Marttila: River Landscapes, Forest Trails and Church Art

Marttila reveals itself from different perspectives: the rapids landscape along the Paimionjoki, mires and forest within the municipality, and a local history made visible in its church, museum and monument. When choosing a holiday apartment in Marttila, you can consider whether nature and trails or the area’s cultural history will be the focus of your stay. The following destinations offer different highlights to help you plan your trip.

River Views and Nature Trails

The scenic Kumpulanrannan jokipolku is freely accessible; local trail conditions may change. The trail section is about 1.4 kilometres long and leads to views of Kumpulanranta, Marttila’s former bathing spot, and the rapids landscape of the Paimionjoki at Hakaniitty. This trail brings two distinctive river scenes together: a view of the former bathing spot and the rushing water at Hakaniitty.

The Marttilan Korven eräreitistö offers route options of varying lengths, from 5 to 30 kilometres. It runs through an almost wilderness-like landscape of mires and wooded islands. The trails were designed to showcase the area’s nature and rural culture in a variety of ways. There are rest stops at some named locations along the route, with nearby signs telling the story or recounting the tradition associated with each place. Facilities along the trails include campfire sites and lean-to shelters.

The route runs near Highway 10; both official starting points are about five kilometres from the highway. In the terrain, the trails are marked with white ribbons and other white markings. Check the latest route details and information about markings and facilities before setting out.

Forest Nature in the Municipality

The Kaunilanmaa nature reserve is also located in the municipality of Marttila. It is the eleventh nature reserve established by the Luonnonperintösäätiö in Varsinais-Suomi and is covered by dense forest that has been left unmanaged for decades. In the eastern part, there is a stand of spruce trees more than 100 years old. The higher-lying west has a greater diversity of tree species: pines predominate, alongside birches, spruces and aspens.

In the middle of the forest is a small, undrained swamp forest; there are numerous windthrows and deadwood around its edges. Crested tits and willow tits breed in Kaunilanmaa. Both are considered increasingly endangered species due to the decline of old forests. The name of the nature reserve also has a story behind it: the area was originally called Palomäki. At the request of the family who sold the forest, it was given the name Kaunilanmaa when it became a nature reserve.

Church and Local History

Marttila’s Church of St Martin, built in 1765, stands in the town centre. It is an example of the long-church style of southern Finland, shaped by its builder, Antti Piimänen. Its furnishings include a 16th-century crucifix and a pulpit donated by Pietari Brahe. The church’s chandelier served as a model for the chandeliers in the church at Turku Castle. The church’s design and individual furnishings each give it a distinctive historical character.

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, which tell, among other things, of everyday farming life and traditional crafts.

Behind the museum stands a monument to Finland’s last peacetime execution. Antti Antinpoika Hannula was sentenced to death for killing his father; the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. However, Hannula wanted to atone for his act with his own death, and was executed by axe on 22 October 1824. The monument connects local history with a specific event from the 19th century.

River and Historic Routes

The Paimionjoki, about 110 kilometres long, flows through the municipality of Marttila. Together with the old roads that run alongside the river, the river area forms a scenic and tourist destination. These roads include the historic Hämeen Härkätie, which passes through Marttila and connects Turku with Hämeenlinna. The river landscape and old routes offer another perspective on the municipality, alongside its individual nature and cultural attractions.

Getting Here

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

Discover more destinations: Harjattula, Härkälä, Taivassalo, Kiviniemi, Rymättylä, Pargas, Kustavi, Laitila.

For the regional travel overview: Varsinais-Suomi.