Kerava – Discover forests, trails and culture

Kerava combines protected woodland landscapes with nature trails, art and a Cherry Tree Route that runs right through the city centre. Those planning a trip can choose from walks, cycling, cultural activities and events—and then decide which experiences they want to shape their stay.

Kerava at a glance

• The Haukkavuori Nature Reserve protects Kerava’s most extensive and valuable broadleaf forests, as well as spruce-rich woodland with a primeval character.
• A marked nature trail runs for 2.8 kilometres through Haukkavuori.
• The nature trail at Ollilanlampi pond is accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
• The Kirsikkapuukierros offers a three-kilometre walking route and an 11-kilometre cycling route, with an optional 4.5-kilometre extension.
• Exhibitions at the Sinkka Art and Museum Centre explore contemporary art, cultural phenomena, and Kerava’s traditions and design history.

Woodland landscapes and birdwatching

Haukkavuori is a nature area of regional importance and is protected. Its broadleaf forests are considered Kerava’s most valuable and extensive, alongside spruce-rich woodland with a primeval character. The marked, 2.8-kilometre nature trail leads through the protected area. The forest and trail offer a specific destination for anyone who wants to discover more than Kerava’s built-up centre.

Ollilanlampi, Kerava’s largest pond, offers a different kind of landscape. The surrounding area includes marshland, making it a destination for nature walks and hiking. The route around the pond is accessible: wide boardwalks and level terrain make it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Anyone choosing outings based on the terrain and accessibility will find a different kind of path here than in the wooded Haukkavuori.

Visitors can observe Finnish birdlife in the woods of Kerava Manor, where 47 different bird species have been recorded. The manor is also home to farm animals, including sheep, chickens and rabbits, in its courtyard and fields. Salmelan lehto adds broadleaf woodland and a flood meadow to the area’s natural attractions. The area is about 400 metres long and around 2.5 hectares in size.

Routes on foot, by bike and on the water

The Kirsikkapuukierros is a three-kilometre walking route through central Kerava. The cycling route is 11 kilometres long; those who take the optional loop cycle an additional 4.5 kilometres. This lets you choose a route by transport mode and distance without treating the two routes as equal in length. Cherry blossoms are seasonal. Along the way, visitors can listen to recorded stories about hanami, as well as Japanese culture and traditions associated with cherry blossoms.

A cycling route between Keinukallio, Ahjo and Ollilanlampi also returns to Keinukallio. It links these named stops in a circular route for cyclists. For a different kind of activity, Keinukallio Sports Park has a free public 18-hole disc golf course. The hilly terrain has many changes in elevation; the course is not maintained in winter.

The Keravanjoki is suitable for paddling. Near Kerava Manor, on the west bank by Kivisilta, there is a suitable place to launch and land canoes. This provides a river for paddling and a named launch and landing point to help you find your way.

Art, history and shared experiences

Exhibitions at the Sinkka Art and Museum Centre explore contemporary art, interesting cultural phenomena, Kerava’s local traditions and the history of industrial design. The centre also offers cultural events, guided tours, lectures and concerts, as well as supplementary programmes for families with children. Since the exhibitions change, the focus of a visit may vary; the topics mentioned give an idea of the range of cultural experiences on offer.

The permanent exhibition at Heikkilä Local History Museum tells the story of life in a prosperous farmhouse in Kerava, from the mid-19th century to the early 1930s. This historical perspective differs from Sinkka’s changing contemporary themes: here, the focus is on a particular way of life during a clearly defined period.

In the green area of Kivisilta, Muinaisranta Park has a play and activity area known as the Art Playground. At centrally located Aurinkomäki Park, the event stage hosts programmes ranging from concerts to children’s events. The two locations offer different ways to spend time outdoors: a play and activity area in a park setting and an event venue in the city centre.

For water-based exercise, Kerava Swimming Hall has a pool area, rooms for guided classes and three fitness studios. The water area covers 800 square metres and is divided into six pools. This gives you a clear idea of the size of the pool area, as well as the additional classes and training facilities.

Events and choosing accommodation

Kerava Day is celebrated every year in June, before Midsummer. The Sirkusmarkkinat circus market takes place annually in September, with circus performances and a varied market programme. The Valkosipulifestareita garlic festival takes place in Kerava in August. For a trip planned around a festival, these different months provide useful reference points; the exact dates and programmes of the annual events vary from year to year.

When choosing accommodation, your preferred focus can help decide where to stay: those wanting to explore nature trails and woodland can include Haukkavuori or Ollilanlampi in their plans, while those who prefer exhibitions and events can find them at Sinkka and in the city centre. The destinations described differ in their landscapes, activities and cultural programmes. To find a suitable base for your trip, first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay, and then look for hotels in Kerava. If you would like to discover more destinations, you can also find inspiration here: Ruotsinpyhtää, Sammatti, Skuru, Lapinjärvi, Porvoo, Kirkkonummi, Sipoo and Svartå.

Frequently asked questions about Kerava

What nature destinations are there in Kerava?

Nature destinations include the protected woodland of Haukkavuori, Ollilanlampi pond with its marshland, the woods of Kerava Manor, and Salmelan lehto with its broadleaf woodland and flood meadow.

Which route is suitable for an outing on foot or by bike?

The Kirsikkapuukierros includes a three-kilometre walking route through the city centre and an 11-kilometre cycling route, with an optional 4.5-kilometre loop. Another cycling route runs from Keinukallio via Ahjo and Ollilanlampi and back.

Can the route around Ollilanlampi be used with a wheelchair or pushchair?

Yes. The accessible nature trail has wide boardwalks and level terrain, and can be navigated with a wheelchair or pushchair.

What cultural attractions are there in Kerava?

Sinkka hosts changing exhibitions and offers guided tours, lectures and concerts, among other things. The permanent exhibition at Heikkilä Local History Museum is devoted to life in a prosperous farmhouse from the mid-19th century to the early 1930s.

When do the main events take place?

Kerava Day is celebrated in June before Midsummer, and the Sirkusmarkkinat takes place in September. The Valkosipulifestareita garlic festival takes place in Kerava in August. The dates and programmes for Kerava Day and the Sirkusmarkkinat vary from year to year.

For the broader travel overview: Uusimaa.