Discover Akaa: Nature, Culture and Local Traditions

Akaa offers a variety of experiences for a trip, including nature trails, museums and local craft traditions. In Toijala, you will find both trails and the Veturimuseo and the wallpaper production of Pihlgren ja Ritola. The routes differ considerably in length: the Cultural Environment Trail is about 1.5 kilometres long, while the Pikku-Vanaja cycling route is around 45 kilometres.

Nature Trails and Cycling Routes

The Terisjärvi nature trail is about 8.6 kilometres long. It runs from Nahkialanvuori via Terisjärvi and Satama to Kangassaari; the trail can also be accessed from Toijala Harbour. Information boards along the route provide details about the area and its nature. The bird tower on the trail was renovated in spring 2023. The route thus connects several named scenic spots and provides information about the surrounding area.

The 1.9-kilometre Kuusikangas fitness trail is in Toijala. From there, a route leads to the Isokuusi loop, where there is a lean-to shelter and equipment for independent outdoor exercise. For cyclists, the approximately 45-kilometre Pikku-Vanaja cycling route runs through Toijala and Valkeakoski. These routes differ both in length and in focus: the Kuusikangas route includes a fitness trail that connects to a loop, while Pikku-Vanaja is a longer cycling tour.

Culture and Crafts in Toijala

The Akaa Cultural Environment Trail in Toijala runs along an approximately 1.5-kilometre route through the northern part of the town centre. It includes ten cultural and natural attractions. QR codes on the signs provide access to audio guides. This makes the route shorter than the Terisjärvi nature trail or Pikku-Vanaja, while also passing several different points of interest.

The Veturimuseo is a specialist museum with locomotives, track maintenance machinery and other related items. It is housed in a red locomotive shed completed in 1876, opposite Toijala railway station. During guided tours, visitors hear stories about the youth of Jumbo and Kisko-Kalle. The museum is open daily during the summer season, from early June to late August; outside this period, visits can be arranged by appointment. Check the current opening hours before your visit.

In Toijala, Tapettitehdas Pihlgren ja Ritola makes designer and traditional wallpapers using traditional rotary printing techniques. All the wallpaper is manufactured entirely on site. At the factory shop at Satamatie 8, you can browse the collections and buy wallpaper with help from the staff. The shop is right next to the factory.

Museums and Local Experiences

Kinnari Local Heritage Museum comprises a main building dating from 1815 and several outbuildings. Its collections include crockery, numerous tools and a collection of skis. One suggested outing combines a cycling tour around Lake Jalanti with a visit to the local heritage museum and an afternoon coffee break.

Akaa is known as Finland’s honey capital; locally produced honey is available year-round. Near the centre of Toijala, Risto Niilimäki’s demonstration apiary offers groups an insight into the life of bees by prior arrangement. Visits to Teristen Kartano are also subject to certain conditions: the farm is in the Toijala district, on the shore of Lake Vanajavesi. Guided tours for bus groups and smaller groups are offered there, particularly in summer, by prior arrangement.

Getting There by Train

Toijala railway station is a busy interchange where long-distance and local trains to Turku, Tampere and Helsinki meet. Akaa’s public transport also includes VR trains from Toijala and Viiala stations in these three directions. If you are planning to travel by train, check the current timetable before your journey.

Discover more destinations: Pälkäne, Kotala, Pirkkala, Punkalaidun, Sastamala, Aitoo, Virrat, Kangasala.

For the regional travel overview: Pirkanmaa.