What can one do in Aulanko Nature Reserve?
Walk on Marked Trails
There is a good network of trails in Aulanko Nature Reserve. Some of the trails are wide sandy tracks in a good condition, so they are also accessible by wheelchair.
Go Bird Watching
The set of bird species in the area is abundant. Old-growth forest species, such as Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), the Ural Owl (Strix uralensis) and the Common Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris) can be seen in Aulanko.
See the Sights and Scenery
There is a lot to see in the nature reserve: natural features, old buildings and beautiful scenery. One of the Finnish national landscapes can be seen from the scenic lookout tower of Aulangonvuori Hill. Most of the sights in the area are located along the asphalt-surfaced ring road.
Walk on Nature Trail
In Aulanko Nature Reserve, you can see 56 different species of trees and shrubs along the nature trail going round Lake Joutsenlampi. The length of the trail is about 1000 metres. The section of the trail which goes round the lake is also accessible by wheelchair.
Ski Cross-Country on Maintained Trails
In wintertime, there are two lit skiing trails in the nature reserve, 4,5 km and 6,5 km. They are suitable for both classical style and free style cross-country skiing. Lights turn off at 10 pm. You can also extend your skiing trips to the skiing trails of the surrounding areas.
Go Fishing
On the artificial ponds of the nature reserve, fishing is not allowed. Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are allowed on Lake Aulangonjärvi and Lake Vanajavesi by the Everyman's right. For lure fishing, you need the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). More information about fishing on Lake Aulangonjärvi and Lake Vanajavesi from Häme Tourist Service (hame.fi, in Finnish). Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
Go Cycling
Cycling is allowed on the ring road and gravel tracks. Always stay on clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers.
Go Horseback Riding
Riding is allowed only on the roads marked for this purpose.
Go on Guided Group Tour Outdoors
Group tours can be reserved with Kanta-Häme tourist guides. More information about guided tours from Kanta-Häme tourist guides (kantahameenoppaat.fi).
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Picking edible mushrooms and berries is allowed. Blueberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), Raspberries (Rubus idaeus) and Wild Strawberries (Fragaria vesca) grow in the area.
Go Swimming
Swimming is not allowed in Lakes Metsälampi and Joutsenlampi. The nearest official swimming places are located at Aulanko Outdoor Recreation Centre and at Kihtersuo. In addition, there is an unofficial swimming platform at Lusikkaniemi. All these swimming places are located at Lake Aulangonjärvi.
Go Orienteering
At Aulanko one can orienteer both in a traditional way with a paper map and with MOBO application. MOBO-orienteering with smartphone is a modern version of orienteering with permanent course of control points. MOBO-orienteering is free and it can be done with Windows, Android and iPhone smartphones. MOBO-orienteering is suitable both for beginners and experienced orienteering-enthusiasts. The starting points of the MOBO-track start at Joutsenlampi kiosk and Ulkoilumaja (on the western shore of Lake Aulangonjärvi). More information about MOBO-orienteering: (mobo.osport.ee).
