Discover Kotala

Old-growth forests, rapids and a nature trail with distinctive markers shape Kotala’s natural character. There is also a small local history museum in the old salt storehouse, and a village shop selling local products and providing tourist information. You can plan your trip according to whether you are mainly looking for scenery and outdoor activities, or would also like to include a cultural insight into the village.

Forests and nature trails

The protected Kituskoski area in Kotala includes old-growth forests and is bordered to the north by impressive rapids. A nature trail runs through the Kituskosket rapids area. Blue bear-paw markers on the trees indicate the route; in places, it passes through terrain with many exposed roots.

The nature trail starts by the shore of Lake Kitusjärvi, on Itämerentie road, next to the car park; there is also a toilet block, a fire shelter and information boards at the trailhead.

The 23-hectare Lakeisnevankangas forest conservation area is also near Kotala. It is both a Natura site and a nature reserve. A hiking trail marked in red on the trees runs through the Lakeisneva forest conservation area. The similar-sounding names refer to different places: Lakeisnevankangas is the protected area, while Lakeisneva is the forest conservation area through which the trail runs.

Rapids and fishing

The Kotala rapids are a popular destination for river anglers and nature photographers. During the permitted fishing seasons, the Kituskosket rapids are a popular fishing area. There are also fire pits and shelters for anglers and hikers at the Kotala rapids. This combination appeals to travellers who want their time in Kotala to be shaped by river scenery, nature watching or fishing.

A specific, narrowly defined rule applies at Kituskoski: only traditional fly fishing is permitted there. Kituskoski is one of two separate areas in the Kotala rapids; the other is called Vehmas-Koskelankoski. So do not treat them as a single fishing spot. If fishing is an important part of your stay, this distinction can help you factor the area you want to visit and the restriction that applies at Kituskoski into your plans.

A glimpse of Kotala

Kotala’s old salt storehouse now serves as a small local history museum. It displays old objects and an interesting collection of coffee glasses. This collection gives the museum visit a specific focus alongside the other historical objects. The museum thus offers a cultural dimension distinct from the nature trail and rapids.

You can get tourist information at the village shop, which also sells local products. Three kota huts in Kotala are available for public use. The museum, shop and huts complement the natural attractions with other places to visit in the village. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you want to visit Kotala mainly for its protected forest areas, trails and rapids, or for these local amenities.

Discover more places

Find more places in Urjala, Nokia, Mänttä, Ylojarvi, Kämmenniemi, Viiala, Suodenniemi and Killinkoski.

For the broader travel overview: Pirkanmaa.