Discover Kerava: Forests, Trails and Culture

Kerava offers nature destinations with very different character: protected forests, pond and bog landscapes, opportunities for birdwatching and trails through the city. There are also museums, events and parks. Which side of the city you want to get to know better can shape the focus of your stay.

Forests, Ponds and Birdlife

Haukkavuori is a regionally significant nature reserve. It is home to Kerava’s most valuable and extensive deciduous forests, as well as spruce-rich forests with a primeval character. A marked nature trail runs for 2.8 kilometres through the reserve, making it possible to explore the forest along a clearly defined route.

Kerava’s largest pond is Ollilanlampi. Together with the bog areas, it forms a nature and hiking destination. The nature trail around the pond is accessible: wide boardwalks and level terrain make it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. You can observe Finnish birdlife in the forest of Kerava Manor; 47 different bird species have been recorded there.

Salmelan lehto also presents a different type of landscape: the area consists of deciduous forest and a flood meadow. It is about 400 metres long and covers around 2.5 hectares. The Myllypuro meander valley is also located in northern Kerava, just south of Koivulantie, between the road and the motorway. As there is no suitable car parking nearby, travelling on foot or by bicycle is recommended.

Walking and Cycling Routes

On the Kirsikkapuukierros, you can choose between two routes of different lengths: the walking route is three kilometres long and runs through the centre of Kerava. The cycling route is eleven kilometres long and can optionally be extended with a 4.5-kilometre loop. You can also listen to recorded stories about hanami, Japanese culture and traditions surrounding cherry blossom on the Kirsikkapuukierros.

Another route can be cycled from Keinukallio via Ahjo and Ollilanlampi, returning to Keinukallio. So, in addition to the central Kirsikkapuukierros loop, you can choose a route with several named stops. Keinukallio Sports Park also has a free public 18-hole disc golf course. The terrain is hilly, with many changes in elevation; the course is not maintained in winter.

Water and Exercise

The Keravanjoki is suitable for paddling. Near Kerava Manor, on the west bank at Kivisilta, there is a suitable place to launch and land canoes. If you want to experience the river this way, this spot is a specific landmark for getting started.

Kerava Swimming Pool has a pool area, rooms for guided classes and three gyms. The pool area includes six pools with a total water surface of 800 square metres.

Culture, Events and Parks

Exhibitions at the Sinkka Art and Museum Centre change over time. They present contemporary art, cultural phenomena, Kerava’s local traditions and the history of industrial design. The programme also includes cultural events, guided tours, lectures, concerts and additional activities for families with children; individual exhibitions and events vary.

The indoor exhibition at Heikkilä Local History Museum tells the story of life on a prosperous farm in Kerava from the mid-19th century to the early 1930s. In the centre of the city is Aurinkomäki Park. Its event stage hosts programmes ranging from concerts to events for children. In the green area of Kivisilta, Muinaisranta Park, completed in 2024, includes a play and exercise area known as the art playground.

The city’s festivals also offer a variety of highlights: Kerava Day is celebrated every June before Midsummer. Held every September, Sirkusmarkkinat combines circus performances with a varied market programme. Dates and programmes vary from year to year. Valkosipulifestareita takes place in Kerava in August. If you want to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates and programme for your intended year of travel.

When planning your stay, you can start by deciding whether nature trails and birdwatching, an exhibition or an event date best match your interests. The routes also vary in the time they take: the walking route of the Kirsikkapuukierros is three kilometres long, while its cycling route is eleven kilometres and can optionally be extended.

Discover more destinations: Karjalohja, Lohja, Pernå, Vihti, Hanko, Rajamäki, Hattom, Hyvinkää

For the main travel overview: Uusimaa.