Kerava offers nature experiences among protected forests, pond landscapes and marked trails. There are also museums, events and places to get active. If you’re looking for a destination where you can explore nature and culture in different ways, you’ll find plenty of ideas here for planning your trip.
Forest, Pond and Birdlife
The regionally significant Haukkavuori Nature Reserve protects Kerava’s most valuable and extensive deciduous forests, as well as spruce-rich forests with a primeval character. A marked 2.8-kilometre nature trail runs through the reserve. Ollilanlampi offers a different kind of landscape: Kerava’s largest pond is surrounded by peatlands and is a destination for nature lovers and hikers. The nature trail around the pond is accessible thanks to its wide boardwalks and level terrain, and can be navigated with a wheelchair or stroller.
Smaller natural areas also vary in character. Salmelan lehto consists of deciduous woodland and a flood meadow; the area is about 400 metres long and around 2.5 hectares in size. At the Kerava Manor forest, visitors can observe Finland’s diverse birdlife. The area is designated as a bird park, and 47 different bird species have been recorded there. Domestic animals such as sheep, chickens and rabbits also live on the manor grounds and fields.
The Keravanjoki is suitable for paddling. Around 12 kilometres of the river run through Kerava. A suitable place to launch and land canoes is near Kerava Manor, on the west bank at Kivisilta.
Walking and Cycling Routes
The Kirsikkapuukierros is associated with cherry blossom season and offers two different route lengths: the walking route runs for three kilometres through central Kerava, while the cycling route is eleven kilometres long and can be extended with an optional 4.5-kilometre loop. Along the way, visitors can listen to recorded stories about hanami, Japanese culture and traditions surrounding cherry blossoms. If you’d prefer a longer bike ride, you can cycle from Keinukallio through Ahjo and Ollilanlampi and back to Keinukallio.
Keinukallio Sports Park has a free public 18-hole disc golf course. The terrain is hilly, with many changes in elevation; the course is not maintained in winter. To reach the Myllypuro meander valley in northern Kerava, it is best to walk or cycle, as there are no suitable car parking facilities nearby. The valley lies immediately south of Koivulantie, between the road and the motorway.
Museums, Events and City Life
Exhibitions at the Sinkka Art and Museum Centre change regularly. They focus on contemporary art, cultural phenomena, local traditions in Kerava and the history of industrial design. The programme also includes guided tours, lectures, concerts, cultural events and activities for families with children. At the Heikkilä Local History Museum, the indoor exhibition tells the story of life in a prosperous farmhouse in Kerava: the period covered ranges from the mid-19th century to the early 1930s.
The events calendar offers a variety of occasions throughout the year. Kerava Day is celebrated every year in June, before Midsummer; the Sirkusmarkkinat, held annually in September, combines circus performances with a varied market programme. Exact dates and programmes vary from year to year for both events. Kerava also hosts Valkosipulifestareita in August. In the centrally located Aurinkomäki Park, the stage programme ranges from concerts to events for children.
Muinaisranta Park is in the green area of Kivisilta and includes a play and activity area known as an art playground. Another way to get active is at Kerava Swimming Pool: the pool area comprises six pools and 800 square metres of water. The swimming pool complex also has halls for instructor-led classes and three gyms.
Discover more destinations: Kirkkonummi, Siuntio, Mörskom, Åminnefors, Pernå, Hermala, Sipoo, Savijoki.
See the regional travel guide: Uusimaa.
