Laurinmäki

In the Laurinmäki nature and culture area, history, culture, landscape, and diverse nature come together.

The Laurinmäki area is culturally and historically valuable: Close to the Laurinmäki Crofter’s Museum established in 1965, there is Hakoinen castlehill (unfortunately not open for visitors), the spring of St. Lawrence, and the medieval church of Janakkala. The area also includes, among others, the memorial erected by the Torpparien muisto ry (Crofters’ Memorial Association) in 1969, as well as trenches built by the Russians in 1915. In the summer, a charming café operates in the Yellow House.

The Laurinmäki nature trails start from the Crofter’s Museum and wind through diverse forests. Along the trails, there is a shelter and a fire pit.

Laavupolku, demanding, approx. 2.8 km
The Laavupolku trail features the 50th anniversary spruce forest of independence, the battle trenches and fortifications of Määkynmäki hill, a forest shelter with fire pits, the landscapes and rocks of Määkynmäki, a large pine, the ruins and fire pit of Räikälän kiervari, a sacrificial grove, and the crofter memorial. The trail is uneven in places and has elevation changes, with steep walls at Määkynmäki that should be navigated with caution, especially with children and pets. Laavupolku is marked with black signposts and connects to the Ketopolku and Lähdepolku trails.

Ketopolku, moderate, approx. 1.6 km
On the Ketopolku trail, one can admire the broadleaf forest and spruce forest, with a section running alongside a road featuring a traditional biotope, i.e., keto (dry meadow). The Janakkala Nature and Environment Association has maintained this meadow by organizing volunteer events at the site. The trail also includes the ruins and fire pit of Räikälän kiervari, a sacrificial grove, and the crofter memorial. Ketopolku is marked with red signposts and connects to the Laavupolku and Lähdepolku trails.

Lähdepolku, moderate, approx. 1.2 km
Lähdepolku is a nature trail of ancient relics, with beautiful lush landscapes, a tenant memorial, a sacrificial grove, the ruins of Räikälän kievari, and a campfire site. In addition, the trail’s more challenging and uneven section features the spring of St. Lawrence (formerly Taara’s spring) and the memorial of the Tarinmaa battle in 1918. These sites are more easily accessible by walking along the edge of Hakoistentie. Lähdepolku is marked with blue signposts and connects to the Laavupolku and Ketopolku trails.

Pappilankylä nature trail, approx. 2.5 km
The new Pappilankylä nature trail starts from the Laurinmäki parking area on the other side of Hakoistentie, passing the school towards the bank of the Räikälänjoki river. The trail has not yet been marked, as it will be completed as part of the Tarinmaa village association’s Leader project (including a shelter, boardwalks, fitness stairs, and signs) by 2026. The trail primarily runs through flat, occasionally very moist terrain. See the location on the map.

Parking: Parking area next to Hakoistentie.
Nature trail map (PDF).
Map of the area.

Learn more about Laurinmäki on its official website.