Saari Folk Park

Portaantie 478, Tammela

Tammela

More information

Saari Folk Park is renowned for its scenic landscape and historical significance. The folk park is situated between two lakes, where you can hike and enjoy being by the water, and learn about the history of the area. Wide signposted paths, rest areas and other services provide a pleasant way to explore the beautiful lake and ridge landscapes.

Description

In Saari Folk Park, diverse nature and the area’s history come together in the middle of the ridges of the Häme lake plains.

Kuivajärvi's long, shallow sandy beach is a favourite with many families. On the Suujärvi side, the beach is deeper, and the bravest head straight for the jumping jetty. The clear water invites you in whether you want to enjoy it peacefully or energetically.

Hiking in the Saari Folk Park is a journey through ridges, groves and meadows. The routes are well-marked, and along the way you can stop at the Raanpää lean-to shelter to enjoy a snack. For longer adventures, the Häme Lynx Trail, Hämeen Ilvesreitti, signposts the way to a wider natural world – you can hike as far as the peat bogs of Torronsuo National Park or the old-growth forests of Lake Liesjärvi. For kayakers and canoers, there is a connection to the 106-kilometre Loimijoki river route, which offers the chance to experience the scenery from a whole new perspective.

Saari Folk Park offers much more than just nature. It is also stories from the past. The views from Kaukolanharju ridge have fascinated people for generations. Built in the 1920s, the Kaukolanharju lookout tower has inspired many artists. Albert Edelfelt immortalised the view in his painting ‘Kaukola Ridge at Sunset’, which still tells the story of the area’s beauty.

The proximity of the Saari Manor and the area’s old Midsummer traditions also make the area culturally significant. Midsummer has been celebrated in the folk park for almost a century, and at one time there were also log driver competitions. The sturdy walls of the old buildings tell stories of the past, and their presence adds to the attraction of the folk park.

Whether you’re a seeker of peaceful nature, a history buff or an active hiker, Saari Folk Park offers experiences to remember.

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Highlights

3 km long sandy beach and jumping jetties

Views from the Kaukolanharju lookout tower

Easy nature trails

Traditional restaurant Lounais-Hämeen pirtti and Saari kiosk

Diverse nature and geologically valuable ridge area

Information

Arrival

By bus: Occasional buses from Forssa and Tammela drive past Saari Folk Park (matkahuolto.fi). From the nearest bus stop “Kansanpuisto” it is 250 m to the Folk Park parking area. The nearest express bus stop (expressbus.fi) is located 10 km away, along Highway 10 at the Tammela junction. Parking area address: Portaantie 472, 31300 Tammela.

Area in square kilometres

0.52

Accessibility

The 2.7 km nature trail starts from the main car park and introduces you to the area's nature and its specialities. The trail is a signposted, easy-to-follow circular route on flat terrain, following the shores of Lake Kuivajärvi for half the distance, and half of the way through the forest back to the car park. The route is a wide sandy path and it is also suitable for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs, if accompanied by an assistant. Services: There are rest and break places along the route, a campfire site and a lean-to shelter. The signposts are in Finnish. An accessible toilets is located in the Saari kiosk building, open during the summer. Address: Portaantie 466, 31300 Tammela.

  • Sandy beach next to a pine forest. Benches near the beach.
  • An orange tower in the middle of the forest. Below the tower is a lake with small islands.
  • A large three-piece jetty on the lake.
  • A mountain bike leans against a tree in front of a lean-to shelter.
  • A gravel road leads through the forest to the beach.
  • Signpost in the forest.

Nearby services

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