Nature excursions and cycling trips in the Karstu area
The nature around Kettukallio calls out for adventure – whether you are a hiker or a cyclist. The Karstu area offers stunning scenery, a rich history and varied routes right on the doorstep.
Cyclists
Kettukallion Elämystila has been awarded the Welcome Cyclist – certificate by Bikelind.fi.
The Tervetuloa Pyöräilijä certificate is designed to make life easier for cyclists looking for suitable services along their route. Cycling-friendly businesses welcome cyclists even when muddy, and offer them safe bicycle storage, a pump and basic tools, a charging point and information about local routes, services and cycling facilities. You can recognise cycling-friendly businesses on the road by the Tervetuloa Pyöräilijä certificate.
How to cycle to us?
Kettukallion Elämystila sijaitsee n. 10 kilometrin päässä South by cycle Länsi-Uudenmaan kierrokselta. Mutkitteleva ja mäkinen reitti kulkee ajoittain Lohjanjärven rantaa myöten ja matkan varrelle jää upeita maisemia. Tie on asfaltoitu lähes koko osuudeltaan ja on luokiteltu helpoksi. Länsi-Uudenmaan kierrosta kuljettaessa n. 94 km kohdalta kääntyy Karstuntie oikealle. Tätä tietä ajamalla päätyy suoraan Joenpellontien risteykseen, josta käännytään Kettukallion Elämystilalle.
Accommodation and meals
At Kettukallion Elämystila you can stay on weekdays during summer in the history-filled luhtiaitan huoneissa, unitynnyrissä tai majoitusmökissä.
During your stay you will have access to barbecue spots and the smoke sauna lodge as a kitchen area. You are welcome to heat up the wood-fired sauna and take a refreshing dip in the forest pond.
Bed linen and breakfast are included in the price. You can pre-order campfire pancake sets, grilling sausages or campfire coffee supplies from us to make your evening even more enjoyable.
Bringing your own food and drinks is also welcome. We also offer a lunch package available to purchase for your journey.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation can be booked through our online shop. You are also welcome to contact us by phone or email if you have any questions.
Scenic hike to the Karstu cliffs
From the Karstu cliffs you can enjoy the finest views in the area over Lake Lohjanjärvi, the largest lake in southern Finland.
During the scenic hike you will get to enjoy the finest natural gems of the Lohja area with a guide, and hear fascinating stories about the region's history and the deciduous forest typical of Lohja. The route takes you along steep paths to the top of Linnavuori, where you can take in the views before admiring this near-vertical cliff face from below. Along the way you will see ancient rock paintings and remarkable natural biodiversity. The packed lunch we prepare is enjoyed at the top of the neighbouring high cliff, Hiirimäki, which offers stunning views over Karstunlahti bay. The descent follows a different route, with many more natural sights to discover along the way.
The route passes through challenging terrain in places, so good footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are essential for a successful hike.
At the end of the hike, you are welcome to continue to Kettukallion Elämystila, where options include a tour of the venue and a meal.
The hike lasts approximately 2.5 hours in total.
Pricing: 300€ for 10 people, with an additional 15€ per person thereafter.
Ideal group size 5–20 people.
Wellness trail
Running through the forest near the Elämyskylä is our METSO wellness trail, developed in collaboration with Tapio Oy and the Finnish Forest Centre.
The trail can be completed independently with the help of provided materials. Along the route there are activity stops designed to help you get more positive experiences from your walk than simply passing through without pausing. The route passes through nearby nature conservation areas and there is plenty to take in along the way. As you walk along the Karstunjoki river you will find yourself in the Reporinne nature conservation area, surrounded by hazel thickets and other deciduous forest plants.
The approximately 2km route passes through challenging terrain in places, as the rugged wilderness of Karstu includes both steep uphill and downhill sections. A rope is provided to assist at the most difficult points.
kettukallion ketunkierros
From the forest gate of the Kettukallio begins the enchanting and mythological Fox Trail, following in the footsteps of the most cunning and long-tailed inhabitant of our forests. The guide on this journey is nature connection instructor and traditional skills expert Ulla Hillebrandt.
On the trail you can immerse yourself in the magical nature of Kettukallio and discover the ways, history and folk beliefs of the clever fox. On this approximately 1.5 hour forest hike, which is challenging in places, you can slow down and dream, listen and observe, participate and wonder. The conservation sites, wilderness terrain, traditional music and stories along the route will guide you into the embrace of powerful natural forces.
At the end of the tour, you’ll get to make music and be enchanted in the Kettukallio kota (traditional lean-to shelter).
The programme is led by nature connection instructor and traditional skills expert Ulla Hillebrandt.
Programme duration approximately 2 hours.
Ideal goup size approximately 5–15 people.
The programme is part of the Kalevala on the Map of Finnish Tourism project, with partners including Ulla HIllebrandt ja the city of Lohja
Caves
There are several caves in the nearby area that enchant both children and adults.
Torhola Cave
The magnificent giant's kettles of Talpela
The giant's kettles of Patamäki
The Pietari caves of Kaijola
The rock crevice caves at the end of Karstu straight, the Urtmäki crevice caves.
Read more about these here:
Nature reserve of Karkali
Karkali nature reserve is approximately 20 minutes away by car and can of course also be visited by bicycle.
Our partner Hanna Savelainen from Suurniemen tila leads guided tours in the nature reserve.
Karkali nature reserve is featured on the following websites, among others:
Karkali nature reserve trail
Retkipaikka.fi
Karkali nature reserve in a nutshell
Lohja nature trails
Lohja has many nature trails and hiking destinations. These have been compiled on the websites of the City of Lohja and Visit Lohja, among others.
Joenpelto
To be continued..
Wikipedia
WSOY
Eeva Joenpelto