Discover Hyytiälä: Research, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Hyytiälä brings together research topics, cultural heritage and a landscape around Lake Kuivajärvi. When deciding on your trip, it is helpful to consider the different themes and seasonal information together. You can plan your nature interests, a possible group visit and the timing of your stay separately.

Science Trail and other activities

The Hyytiälä Science Trail consists of 18 information boards and presents research topics on forests, soils, lakes, rivers, mires and climate. The content of the boards may be updated. The range of topics extends from forests and soils to bodies of water and mires, and climate. For your trip planning, this means the trail does not focus on just one aspect of nature.

A disc golf course starts next to the starting point of the Science Trail. Research topics and disc golf are therefore different areas of focus that you can take into account when planning your stay.

Historic courtyard

The buildings of the old courtyard were completed in 1911–1912. Their architectural design represents National Romanticism. The historic buildings of Hyytiälä are part of Finland’s cultural heritage and have been conserved by the National Board of Antiquities and Historical Monuments. The history of the buildings thus complements the research focus of the Science Trail with its own historical and architectural perspective.

At Lake Kuivajärvi and in the surrounding area

The Hyytiälä Research Station is located on a scenic shore of Lake Kuivajärvi. The surrounding area has forests of different ages; Pehkusuo is within walking distance. This means the lakeshore setting and a nearby place accessible on foot offer distinct landscape features.

Makkarakallio is a scenic campfire site, about 500 metres from the small sauna along a shore path. Local conditions may vary; take this into account when planning your route along the shore path.

Seasonal accommodation and ski trails

During the summer season from May to October, the log houses Impivaara, Pilvilinna, Tapiola and Impilinna are used as accommodation at Hyytiälä Forest Station. The houses date from the early 20th century. Check their seasonal use before booking to make sure it matches your travel dates.

By contrast, ski trails are usually available from late January to early March. The seasonal information indicates different travel windows: summer use of the accommodation and the usual late-winter ski trail period. You can compare the time of your trip with the respective seasonal information.

Getting there and visitor arrangements

Hyytiälä Forest Station is about an hour’s drive from Tampere. Use this approximate driving time as a guide when planning your journey by car.

Hyytiälä offers school or student groups an approximately two-hour guided tour of the SMEAR-II station. Interactions between ecosystems and the atmosphere are measured there. Whether the tour can take place depends on staffing. The reception team is responsible for visitor arrangements and billing. Confirm planned visitor arrangements before your visit, as operational responsibilities may change.

Discover more destinations: Ylivieska, Kempele, Hankamäki, Pudasjärvi, Siikalatva, Arvaja, Komsi, Liminka

For the overview of the wider region: North Ostrobothnia.