An easy-going connection with nature is one recipe for Finnish happiness. Forests and clean air are competitive assets for tourism in Finland, which is why Urjala applies the same recipe to both tourists and its residents. Urjala has a total of six lean-tos with campfire places, a few open campfire places, and a bird observation tower.

 

Wandering in nature is considered one of the most important factors to promote well-being. Even five minutes in the forest calms the mind, and wandering for 10 to 15 minutes lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. Spending time in the forest helps to relieve stress.

 

Thanks to the lean-tos, nature tourism in Urjala is safe and easy. Most of the lean-tos have firewood, a saw or an ax, and an outhouse. The lean-tos are maintained by either the municipality or some associations, and the goal is to provide an easy-going nature experience for day hikers of all ages.

 

The unique nature of Urjala has also attracted a permanent deer population. The first deer were brought from North America to Laukko Manor in 1934, and today the population is the largest in Finland. The deer danger is real on the road, but the encounters in nature are memorable. When you want to stay by the water, there are several interesting lakes along the Tarpianjoki river which crosses Urjala. There is a bird observation tower by Lake Kortejärvi, Lake Nuutajärvi is within a walking distance from the historic glass village and you can test your luck in fishing on Lake Rutajärvi. The best way to explore Tarpianjoki river is by paddling, and you can try to spot otters on the river route.

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More information on nature tourism: www.urjala.fi/vapaa-aika-ja-kulttuuri