The top sights in Teijo are among the most interesting in Southern Finland. There are nature sights in Teijo as well as cultural sights – come for a visit.
A claim can actually be made: Teijo National Park and the surrounding Teijo region have all top sights you would want from your trip in Southern Finland, from fascinating nature sights to the culturally significant seashore villages, where iron industry in Finland was started in the 17th century.
There’s a a lot to see in Teijo, so we warmly recommend you start you day at Natura Viva’s depot in Teijo, the Teijo Nature Center. While enjoying your coffee, you can make a visiting plan of the sights and explore maps. Of course we will assist you with all your inquiries. When you’re ready to go, rent a Fatbike from our rental shop and you will reach many sights of the area during a single bike trip.
Jeturkasti ancient beach
When the ice retreated and the earth level rose after the last ice age, some 9000 years ago, this area was exposed from beneath the sea surface. Ice molded the rocks and left behind a field of round boulders, the Jeturkasti ancient beach. Nowadays this area lies 80 meters above sea level, but 9000 years ago it was still seafloor.
This wonderful nature-shaped sight, called a devil’s field in Finnish, is located 2 kilometers from the Nature Center, and there is a hiking trail leading to the site from the Nature Center. There’s also a parking lot nearby, from where a wheel-chair accessible path leads to the ancient beach.
Another noteworthy devil’s field in Teijo National Park can be found at Miilunummi, North from lake Puolakkajärvi.
Kirjakkala village
Kirjakkala village, located on the Northern Teijo National Park border, on the seashore, was founded in 1688, when the first iron-foundry was built there. Only the groundwork of the factory remains, but the 19th century worker’s houses have been restored. Today they are inhabited by small handiwork shops and art studios. There’s also a hotel in the village.
Nature Viva’s co-operation partner Extreme Fun, have their depot in Kirjakkala.
Mathildedal village
Mathildedal village and a former iron-foundry, from the 19th century, are located at the seashore outside Teijo National Park, closest to Teijo Nature Center of the three villages, between lake Matildanjärvi and Hummelsfjärden sea channel.
The former iron factory buildings have been transformed into small business premises. You will find nice old architecture here, as well as some cafe´s and restaurants. The boat docks is especially nice. Some 130 residents remain throughout the year, and the atmosphere is pleasant.
Please see Visit Mathildedal for more detailed info about services in Mathildedal.
Teijon kartano & church
Teijo village, the largest of the three seashore villages in the area, is located West from the national park, between lake Sahajärvi and the sea.
Teijon kartano, a 18th century built mansion, is one of the most fascinating sites in Teijo region. The structure was built in 1770 by a business venturer, who operated the iron-foundry. Teijon kartano is a fine example of rococo architecture, and its one of most beautiful buildings still standing in Finland from that era.
As was customary at that time, an adjascent church was built beside the main mansion in the 1830s, and the church played an important role in the everyday life of the mansion residents, the iron workers and the villagers. The church remains the smallest stonewall church in Finland.
You can easily reach Teijon kartano and the church from Totin luontopolku hiking trail, which criss-crosses on the mansion’s land area. Many non-endemic plants to Finnish flora, such as the rhododendron and the beech tree, still grow here, as they were planted in the 1800s by the industry patrons.
