Along the edges of Seinäjoki’s rural landscapes and open fields, you’ll find homes for animals, forests, and marshes. Photographing animals, whether they are active during the day or night, is a popular hobby that often requires heading into the woods with a camera. Plan your visit to places like the Törnävä Museum area, the Kyrkösjärvi Forest, Hallila Mountain, and Paukaneva bog!
Museum of South Ostrobothnia photography exhibition
The South Ostrobothnia Museum features a permanent exhibition, Mihinä me ollahan, as well as an upstairs photography exhibition called Animals of Night and Day. While exploring the museum and Törnävä Manor grounds, visitors can hear the sounds of various birds, guiding them toward a nearby nature reserve. Additionally, there is an outdoor exhibit about the flying squirrel on the museum grounds, which is accessible around the clock.
The Animals of Night and Day photo exhibition, created by Jukka Risikko and Benjam Pöntinen, showcases their stunning wildlife photography. Over the years, these adorable animals have been captured on both film and memory cards. The spotlight is on the animals themselves—foxes, owls, flying squirrels, and many other companions, often seen with their young.
There is plenty to marvel at year-round in the museum area. The ducks in the nearby pond are already preparing for winter. While they may be curious about people, it’s important not to feed them breadcrumbs or pieces of bread, as these are not suitable for their diet.
The Ruutipuisto, also known as Kruutipuisto Nature Reserve, was established in 1948. Since then, this small forest area has served as a permanent home for long-tailed tits and coal tits. The area is rich in deadwood, benefiting many animals. It is said that flying squirrels inhabit the area, and otters can be found along the riverbank.
Kyrkösjärvi
The Kyrkösjärvi area offers a wide range of activities beyond birdwatching. The forest trails are great for mountain biking and jogging. In winter, the area becomes a popular spot for skiing throughout the season, with numerous campfire sites inviting visitors to enjoy time in nature. Beneath the water’s surface, the fish form an essential part of the area’s diverse and fascinating wildlife.
From the parking lot at Kyrkösjärvi beach begins a children’s trail, featuring nature-themed information boards and stories along the way. It’s less than a kilometer round trip from the parking area of Nature House Käpälikkö to the trail’s campfire hut and back. As the name suggests, the trail is perfect for younger family members. At the hut, you’ll find a wood shed and shelter, ideal for a cozy campfire break. Animals can often be spotted, especially thanks to the dogs accompanying joggers on the trail.
The accessible trail features a spacious campfire area. Käpälikkö’s accessible route is 5.56 km long, passing near a military obstacle course and bunker. Nearby, Aarnikotkan Kota is an easy destination for a family outing to a lean-to shelter. Aarnikotkan Kota can also be reserved for private events. As night falls, the forest may echo with the distinct calls of owls. Be sure to reserve the kota before the frost sets in, via the Lakeuden Elämysliikunta website.
Hallilanvuori
A running trail circles around Hallilanvuori, which is easily accessible from the city center by bus, just like many other nature routes. At its base, you’ll find a campfire site, and next to the parking lot, there is a sandy area that is actively used. In addition to trees, you might also see woodpeckers tapping on light poles with their beaks. Woodpeckers are easy to recognize by their behavior and distinctive coloring.
The best views for a picnic are from the top of the Hallilanvuori. Large boulders serve as tables, but remember to dress warmly, as the rock surface can be quite cool. When visiting Hallilanvuori with children, it’s important to be especially cautious. Although the path back down to the parking lot appears straightforward from the summit, the steepness can be surprising.
Paukaneva
The rest area along Highway 18 between Seinäjoki and Vaasa serves as one of the starting points for Paukaneva bog. The trail through Paukaneva is approximately 6 kilometers long. From the parking area, there is nearly a kilometer of accessible trail leading toward the bog. However, the boardwalks through the marsh are narrower and not suitable for wheelchairs. At the end of the accessible trail, there is a small observation platform, or birdwatching tower. If the hiker has enough energy, it’s worth heading to the Paukaneva bird tower as a destination.
Access to the bog is also available from Kiikuntie and near the center of Nurmo via the Isosalo running trail. The forest area of Paukaneva is peaceful, with only the sounds of nature reaching your ears. If another hiker is approaching, you can hear their footsteps on the boardwalk well in advance. A large campfire area is easily accessible by turning towards the Kiikuntie swimming place. Before reaching the small swimming area, the road leading to the bog is marked with signs.
The Paukaneva area captivates both locals and tourists alike. The bog boasts a unique flora all its own. Along the trails, informative signs have been erected to share details about the bog’s animals, plants, and history. The boardwalks, lean-to shelter, and birdwatching tower have been funded through EU financing and by the Lakeuden Elämysliikunta Association.
When spending time outdoors, one’s mind becomes attuned to the autumn atmosphere. In the bog, you can see and hear both little and great egrets. Additionally, during migration season, the bog may host geese and swans. The birdwatching tower is very popular among birdwatchers during this time. From the top of the three-story tower, you can surprisingly see far due to the flat landscape.
The Paukaneva trail has no lighting, so it’s advisable to plan your hike during daylight hours. The darkness of the night allows the bog to escape the city’s light pollution. The Paukaneva lean-to is a well-sheltered and easily accessible spot for observing not only wildlife but also stars and the Northern Lights.
Read also: Unexpected Artworks in Seinäjoki!