants to decorate our front porch, which I have not regretted.
Have you ever visited Koiramäen Pajutalli, or do you have your own favorite spot for autumn days? I would love to hear your recommendations in the comments below.
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