Nature

The waterside and aquatic vegetation around the shores of Vallonjärvi is very diverse. Many plant species, such as reedmace, bottle sedge, common reed and lakeshore bulrush form large, uniform growths in the area. In many places, the lake is surrounded by a dense birch thicket or willow bushes extending all the way to the sedge stands on the shoreline. A total of around ten willow species grow in the area, among them the grey-leaved downy willow (Salix lapponum), which is very rare in southern parts of Finland.

The lush waterside and aquatic vegetation serves as a home for the area’s fairly diverse birdlife to nest in. The most frequently observed species are anseriformes, such as mallards, common teals, Eurasian wigeons, common pochards, tufted ducks and goldeneyes. Other birds typical to the area include the common snipe, common coot, sedge warbler and reed bunting. There is a bird observation tower which you can climb to observe the birds in the area.

On the eastern shore of Vallonjärvi, there is a forest area called Heikkilänmetsä, which is mostly old-growth spruce forest. There are also small grove areas and reforested fields where there may have been settlements at some point in the past. This is suggested by the abundant occurrence of many cultural plants in the area, such as red elderberry, stinging nettle and herb bennet, for example. Some demanding bird species, such as the garden warbler, black cap and icterine warbler, nest in the area’s grove-type woodlands. The forest has an abundant growth of baneberry, which has shining black berries of a coffee-bean size and shape, and are very toxic.

The 2.2-kilometre-long nature path starts in a gravel storage area along the connecting road and meanders along the eastern and northern shorelines of Vallonjärvi.

There are 13 numbered trail signs with information for hikers along the guided nature path.

On the upper slopes of the Rapola ridge a large number of dwelling places, cooking pits, and other signs of habitation have been found. Closely adjoined to the hill fort on the South Western slope is a large area with numerous finds. There are, among other, a burial ground with over hundred barrows (tumuli), and an ancient field from the Iron Age, found in excavations in 1988. Likewise coherently linked to the hill fort is an ancient harbour, at the bottom of the Saunalahti bay.

The many centuries of habitation on the slopes of the Rapola ridge has left its marks on nature, particularly on the vegetation. The manors of Rapola and Voipaala in the vicinity of the fort have had an even greater influence since their founding around the 16 ^th century. From the parks and cultivated lands of these estates many cultivated plants have been transferred to the slopes of the ridge with the help of birds and squirrels. Examples of such plants are celandine, dogwood, lilac, larch, rowan, maple and oak, all of which grow in large numbers on the slopes of the ridge. Most of the slopes are  closed and shadowy, and that is why such typical species for ridges that demand plenty of light, are very scarce in the area. Often their last habitats are old gravel pits, of which there are many at Rapola. In general it might be said that gravel pits are the most visible “monuments” that man has left on the ridge.

Read more about The Rapola Ridge.

Valkeakoski offers many options for the joy of exercise and stimulating leisure.

The picturesque pedestrian bridges over the water have become a landmark of the town. The about three-kilometre long Apia bay walking route offers you a great chance to exercise and see the town centre at a glance.

For hikers many guided routes are offered. Nature shows different landscapes in different areas: in the northern parts hills and rocks, and in the south typical agricultural landscape including rare groves.

In Korkeakangas you’ll find marked routes for mountain biking.

Valkeakoski is part of larger biking route Pyhä Näsi Lake Trails. Read more about Näsi Lake Trails.

Valmarinniemi and the surrounding nature are very diversified. The 1.3 km long nature path offers beautiful landscapes, groves, shore and lake nature, forest and culture. There are 13 boards with topics like the vegetation and bird life of the area, the fungi that rot wood, the impact of pollution on the vegetation, ants, muskrats, and the history of Valmarinniemi. In order to serve foreign visitors the boards also contain English texts. The path is easy to walk, but as shore areas in general, it tends to be wet. Thus in spring and autumn rubber boots may be useful.

Owned by the city of Valkeakoski, the Valmarinniemi area with its adjoining small islands offers good possibilities for recreation.

To Palunen and to Riuttasaari one can walk across a pedestrian bridge from Valmarinniemi. On the neck of land between the two islands there are a cooking shelter and a swimming beach. Further away on Riuttasaari there are two campfire sites and an earth closet. A nature path circles in the area.

The Pappilanniemi nature path winds its way around Sääksmäki, near Sääksmäki bridge, some 10 kilometres from Valkeakoski city centre.

The nature path stretches along the shores of the Pappilanniemi Course Centre, with beautiful views opening up over Vanajavesi. The path is of varying terrain, but is still easily accessible. Along the trail there is a campfire site, a campfire hut and an outdoor church on a rugged clifftop where you can find a quiet moment for your own thoughts. The nature path is approximately one kilometre in length.

The nature path and campfire site are free to use between 7 am and 8 pm, if the Pappilanniemi camp participants do not have any arranged event on-site. The campfire hut is available for hire from the Pappilanniemi Course Centre.

Note: The ferryboat has been taken out of commission for this autumn, as the water is currently too shallow. It will start operating again in the spring once the lake is free of ice cover. The ferryboat is hand-pulled by rope, and it allows you to visit the nearby island. There is a shelter for overnight stays and a campfire on the island. The ferryboat and shelter are available for all to use when the course centre has no arranged programme on the island.

During summer 2021, a new 12-hole disc golf course was completed next to the nature path.

The nature path is well signposted from the parking area at the Pappilanniemi Course Centre. The nature path is maintained by the parish of Sääksmäki.

Mettivuori is located approximately 4.5 kilometres from Valkeakoski city centre, in the Korkeakangas area. The path is easily reached on foot or cycle path via Pälkäneentie (city centre – Sointula – Kärsä). There is also a jogging route from Sointula and Juhannusvuori.

Mettivuori is a rare location in southern Finland thanks to its unspoilt forest of true old-growth spruce. The trees in the area are notably tall and old, with the average age being 110 years. There is a large number of dead standing trees and old windthrow trees, which are characteristic of an old-growth forest. There are only a few hardwood trees – mainly old, tall aspens. In places, such as in the vicinity of the spring-fed mire along the trail, there are characteristics of a nemoral forest. The birdlife in the area is quite diverse for an old-growth forest – there is a wooded mire with goshawks – but it mainly consists of fairly ordinary species typical of spruce and coniferous forests. Mettivuori is a conservation forest and a protected nature area.

The terrain along the Mettivuori nature path is easily accessible, and it runs for approximately one kilometre.