Discover Lieto: Culture, History and Nature

Lieto offers a reason to turn your attention to archaeological traces, historic routes and a protected river landscape. In Vanhalinna, paths lead through the manor grounds and forest to a historic castle hill; at Nautelankoski, museum history meets nature. There is also the church in the centre of Lieto and trails for nature lovers and cyclists.

Lieto at a glance

• The museum in Vanhalinna has permanent and temporary exhibitions.
• Vanhalinna lies along the historic transport routes of the Aurajoki River and Hämeen Härkätie.
• Nautelankoski is the largest rapid on the Aurajoki River; its total drop is 17 metres.
• At Nautelankoski, the rapids and riverbanks are protected as a nature reserve and are part of the Natura programme.
• The Church of St Peter stands in the centre of Lieto and, according to the latest research, was built around the year 1500.

Vanhalinna: Trails, Museum and the Past

Landscape and history meet on several levels in Vanhalinna. The cultural and nature trails pass through the manor grounds, along the riverbank, through the forest and up to a historic castle hill. From there, the view stretches far across the nationally significant cultural landscape of the Aurajoki Valley. Artefacts from the Iron Age found on the hill add an archaeological dimension to the site.

The trail network includes the 0.8-kilometre Archaeology Trail, the two-kilometre History Trail and the 1.5-kilometre Friendship Trail. There is also a one-kilometre return route.

The professionally managed museum in Vanhalinna features permanent and temporary exhibitions. A visit to the museum can therefore complement your exploration of this historic site. Those particularly interested in early traces of human history will find two different ways to engage with the subject in the Archaeology Trail and the finds from the castle hill.

Nautelankoski: Rapids, Museum and Nature Reserve

The total drop of the rapids at Nautelankoski is 17 metres. The area stretches for about 800 metres from the dam to the pool by the birdwatching tower. Those interested in river landscapes will find not only striking rapids here, but also diverse riverside forests, small rocky areas and meadows. Some of the meadows are maintained by mowing.

The museum grounds include the Lauri Nautela Museum, a miller's house, a watermill, a sauna and a granary. The Lauri Nautela Museum has a permanent exhibition about Stone Age hunters and a diorama of the Aurajoki River; it also has a café and museum shop. The miller's house is a relocated semi-detached house furnished as a miller's home. It originally came from the Jonkari farm in the village of Hakula. The archaeological remains of Kukkarkoski are part of Finland's nationally significant cultural heritage.

The nature reserve trails start at the Nautelankoski museum grounds, where free parking is available. Availability may change. Fishing in the rapids is subject to a clear restriction: only fly fishing with a permit is allowed. As fishing rules may change, checking the current permit requirements is an important part of planning.

More Trails and a Cultural Landmark in the Town Centre

The Church of St Peter in Lieto is the parish's main church and stands in the centre of Lieto. According to the latest research, it was built around the year 1500. Its architecture is regarded as particularly unadorned for a granite church in Finland's Varsinais-Suomi region. Its approximate date and understated design give this visit a different historical focus from the archaeological themes at Vanhalinna and Kukkarkoski.

Nature trails of six and nine kilometres, as well as a short 1.6-kilometre loop, start at Parmaharju. For cycling plans, the Hämeen Härkätie route is worth noting: much of it in Lieto runs on paths for light traffic or on quiet roads. A 33-kilometre section of the approximately 160-kilometre cycling route runs through the municipality of Lieto.

Discover more destinations: Härkälä, Sauvo, Somerniemi, Laitila, Kimitoön, Merimasku, Uro, Naantali.

Frequently asked questions about Lieto

How are the trails in Parmaharju marked?

The trails are only partially marked on the ground. Using them with a map requires experience and good navigation skills. The three designated routes include trails of six and nine kilometres, as well as a short 1.6-kilometre loop.

What fishing permit is required at Nautelankoski?

Only fly fishing with a permit is allowed in the rapids area. Fishing rules may change, so checking the permit requirements is an important part of planning.

How long is the Hämeen Härkätie cycling route in Lieto?

A 33-kilometre section of the approximately 160-kilometre route runs through the municipality of Lieto. Much of the route in Lieto follows paths for light traffic or quiet roads.

What trails are there in Vanhalinna?

The trail network includes the 0.8-kilometre Archaeology Trail, the two-kilometre History Trail and the 1.5-kilometre Friendship Trail. They are complemented by a one-kilometre return route.

To the main travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.