Lieto Hiking Trails

Parmaharju nature trails are about 9 km overall as the long option in a network at Liedon Parma’s Parmaharju outdoor centre in Lieto, roughly 10 km from Turku toward Hämeenlinna in Southwest Finland. The same area also offers 6 km and 1.6 km marked alternatives alongside this longer loop, and the City of Lieto(1) together with Liedon Parma(2) describe routes that are only partly marked on the ground so you should carry a printed or downloaded map and be comfortable reading it. The trail is partly rough underfoot in places. A grill shelter sits next to the main start area, there is room for cars, and the visit is free year-round(1). From the Bränikkäläntie hub you pass facilities that belong to the sports centre: Parmaharjun hyppyrimäki K80 and Parmaharjun kuntosali sit right beside the trailhead zone. The long circuit threads pine-dominated rocky forest, small openings, and short forest-road links; Retkipaikka(3) notes picnic tables (some with small roofs), two campfire areas including the distinctive hamppukota rest spot, and information boards on local history, land use, and nature. Markings on the longest option have been renewed in recent years and show clearly in places(3). Trailrunning.fi(4) recounts a Turku Trail Cup course that used Parmaharju’s nature paths and ski-track sections for a demanding 10 km race with about 200 metres of total climb, three climbs onto the ridge, and—near the end—a steep flight of 192 steps beside the ski jump before the finish line; that is useful colour on how rugged the long loop can feel after rain. The same site links to Parmaharjun ulkoilurata for running and Parmaharjun latu when snow allows, and longer bike touring passes through on Hämeen Härkätie (Lieto). Kuuden kunnanosan kierros runs nearby if you want a wider regional ride.

Nautelankoski nature reserve trails is a short hiking route of about 1.9 km in Lieto, Southwest Finland, along the largest rapids on the Aura River. The City of Lieto’s Nautelankoski nature trail page explains that the path runs on both sides of the river through the nature reserve and points to Tammireitit for printable maps(1)(3). Liedon museo’s Nautelankoski page describes the rapids (about 11 m drop at the bridge, about 17 m across the whole rapid stretch, roughly 800 m from the dam to the pool below the bird tower), the Natura riverside meadows, and strict reserve rules including staying on the marked path in summer(2). The Finnish Environment Institute lists the Nautelankoski Natura site as an 8 ha meadow and woodland mosaic beside the Kukkar–Nautelankoski reach, valued for hiking, education, and species including the narrow-mouthed whorl snail Vertigo geyeri(4). On the ground you follow a narrow forest path with duckboards and, in places, soft or slippery clay after rain; the terrain is steep enough in spots that the route is a poor match for wheels(3)(2). About 1.7 km into the walk you reach Nautelan lintutorni, a bird-watching tower on the east bank above the lower rapids, with views over the protected floodplain—see our Nautelan lintutorni page for the tower itself. The longer Ankka–Nautela nature trail passes the same tower further along its day-hike loop; Metsähallitus describes that 8.5 km trail on Luontoon.fi(5). The Aura River kayaking routes also pass this tower on shorter bypass legs, if you combine paddling with walking in the valley. Reiskat ja Reppu’s day-trip write-up captures how dramatic the rapids feel in spring flow and how the museum and mill area anchor a visit(6). Terrain is forest path, roots, and short duckboard sections beside the river; expect nettles and seasonal wasp activity near the tower steps in late summer(2).

Ankka–Nautela nature trail is about 8.5 km one way between the Ankka residential edge of Lieto parish village and the Nautelankoski rapids cultural landscape in Southwest Finland. Metsähallitus publishes the trail on Luontoon.fi(1), and the municipal destination page adds local notes on sections, lean-to stops, and links to the wider Tammireitit network(2). The trail is not a closed loop: you can walk it one way and arrange a shuttle, retrace your steps for a longer day, or stitch in local connecting paths around Nautela. Along the route you move through forest paths and quieter gravel links; some stretches pass through privately owned forest where staying on the marked path matters. Tammireitit describes the trail as four named stages so you can pick a shorter outing: Ankan lento roughly 1.3 km from the Ankka side toward the first lean-to and campfire cluster, Kukkulan kuningas about 0.7 km suited to families, Poson polku roughly 2.9 km with rootier tread and short rocky steps, and the more demanding Vintalan vaellus section with road crossings and a steep hill that authorities recommend mainly for adults(3). Early on, you reach a campfire site and laavu, a roofed rest shelter, and information boards; sources agree you should bring your own firewood for the campfire(2)(3). After rain, short muddy patches are common and sturdier footwear helps(3). Heleä Training’s trail-running write-up from the area highlights clear yellow paint markings and signposting toward either Nautela or Ankka, notes there is no winter maintenance on the nature trail, and reminds that dogs should stay leashed on the private-land sections(4). About 7.3 km into the route you come close to Nautelan lintutorni, a birdwatching tower above the rapids zone—worth a short detour for river and canopy views and a natural turnaround landmark before the trail eases toward built edges such as Pahkamäen koulun liikuntasali. At Nautela the trail meets Nautelankosken luonnonsuojelualueen polut for a compact interpretation loop through the reserve, and winter skiers or runners can join Aseman valaistu latu or Aseman valaistu kuntorata Lieto near the same corner. Paddlers following Aurajoen melontareitti (Lieto) also pass the tower area, so a mixed walking-and-boating weekend is easy to combine if you plan put-ins and parking separately. For a much bigger day on two wheels, Kuuden kunnanosan kierros shares the vicinity and uses overlapping outdoor nodes elsewhere around Lieto. Seasonally, summer visitors sometimes combine the walk with services at Nautelankoski such as pop-up refreshments when operators are open(4). Always double-check opening hours on site because offerings change year to year.