Kerava: Nature, Trails and Culture

Kerava brings together protected woodland landscapes, trails through the town centre, art and special natural destinations. You can shape your trip around whether you want to spend time outdoors, discover Kerava’s culture or combine the two. This can also help you choose a holiday apartment: the town offers a range of starting points for days in nature, outdoor activities and exploring the town.

Forests, Ponds and Birdlife

The Haukkavuori Nature Reserve is a regionally significant natural area. It is home to Kerava’s most valuable and extensive deciduous forests, as well as spruce-rich forests with a primeval character. A marked 2.8-kilometre nature trail runs through the reserve. Its length gives you a concrete reference point when planning a walk as part of your day.

Another natural destination is Ollilanlampi, Kerava’s largest pond. Together with its bog areas, it forms a nature and hiking destination. The nature trail around the pond is accessible: wide boardwalks and level terrain make it possible to complete the route using a wheelchair or pushchair.

The forest at Kerava Manor also offers its own perspective on nature. It is a bird park area where visitors can observe Finland’s diverse birdlife; 47 different bird species have been recorded there. Salmelan lehto, in turn, comprises deciduous forest and a flood meadow. The area is approximately 400 metres long and covers about 2.5 hectares. These approximate measurements help distinguish this relatively compact natural area from Kerava’s larger woodland landscapes.

Exploring on Foot and by Bicycle

Kirsikkapuukierros offers two different options: a three-kilometre walking route through central Kerava and an 11-kilometre cycling route, which can be extended with an optional 4.5-kilometre loop. Along the route, you can listen to recorded stories about Hanami, Japanese culture and traditions surrounding cherry blossoms. The circuit combines activity with a cultural theme, without requiring you to commit to just one way of getting around.

Another cycling option is the route from Keinukallio via Ahjo and Ollilanlampi back to Keinukallio; it can also be cycled. Visitors to Keinukallio Sports Park will also find a free public 18-hole disc golf course. The terrain is hilly, with many changes in elevation—a feature to bear in mind when choosing an activity.

When visiting the Myllypuro meander valley, it is particularly important to consider how you will get there. The valley is in northern Kerava, immediately south of Koivulantie, between Koivulantie and the motorway. There are no suitable car parking facilities nearby, so arriving by bicycle or on foot is recommended.

Art, History and Shared Experiences

At the Sinkka Art and Museum Centre, changing exhibitions showcase contemporary art, interesting cultural phenomena, Kerava’s local heritage and the history of industrial design. In addition to exhibitions, the programme includes cultural events, guided tours, lectures, concerts and supplementary activities for families with children. The indoor exhibition at the Heikkilä Local History Museum tells the story of life in a prosperous farmhouse in Kerava, from the mid-19th century to the early 1930s.

Two different parks also offer opportunities for exploring together with children: in the green area of Kivisilta, Muinaisranta Park has a play and activity area known as the Art Playground. The centrally located Aurinkomäki Park hosts events on its performance stage, ranging from concerts to children’s events.

Kerava’s events calendar has several seasonal occasions: Kerava Day is celebrated every year in June before Midsummer, while the Sirkusmarkkinat circus market takes place every September, combining circus performances with a varied market programme. Valkosipulifestareita also takes place in Kerava in August. If you are planning your visit around one of these occasions, you can take these different dates into account when shaping your trip.

Water and Activity

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. Kerava Swimming Pool has a pool area, halls for guided classes and three fitness studios. The pool area comprises 800 square metres of water and six pools.

Discover More Places

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Mäntsälä, Åminnefors, Nummi-Pusula, Skuru, Klaukkala, Ingå, Sipoo and Tuusula.

For the broader travel overview: Uusimaa.