Services in Karkali Strict Nature Reserve

Customer Service and Guidance

  • There is an information board on the parking area of the strict nature reserve.
  • Information on hiking and natural features of the area from Ekenäs Nature Centre

Food, Where to Buy and Prepare

Picnic Tables

There are picnic tables and benches at the parking area and near the end of the Cape Karkalinniemi, near the foundation stones of the summer house of the archbishop Johansson. Lighting open fires is forbidden in the area.

Photo: Katariina Hopponen

Waste Management

There are a waste bin and recycling points for bottles and cans located at the parking are of Karkali. In addition, there is a compost near the dry toilet, by the parking area. Small amounts of biodegradable waste can be placed in a toilet or composter. 

Avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. Read more about Hiking without Littering.

Toilets

There is a dry toilet at the parking area of Karkali Strict Nature Reserve.

Overnight Stays

Staying overnight is not allowed in Karkali Strict Nature Reserve.

Lodging in the Surrounding Area

You can find information about the accommodation possibilities from the webpages:

  • The municipality of Lohja (www.visitlohja.fi)

Services for the Disabled

There are no special services for the disabled in the area.

Other Services in the Surrounding Area

  • The nearest banks, post offices, health centres, shops, pharmacies and taxis can be found in the municipalities of Lohja (www.visitlohja.fi).

Sights in the Surrounding Area

  • When going to Karkali Strict Nature Reserve, Torhola Cave is worth visiting on the way. It is located near Karkalintie road, about 3 km before the strict nature reserve. The beginning of the trail which goes to the cave is marked with a sign along Karkalintie road.
    • Torhola Cave is the biggest limestone cave in Finland. It is surrounded by a lush herb-rich forest where, for example, the Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) and the European White Elm (Ulmus laevis) grow, among other rare plant species. This place is a part of a 0,08 sq.km nature reserve of Torhola Cave and Pitkänperänlahti. The nature reserve is for nature conservation, so visitors must not walk outside the trail!
  • In Paikkari Croft (www.visitlohja.fi) was born Elias Lönnrot (1802-1884), the collector of folklore, who compiled Finlands national epic the Kalevala.
  • The Church of St. Lawrence (www.visitlohja.fi) in the municipality of Lohja.