Activities in Teijo National Park

The Teijo National Park offers beautiful lake and ironworks village scenery and a range of activities, whether you are looking for physical challenges or peace and quiet. Teijo is a family destination with something to offer for everyone.

Hiking

Enjoy the Teijo landscape on your own or take a guided tour. There are about 50 km of marked trails in Teijo. The landscapes of Lake Matildanjärvi (0.6 km from the Kariholma parking area) and the ancient shore of Jeturkasti (0.7 km from the Jeturkasti parking area) are accessible.

Two hikers pose in front of a pine tree along a path in an autumnal forest.

Trails suitable for schoolchildren and families (1.5- 5.5 km) start by the Lake Matildanjärvi parking area. The more challenging trails (10–20 km) introduce hikers not only to pine forests, mire and lake landscapes, but also to streams and rock crossings. You can stay overnight in a lean-to shelter, tent or in Lake Matildanjärvi, also in a rental hut or caravan.

Snowshoes are an excellent option in winter. Snowshoes can be hired from the local ski resort, and guided snowshoeing tours are available. 

Fishing

Two fishermen with spinning rods in a boat. Another boat with a fisherman and a person rowing can be seen in the background. The water is surrounded by dense forest.

Matildanjärvi Lake is one of Metsähallitus' special fishing destinations, and it is stocked regularly with rainbow trout large enough to keep. A specific permit for Matildanjärvi is required for any type of fishing in this lake. For lure fishing, persons aged 18-69 are also required to pay the fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi).

You can rent a boat or canoe for fishing trips at the Teijo Nature Centre.  Lake Matildanjärvi is a fishing destination suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties.

Required fishing permits

  • Matildanjärvi recreational fishing area (zone 6515) (eraluvat.fi)
    • Three-hour, 24-hour or one week permits are available at Metsähallitus online shop for permits and from the Teijo Nature Centre in the summer. Three-hour and 24-hour fishing permits can also be purchased by mobile phone. Instructions on purchasing fishing permits by mobile telephone (eraluvat.fi) and the number to call are provided on site in Finnish.
    • Anglers needs a destination-specific angling permit for this lake. Permitted fishing equipment includes lure fishing gear, hook and line gear, fly fishing gear and ice fishing gear. One permit entitles the fisherman to use up to two rods or line, which must be within reach of the fisherman's hand.
  • In the other lakes and the sea area of the national park, hook and line fishing, ice fishing and fishing with a single lure are permitted. For lure fishing, persons aged 18-69 are also required to pay the fisheries management fee (www.eräluvat.fi). The general fishing rights in the sea area also include fishing with a simple herring rig.
  • Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi)
  • Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).

Cycling

The trails in Teijo are ideal for mountain biking. Variations in altitude provide plenty of challenges. Please stay on the clearly visible tracks and pay attention to other hikers. 

There is a large number of gated forest roads in the area. These roads can also be used with ordinary bicycles. Please keep these gate booms in mind when riding at speed. There are also duckboard sections in the national park that are not suitable for biking. For trail tips, get in touch with Teijo Nature Centre (nationalparks.fi). 

A 35-km marked cycling route begins in Salo, runs through Teijo National Park and ends in Strömma in Kemiö. More information on the The Coastal Route (rannikkoreitti.fi).

A mountain biker is riding uphill on a cliff. An autumnal forest in the background.

Other activities

  • Geocaching: Geocaching is possible in the national park.
  • Organising a camp: A camping area is reserved for scouts and other groups in Onnelannummi, close to the shoreline.
  • Pick berries and mushrooms: You can indulge your taste buds with bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and raspberries (Rubus idaeus), as well as edible mushrooms.
  • Canoeing, rowing and SUP-boarding: Canoes, kayaks, row boats and SUP-boards are available for rent by the lake and sea. There are campfire sites on the shores and islands and you can stay overnight in a lean-to-shelter or bring your own tent.
  • Sights and scenery: Sahajärvi Strict Nature Reserve. High cliffs, Nenustannokka and Nikkallio, ideal for birdwatching.
  • Sailing and boating: Mathildedal harbour (2 km from the Nature Centre) is accessible by motor and sailboat. Services available.
  • Guided group tours: Information on guided tours in the wild is available from the Teijo Nature Centre.
  • Orienteering: A fixed orienteering trail for families with children (2-3 km, 10 fixed control points) in the environs of the Lake Matildanjärvi. The control point flags can be found using a map and compass. Maps are for sale at the Teijo Nature Centre and compasses can be borrowed there. Another, more challenging trail (5-6 km, 10 fixed control points) runs across varying terrain with height differences to the south of Mathildedal village. Forest paths can be used, but there are no marked trails.
  • Swimming: Sandy beaches suitable for families with children are situated by lakes Matildanjärvi, Sahajärvi and Hamarinjärvi. The shallow waters there are ideal for children who want to wade or learn to swim. Changing rooms and dry toilets are available by Lake Matildanjärvi and Sahajärvi, but they are not official beaches.

A mountain biker is riding uphill on a cliff. An autumnal forest in the background.