A great spring trip destination near Teijo National Park: Latokartanonkoski, Salo

Late winter in Finland is perhaps the most mysterious of all seasons. As the sun finally begins to warm, yet the ground remains covered in snow and ice, nature seems to hold its breath. We wanted to make the most of this exact atmosphere when we headed to Latokartanonkoski trail in Salo. I was accompanied by my husband and his teenage daughter—a group that was in dire need of a break from the greyness brought by the long winter.

Latokartanonkoski on a map (address: Hästöntie 140, Salo)

The route at Latokartanonkoski is not long—only about a kilometer-long circular path—but it offers a concentrated dose of the power of Finnish nature. As soon as we stepped onto the trails, we were surrounded by tall, rustling trees. Even though we were close to civilization, we felt completely at peace here. The air was so fresh and crisp! Even though the sun was shining, winter still held a tight grip on the shadowed areas.

The highlight of the route is definitely the first bridge. We watched dark water rushing freely against the edges of the ice, and right at the edge of the rapids rose an old, stone mill ruin. It is an impressive sight that reminds one of the area’s history. We continued along the path, which is partly built with stairs and railings to help navigate the steeper sections. Even though we didn’t manage to spot otters, kingfishers, or white-throated dippers this time, the sound of the rapids and the movement of the water were enough to invigorate both body and mind. It is amazing how even a short forest walk can reset one’s thoughts.

Useful Tips for Visitors

If you are visiting Finland and planning a trip to nature, here are a few important things to keep in mind regarding Latokartanonkoski and Finnish hiking culture:

• Footwear: Choose sturdy and waterproof hiking boots. In the spring, the trails are wet, muddy, and icy.
• Slippery conditions: Ice on the trails can be treacherous. Move carefully and use the stairs and railings—they are there for your safety.
• Accessibility: The route is not accessible. The stairs and the terrain mean that it is not suitable for baby strollers or wheelchairs.
• Making fires: There is no campfire site at Latokartanonkoski, and you are not allowed to light fires in the terrain. Nature conservation is a matter of honor in Finland.
• In Finland, dogs must be kept on a leash everywhere from March 1st to August 19th, as this is the nesting season for wildlife. At other times of the year, dogs should never be left off-leash indiscriminately, and in places like national parks, they must be kept on a leash year-round. Latokartanonkoski is also a protected nature reserve where dogs must be kept on a leash. Sadly, there has been at least one incident where an off-leash dog was swept away by the rapids.

Do you crave the atmosphere of a campfire? If you absolutely want to grill sausages or brew coffee over an open fire, I recommend heading to the nearby Teijo National Park. There are plenty of lean-tos and cooking shelters there. Note, however, that you must drive to Teijo from Latokartano; it is not within walking distance.

After the Trip

After the excursion, we drove to the Teijo ironworks village, where we enjoyed coffee and buns at a local restaurant. We also took a short walk around the village in the beautiful surroundings of the manor, but the biting, late-winter sea breeze soon drove us back to the car and on our way home. Even after that, we still stopped by the flea markets in the center of Salo, of which there are many.

Finnish nature doesn’t require high mountains or exotic landscapes to offer something valuable. It only needs a moment of your time and an open mind. Latokartanonkoski is the perfect choice when you want to experience the Finnish forest without having to spend the whole day in the wilderness. It is a tiny slice of peace that is available every day of the year.

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