Enjoy the outdoors in Aulanko
The nature of Aulanko is exceptionally diverse, and the area’s attractions and outdoor trails provide a unique setting for all kinds of nature lovers all year round.
The park forest of Aulanko
The most famous attraction in the park forest of Aulanko is the 33-metre-high observation tower, from where you can view the spectacular landscape of the valley of Lake Vanajavesi. Entry to the tower is free, and it is open daily from Mother’s Day until the end of October, from 8 AM to 8 PM. At the base of the tower, there is an observation terrace open all year round.
Other popular sites in the park forest include the Temple of Fortune, the Bear’s Cave, and the Rose Valley Pavilion with its adjacent thuja forest, which can be reached via duckboards. The artificial ponds of Joutsenlampi and Metsälampi are also atmospheric spots in Aulanko. An accessible nature trail, approximately one kilometre long, runs around the Joutsenlampi pond, featuring about 50 different tree and shrub species marked along its route.
From the soil excavated during the construction of the artificial ponds, two artificial islands were created at Mäntykärki on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. On the islands, there is a rental hut that anyone can reserve.
The park forest of Aulanko is a nature reserve managed and administered by Metsähallitus.
Lake Aulangonjärvi
The lush nature surrounding Lake Aulangonjärvi offers various opportunities for recreation. You can swim at the beaches of Kihtersuo and Aulanko recreation centre.
Various lengths of outdoor trails also start from the recreation centre, leading into the surrounding forests. You can grill sausages over a campfire in the hut at the recreation centre or at the Kärmeskallio campfire site along the approximately seven-kilometre nature trail circling the lake. The hut and campfire site are freely available for everyone’s use.
During the open waters, three city boats are available for free use by everyone at the shore of Aulanko recreation centre. In winter, ski tracks are laid out on Lake Aulangonjärvi.
Lake Aulangonjärvi is entirely within the water area of the fishing association Aulangon kalastusyhdistys.
Sibelius Forest
Sibelius Forest is located on the eastern side of Lake Aulangonjärvi. A nature trail, approximately two kilometres long, runs through the landscapes coloured by the area’s tall trees, featuring information boards about the forest. The nature trail is complemented by the Levonkorpi loop trail, also about two kilometres long, which tells of beliefs associated with the forest and trees.
The forest was named after Jean Sibelius, as the composer’s Finlandia Hymn is said to have been inspired by the forests of Aulanko. Sibelius Forest is part of the Natura 2000 Network and complements the extensive nature conservation area of Aulanko and Hämeenlinna National Urban Park.
Sibelius Forest can be reached on foot, for example, from the Kihtersuo beach via duckboards or from Heikkilä along the Sibelius Forest trail.
