Marttila: River Trail, Church Art and Hikes

Discover Marttila through a river trail, a historic church and hikes through forest and bog landscapes. The sights range from the rapids of the Paimionjoki to old granaries and a protected forest area.

Along the Kumpulanrannan jokipolku river trail

The Kumpulanrannan jokipolku is open to everyone free of charge; local trail conditions may change. Its route is about 1.4 kilometres long and leads to views of Kumpulanranta, Marttila’s former bathing spot, and the rapids of the Paimionjoki at Hakaniitty. The trail thus combines river views with a place that once served as a bathing spot.

The Paimionjoki is also part of the municipality’s landscape: the river is about 110 kilometres long and flows through Marttila. Together with old roads, including the Hämeen Härkätie, the river area and roads form a unified landscape and tourist destination.

Church and local history

St Martin’s Church stands in the town centre and was built in 1765. It represents the South Finnish long-church style shaped by its builder, Antti Piimänen. Its furnishings include a 16th-century crucifix and a pulpit donated by Pietari Brahe. The chandelier also reflects a connection beyond Marttila: it served as the model for the chandeliers in Turku Castle’s church.

The Marttilan kotiseutumuseo is housed in former granaries. Built between 1852 and 1859 under an imperial decree, they were used to store seed and food grain for years of crop failure. The Marttilan nuorisoseura played a major role in assembling a collection of more than 1,000 objects. It offers insights into rural life and traditional crafts.

Behind the museum is a monument to Finland’s last execution in peacetime. Antti Antinpoika Hannula was sentenced to death for killing his father; the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Hannula, however, wanted to atone for his deed with his own death and was executed by axe on 22 October 1824.

Hiking routes of varying lengths

The Marttilan Korven eräreitistö offers route options from 5 to 30 kilometres. The trails pass through an almost wilderness-like landscape of bogs and wooded islands. Facilities along the routes include campfire sites and lean-tos. There are rest stops at some named locations; nearby signs tell the story or tradition associated with each place.

Both official starting points for the Marttilan Korven eräreitistö are about five kilometres from Road 10. In the terrain, the trails are marked with white ribbons and other white markers. Since markings and facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest local information before setting out.

Kaunilanmaa: forest, bog and protected area

Kaunilanmaa, the Luonnonperintösäätiö’s eleventh protected area in Varsinais-Suomi, lies within the municipality. The area is covered by dense forest that has been left unmanaged for decades. In the east stands a spruce forest more than 100 years old. The higher-lying west has a greater variety of tree species: pines predominate, alongside birches, spruces and aspens.

A small, undrained swamp forest lies in the middle of the forest. There are many windthrows and deadwood along its edges. Crested tits and willow tits breed in Kaunilanmaa; both are considered increasingly threatened as old-growth forests decline. The area’s name also has a story: it was originally called Palomäki. At the request of the family that sold the forest, the protected area was given the name Kaunilanmaa.

Historic roads and getting here

The historic Hämeen Härkätie runs through Marttila and connects Turku with Hämeenlinna. It is one of the old roads that, together with the river area, shape the municipality’s landscape and tourist character.

Express bus stops are located in central Marttila at the Hämeentie intersection with Marttilantie/Tiipiläntie, and in Ollila at the Hämeentie intersection with Kyröntie. Check stop information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Västanfjärd, Korppoo, Härkälä, Naantali, Laitila, Askainen, Turku, Harjattula.

For the regional travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.