Roots and Wings - Ecofestarit hiking event
3.10.2026
09.00 - 11.30
Pirkankatu, 33210 Tampere
The eco-festival program includes 12 different pilgrimages and 5 different nature hikes from different directions to Aleksanteri Church, where the restaurant Kierto serves free vegetable soup.
Saturday 3.10.
A. 12 pilgrimages with Saint Francis of Assisi Welcome to marvel at the autumn nature, connect with the web of life, and listen to the quiet voice of creation on a journey with Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron of nature conservation. All pilgrimages end at Alexander Church, where the free vegetarian lunch from Kiertoravintola will be served from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Bring your own deep plate, spoon, cup, and a bag for them. Dress according to the weather.
REGISTER BY TEXTING the route guide no later than the previous day, 2.10.
Departure locations and times:
1. Pispala Church at 9:30 AM: via Pispala and Pyynikki ridges, vicar Tero Matilainen and deacon Pia Rantatupa (040 674 7799).
2. Viinikka Church at 10 AM: via Lake Iidesjärvi and Eteläpuisto, pastor Ismo Kunnas (050 379 1866), pilgrimage guides Karoliina and Henry Lähteenmäki.
3. Härmälä Church at 9 AM: via Härmälä shore nature trail and Arboretum, pastor Matti Etelänsaari (040 185 2070) and children's instructor Terhi Vitikainen.
4. Messukylä Stone Church at 9 AM: via Kalevanharju and Kalevankangas, pastor Tuuli-Aro-Haverinen (050 537 5401) and pilgrimage guide Katri Vainio.
5. Old Church at 10 AM: via Tammerkoski and Näsinkallio, pastor Olli Viljakainen (040 804 8261) and pilgrimage guide Kirsimarja Ahonen.
6. Finlayson Church at 10 AM: with silence yoga exercises, pastors and Mirella Lehtola and Meri Ala-Kokko (050 473 2278).
7. Kaleva Church at 10 AM: via Eteläpuisto, pilgrimage guides Aulikki Kalliolahti and Kai Parkkola (by email k-r.parkkola@pp.fimnet.fi) 3. Franciscan community of the order
8. Cathedral at 10 am: via Tampella and Tammerkoski, dean Olli-Pekka Silfverhuth and spiritual guidance pastor Jussi Holopainen (040 8048105).
9. Accessible hike for seniors from the main door of Alexander Church at 11 am: in Pyynikki church park, deaconess Minna Sormunen (040 804 8106) and Leena Silfverhuth, Myötätuuli
10. Pilgrimage for dogs at 10 am from the southern end of Hämeenpuisto, group walk guided by expert Pia Korri (040 593 0304) and pastor Tiia Karvinen via Eteläpuisto and Pyynikki church park. Dog-friendly porridge and water will also be available at the destination. Bring your own seat mat as well.
11. Ecumenical pilgrimage from the Orthodox church at 10 am: via Ratinanranta, the Old Church, and the Catholic Church, Iida Silfverhuth and pastor Kati Eloranta (050 431 6627).
12. Tampere singles’ nature hike from Nalkala Market’s P parking at 10 am along the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi and Pyynikki ridge , social work deacon Sari Peltonen (050 381 7177) and social work student Maria Rouhiainen.
B. Nature Hikes All hikes end at Alexander Church, where the free vegetarian lunch from Kiertoravintola is served from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Bring your own deep plate, spoon, mug, and a bag for these. Dress according to the weather.
SIGN UP BY TEXTING the instructor at the latest the day before, on October 2.
1. Author Juha Hurme’s nature hike at Pyynikki at 10:30 AM in front of the observation tower. Now we’ll be walking on the familiar nearby paths of Hurme. What stories do Pyynikki’s trees and rocks tell, and what kind of story does the author himself tell? Sign up by texting Jussi Holopainen (040 8048105).
2. Nature hike organized by Mieli ry with Jukka Vettenranta: Meet at Pizpala parking, Pispalan valtatie 28 at 9 am, via Tahmela beach and Pyynikki ridge. Register with Jukka (045 6529080).
3. Faith Club nature hike in the midst of biodiversity, with Saraleena Aarnitaival, at 10 am in front of Pyynikki Observation Tower. No registration required.
4. Family-friendly park hike starting from Tarto Park at 9 am, organized by Hakametsä Social Democrats. The hike lasts about 3 hours and covers roughly 6 km: Tarto Park – Pellervo Park – Kiova Park – Swan Park – Nalkala Park – Häme Park – Alexander Church Park. Each park has a theme and there’s a “park card” especially for children, so they get a stamp in each park for participating. You can join the hike midway if you don’t want to do the whole route. Bring your own snacks, and there will be a snack break in Kiova Park. There’s a longer break in Swan Park with a “shared craft activity.” The city’s statues will also be explored along the route.
5. Grandma's Chamber nature hike photos 10:30-11:30, Grandma's Room, Hämeenkatu 28. Let's wander in nature through Ismo Nokelainen's photographs. No registration required.