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See and experience, Activities, cycling
Jump in the saddle and pedal to the countryside on the Masku side. There’s plenty to see along the way, both cultural and natural.
Length: approx. 40 km
Duration: 2–3 hours. If you’re exploring more of the natural sites and spending time at the beach, it’s worth setting aside more time.
Difficulty: Medium. The terrain is hilly in places, so an electric bike may be a good choice.
Tips: On the way, stop at the beach. So bring your swimming gear!
In front of the Tourist Information Office, head towards Aurinkotie via the square. After the Naantali Spa, there are a few ups and downs. The route also runs right next to cafe Naantali Aurinkoinen. The café is open every day of the week and lunch is also available on weekdays. From Naantali Aurinkoinen, you ski down to the roundabout and turn left towards Masku.
At the next roundabout, the route continues straight ahead. The Vengantie road to the right takes you to Aurinko Golf, just over 800 metres away. The golf club’s restaurant Venka has something for everyone and lunch is also available on weekdays.
After the roundabout in Immanen, the view widens and you can admire the stunning field scenery as you pedal. After about 1.5 km, you reach the monument to the Varjonen brothers. All seven of the Varjonen brothers fought in the Winter and Continuation Wars, four were killed in action and two returned home as invalids. Because of the enormous tragedy the family suffered, the last of the brothers was discharged from the front.
From the memorial stone it is only 1.5 km to the Niemenkulma junction, where you turn onto Niemenkulma road. Immediately on the left is Kivimäki Tourist Farm, where accommodation is available all year round. You’ll feel like you’re in the countryside when you see horses strolling in the pasture. There is no cycle path, but you can pedal in relative peace. The bumpy and hilly road will keep you interested. However, the road is narrow, so you should ride carefully, especially as the asphalt is not in good condition in places.
After about three kilometres, you turn left onto Maanpääntie road, and after a good 800 metres you continue to Härmäläntie road. A couple of kilometres further on is one of the most famous attractions in the area, the Härmälä Gorge. Near the gorge there is also a small cave called Pakattula Cave, which requires a bit of acrobatics to get into.
The gorge itself is impressive! Probably the result of an earthquake, the rock pile is at its highest twenty metres. You can walk through the gorge and climb to the top of the cliff to admire the stunning views. From the top you can also see the tower of the President’s summer residence, Kultaranta. It’s a good idea to bring sturdy shoes with you, for example, you shouldn’t stumble on the rocks in cycling shoes.
Return from the gorge and continue left along the Maanpääntie road, which ends at the beach. From the small sandy beach it is easy to take a dip in the sea. The beach has changing cubicle, a grilling place, a couple of picnic tables and a beach volleyball court.
After a refreshing swim, it’s nice to get back on the bike. Return along the same route to Niemenkulmantie, which continues left as Ohensaarentie. Soon on your right you will see a handsome yellow wooden building. This is the Niemenkulma village hall, which was originally a school. Today it can be rented for meetings or parties. The village hall has a fitness trail and a children’s playground in the courtyard.
The road winds sometimes through the forest and sometimes through magnificent fields. After crossing the Masku river, you will see a large rock on your right. This castle hill was the site of Stenberga Castle, or Teinper Castle, in the Middle Ages. The stone tower castle is estimated to have been built between 1100 and 1200. The castle hill overlooks the valley of the Masku river. The Masku River in front of you was a bay at the time the stone castle was built.
About one kilometre from the stone castle on the right side of the road (Ohensaarentie 152) is a protected pine tree about 20 metres high. The tree is known as a serpentine pine because its branches hang downwards in a serpentine shape. There is a signpost about the pine tree next to the road.
When you reach Kustavintie, you can pedal back to the cycle path that will take you to the Wanha Nestori flea market. The flea market is a great place to take a break. In the air-conditioned interior, you can take your time to browse through all the treasures on offer. In the café or on the terrace you can enjoy both savoury and sweet treats.
From the flea market the cycle path continues to Naantali. You pass the Niemenkulma junction and arrive back at the roundabout in Immanen. Turn right at the roundabout, onto Immasentie. The road will first take you to Soininen, where you will find the restaurant Metsätähti. In a stylish setting, you can enjoy a delicious lunch. The cycle path continues along Soinistentie and Taimontie to Aurinkotie. A few pedals and you are in Naantali Spa. From there it’s just a stone’s throw to Naantali’s Old Town.
You can also rent a suitable vehicle from Visit Naantali. Find out more about bike rental here!