Kotikaupunkilainen
Welcome to the Renko Forest Adventure Trail!
In July, a nature trail approximately two kilometers long was opened in Renko near the school and daycare center, in the scenic surroundings of the Renkajoki River and Rautavuori hill, to encourage physical activity for the whole family.
The Renko Forest Adventure Trail, one of the Little Lynx routes in the Kanta-Häme region, forms part of the Häme Lynx Trail (Hämeen Ilvesreitti). When you arrive at Urheilutie via Rengonraitti, you’ll find a trail map on the wall of the outdoor area’s maintenance building at the end of Urheilutie. By following the round Little Lynx symbols heading toward the school, you’ll reach the trail’s starting gate after about a hundred meters.
The Forest Adventure Trail has largely been built along paths that already existed in nature, making the experience as authentic as possible. Part of the Forest Adventure Trail is also accessible, allowing travel by wheelchair to the accessible terrace by the Renkajoki River.
The trail runs partly on land owned by the City of Hämeenlinna and partly on land belonging to the Hämeenlinna-Vanaja Parish. Its development has involved contributions from groups such as the Jaakko Scout Troop, the Renko Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Rengon Syke sports club, as well as pupils from Renko Comprehensive School and the Renko Forest Preschool group.
The terrain and nature vary from a small fern grove along a stream to the stunning, cleared riverside landscapes of the Renkajoki, an untouched “fairytale forest,” a planted grove of noble hardwoods, and even a nearly hundred-year-old spruce forest! From the top of Rautavuori, a sweeping panoramic view opens up over the beautiful Häme countryside — a wonderful spot to sit by the impressive lean-to shelter, enjoying a picnic by the glow of the campfire.
The Forest Adventure Trail invites and challenges families to be active together and enjoy nature close to home. Along the route, you’ll find forest-themed activities for all ages, as well as many points designed to inspire movement in an interesting and varied way. Even members of Renko’s senior parkour group have tested their fitness there!
One beautiful, sunny Sunday in September, we set off with three generations to explore the Forest Adventure Trail. What a joy it was to notice how many other families and couples had also discovered our new pride and joy here in Renko! And oh, how delighted grandma was! Little “Aapi” (1 year 8 months), the apple of his grandparents’ eye, toddled through the adventure trail’s labyrinth, eager to hug every lovely bunny, teddy bear, and other animal he found!
While the Forest Adventure Trail was being built, we had the pleasure of almost daily company from an 89-year-old lady out for her walks in the area. The forest paths had become familiar to her over the several decades she had lived in the area; it is her beloved outdoor spot and a breath of fresh air. At first, she was a bit hesitant when we told her about our plans and what we were building. Now that the area has attracted many other nature lovers, she’s happy that she no longer has to walk alone.
It’s wonderful to see so many families with children here.
You’ve also built me so many good benches to rest on — before, I sometimes had to sit on the ground. If it rains, I can rest under the lean-to shelter and stay dry.
That’s a fine example for the rest of us seniors and nature lovers too!
Along the trail, there are six rest stops where you can pause if needed, simply be, and enjoy the beauty of nature through the changing seasons.
Text and photos: Irmeli Anttila, the “mother” of the Adventure Trail