The Tammela region is an ideal destination for domestic travel, offering charming rural atmosphere and a wealth of sights within a relatively small area. Tammela is home to several national parks, such as Torronsuo and Liesjรคrvi, as well as beautiful lake and pine forest landscapes. One particularly interesting attraction is the Kaukolanharju Observation Tower in Saaren Kansanpuisto.
This beautifully red observation tower, which blends perfectly into the landscape, was built in 1926 and is almost 100 years old. Visitors can enter the tower for a small fee to learn about its history and climb the stairs to the top. The tower is managed by the 4H Association, and current opening hours can be found on their website. The tower stands 21 meters tall, rising above the treetops to reveal stunning views of the lake highlands.
One of Finland’s Most Beautiful Landscapes
The view from the observation tower is part of the Finnish national landscape and was chosen as one of Finland’s most beautiful landscape areas by the Ministry of the Environment in 1993. Itโs easy to see why; the picturesque lake highlands surrounded by forests and ridges leave a lasting impression on all visitors.
The landscape has also inspired many artists, including Albert Edelfelt, who painted his famous work “Kaukolanharju at Sunset” in this region. The painting perfectly captures the unique beauty and atmosphere of the area.
The tower also served and survived during wartime, being used for air surveillance. Here, you can truly feel the essence of both nature and history.
Parking and the Path to the Observation Tower
The observation tower is a short, approximately 500-meter walk from the nearest parking area. The parking lot is located on Portaantie, and it’s worth noting that some navigation systems might direct you to Kaukolantie, which does not provide access to the tower.
The path from the parking lot leads through a beautiful and dense spruce forest, gently ascending towards the top of the ridge, where the red observation tower starts to peek through the branches. The terrain is easy to navigate, making it suitable for even the youngest family members.
Adding the Kaukolanharju Observation Tower to your list of places to visit in the Tammela region is highly recommended. While youโre there, also take the opportunity to explore the other hiking trails and attractions that Saaren Kansanpuisto has to offer.
