Discover 5 Hidden Gems in Naantali, the Hometown of Moomins

Article & photos by Janika Mattila

Naantali is best known as the home of the world’s only Moomin World. Beyond its splendid spa and charming old town, Naantali also offers fantastic nature destinations that are definitely worth exploring when visiting the city.

Vaarjoki Nature Trail

An afternoon walk along the Vaarjoki River in the area of Soininen is a beautiful and refreshing experience, with the cool sea breeze blowing from the bay as the last rays of the sun still warm the air. The nature trail, winding through old farmland and near residential areas, offers peace by the river, where one can enjoy the sounds of nature alone.

The centerpiece of the Vaarjoki Nature Trail is a spacious lean-to shelter, perfect for larger groups to gather around an open fire. Nearby, there’s a service building with firewood storage and a dry toilet for hikers’ use. Additionally, a small dock in front of the shelter allows for arrivals by paddling along the Vaarjoki River.

Luolalanjärvi Nature Trail

Luolalanjärvi lake is a culturally valuable site, playing a significant role in the formation of the thriving spa town of Naantali. In the 18th century, a spring was discovered near the lake, marking the beginning of the magnificent spa activity. Deep underground in the nature trail scenery, lie the foundations of Naantali’s first spa, Nådendals Hälsokällan or Naantali’s Health Spring.

Today, Luolalanjärvi lake is an excellent area for hiking and outdoor activities, encircled by a 3-kilometer nature trail. The lake is also a popular spot among bird watchers, known as a significant gathering area for scaups and goldeneyes, and as a resting place for various migratory birds, making it an excellent destination for late autumn or early spring excursions.

Aurinkokuru trails: “The Legendary Fox Loop” and “Lynx Cliff Trail”

Located on the island of Luonnonmaa in Naantali, the Aurinkokuru outdoor trail system offers great settings for nature activities in the archipelago. Less than two kilometers from the parking area, the Isäparkki (“father’s waiting zone”) resting spot is the official starting point for two trails: the moderately challenging Lynx Cliff Trail or the almost equally long but easier Legendary Fox Loop.

The Lynx Cliff Trail is known for its massive glacial boulders and a decades-old hut built by schoolboys. Along the trail, one might see white-tailed eagles and ravens gliding above the trees, or catch a glimpse of badgers and lynxes. The Legendary Fox Loop, on the other hand, takes you around marshes, through rocky forests to the lean-to shelter, where you can stop to enjoy the scenery, have a snack, or brew traditional campfire coffee.

Villivuori Nature Trail

Villivuori Nature Trail in Naantali’s Merimasku hides a sprawling over 100-hectare plateau of rock formations, rising majestically in the heart of Otava Island. Combined with the surrounding forests, the area forms a 300-hectare coastal forest region, with a trail leading to the highest point in Merimasku, 60 meters above sea level.

Villivuori hill is not just a stunning natural destination, but also a treasure trove of archaeological and geological wonders. The nature reserve, established in 1994, protects valuable heritage from the area’s past. It features two Bronze Age burial sites, a Litorina Sea era shoreline formation, and Finland’s only petroglyphs, the age of which remains a mystery.

Henttula Nature Trail

The Henttula Nature Trail is located in Naantali’s archipelago, on the island of Velkua. Winding through 3.8 kilometers of evergreen forest near the seashore, the trail, situated on local organic farm land, is infrequently traveled, often accompanied only by the mysterious inhabitants of the forest.The journey to the destination is a carefree 40-50 minute bus drive along winding archipelago roads, enjoying the marine views. At the end of the trail, visitors can also stop for a cup of hot coffee or cocoa, as the route passes by the former Livonsaari village store, now a warm and welcoming café and shop.

Hero image: The city of Naantali as seen from Kuparivuori, located near the downtown area.