We had spent Finnish Nature Day at Kaarnikka, and after a good night’s sleep, we wanted to explore more of the surrounding nature. Metsäjärvi is a small lake in Köyliö, Säkylä, and since it was so close to Kaarnikka, we decided to head there for our next outing.
If you start from Kaarnikka, the total distance of the circular route is about 5.5 km. The Kaarnikka starting point is available for guests staying there, as the trail begins right from the cabin yard. However, there’s also a parking area closer to the lake, which makes the walk to the lean-to shelter and reservable hut much shorter.
From the Metsäjärvi parking area, a family-friendly nature trail leads to the lean-to shelter. It’s known as Hympykorennon polku, Dragonfly Trail. At the starting point, you’ll find a small mailbox containing activity booklets for children, making it easy and fun for them to explore the surrounding nature.
We certainly weren’t the only hikers at Metsäjärvi that day. Despite the grey weather, many other people were out enjoying the outdoors as well. Metsäjärvi seems to be quite a popular destination among locals.
Highlights of the Metsäjärvi nature trail
The highlights of the Metsäjärvi trail were the beautifully designed lean-to shelter and the reservable hut located at the northeast corner of the lake. Both were cozy and well-maintained. The reservable hut is normally locked, but we had permission to take a look inside.
Since we had already enjoyed a relaxing time outdoors at Kaarnikka, we skipped grilling this time and focused on exploring the natural surroundings of Metsäjärvi.
Between 1946 and 1955, the University of Helsinki had a cranberry research station near Metsäjärvi, and it’s said that American cranberry bushes can still be found there today. If it had been cranberry season, I would have loved to see them. Cranberries are among my favorite berries, though picking them in October can be quite chilly for both fingers and toes when standing in the bog with rubber boots on.
Map of Metsäjärvi and Kaarnikka
According to the map, a trail circles around the entire lake, and we happily followed it. Later, we learned from local nature enthusiasts that walking the full loop isn’t actually recommended, as the northwestern part of the lake is reserved for birds. We therefore suggest following the route shown on Kaarnikka’s map, which circles along the southern and eastern sides of the lake, or simply returning from the shelter to the parking area along the same path you came.
Directions to Metsäjärvi
The nearest parking lot:
Metsäjärven luontopolun parkkipaikka
More nature destinations nearby
Harjureitti in Southwestern Finland is known as Little Lapland
Korkeusvuori observation tower and nature trail in Loimaa
Hevonlinna ice-age esker and recreation area in Koski Tl
