15 tips for finding things to do in Salo
The charming town of Southwest Finland offers natural tranquillity, cultural experiences and great water activities just an hour's drive from Helsinki.
City articles
2.12.2024
Salo is a charming city in Southwest Finland, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Located about an hour's drive from Helsinki and half an hour from Turku, Salo is easily accessible.
In Salo you can enjoy both the peace of nature and the rich cultural life. The city is known for its beautiful lakes, which provide a great setting for a variety of water activities. There is a wide range of opportunities for outdoor activities in nature; you can choose between the peace of the forest or the seaside, depending on your preferences. In addition, Salo's rich cultural offer includes concerts, theatre performances and art exhibitions all year round.
Discover with us the best places in Salo!
Wiurila Manor is a stunning destination in Salo, just seven kilometres from the city centre. The manor is located close to the 110 highway, making it easy to visit. The historic setting of Wiurila Manor offers plenty to see and experience. You can admire the beautiful park and enjoy the surrounding nature. There is also a golf course in the area if you want to practice some sports during your stay.
The main building of the manor houses a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious food in a historic setting. If you wish to stay longer, the manor also offers accommodation services. For those interested in history, Wiurila Manor has a horse-drawn carriage museum, where you can see the racing games of the manors in the region from the 1700s onwards. The collection includes a variety of carriages and sleighs, from small pony carts to large horse-drawn carriages.
In the museum you can also see the old barn and wooden forge of the manor in miniature. These offer an interesting glimpse into the past and tell the rich history of the manor.
Mathildedal is an idyllic village in the south of Salo, about 27 kilometres from the city centre. Situated on the shores of Halikon Bay, Mathildedal offers a rich past dating back to the early 19th century.
The village is particularly popular with those looking for a change from the hectic pace of big cities. The village restaurant Terho is Mathildedal's meeting point, where you can enjoy local delicacies.
During your visit, you can stroll through the charming streets of the village, explore the local boutiques and enjoy the surrounding nature. The nearby Teijo National Park offers more opportunities for outdoor activities and nature admiration.
The Old Church of Perniö, also known as the Church of St. Lawrence, is a major attraction in Salo. This medieval grey stone church was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to St Laurentius. In the church you can admire many historical details, such as wooden funerary coffins and a large number of tombstones from the 16th and 17th centuries. The Baroque altarpiece from 1667 is particularly noteworthy.
There are also more recent elements in the church's interior, such as the neo-Gothic pulpit from 1865. You can also discover the church's organ, an important part of its musical heritage. Perniö Old Church offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Finnish church architecture. During your visit, you can sense centuries of history and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the church.
The church is part of the Salo parish, so you can check the opening hours and possible events on the parish website. Perniö Old Church is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in history or architecture.
The Salo History Museum SAMU offers a rich overview of the region's cultural heritage. The museum has several sites for you to explore:
The museum's collections are rich in artefacts related to the history of the Salo region. You can see how life has changed over the centuries. Through SAMU, you can also learn about the history of Salo's valuable cultural landscapes, which tell the story of a long history of settlement and human impact on the environment.
Rikalanmäki in Salo offers a unique opportunity to explore the ancient history of the area. This valuable heritage site is located on the western bank of the Halikon river and is part of a wider landscape. The most famous site in the area is the Crusader mortuary cemetery, which has been the subject of many discoveries. There is also a cremation cemetery, two cup rocks and a cup stone.
You can learn about the history of Rikalanmäki by walking along the ancient path, which is equipped with signposts. The trail tells about the area's Iron Age settlement, burial culture and trade. It also provides information about the younger settlements in the area from the 19th to the 19th centuries. The oldest finds at Rikalanmäki date from the late Stone Age, so the area has been inhabited since very early times.
When you visit Rikalanmäki, you can admire the precious landscape of the Halikonjokilaakso valley and at the same time dive deep into Finland's prehistory. This destination is an excellent choice for those interested in history and archaeology.
The Kisko pottery area is a historic industrial area in the eastern part of Salo, offering an interesting mix of past and present. In the area, you can explore old factory buildings and workers' dwellings that tell the story of Finland's industrialisation. Many of the buildings have been restored and put to new use, creating a unique atmosphere in the area.
The Kisko potted area is a picturesque setting for walks. You can enjoy beautiful nature and a peaceful atmosphere amidst old buildings. Cultural events, exhibitions and markets are organised in the area from time to time, offering the opportunity to discover local crafts and food culture.
For photographers, the Kisko potted area offers some great locations. Old buildings, industrial landscape and natural landscapes make for interesting photo opportunities. During your visit, you can also stop by the small boutiques and cafés in the area, offering local produce and delicacies.
Salo Square is the heart of the city and a popular meeting place. Here you can experience the authentic local atmosphere and discover the products of the region. The market is open a few days a week, almost every day in summer. For the latest information, check the Salo website.
In the market cafés, you can enjoy a morning coffee or lunch in local company. They are popular meeting places for Salo residents and visitors of all ages. The market also hosts a variety of events. Particularly popular are the Salo Iltatori, which take place every summer, attracting locals and tourists alike.
The market offers fresh vegetables, fruit, bakery products and other local delicacies. You can shop directly from producers and support local entrepreneurship. Salon market offers a unique opportunity to experience local life and culture.
Teijo National Park is an excellent destination for those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Established in 2015, the park offers a variety of landscapes from the sea to lakes and marshes. In the park you can hike on marked trails and admire the varied nature. There are also opportunities for canoeing, fishing and even mountain biking.
At the rest stops you can grill sausages and rest in the bosom of nature. Historic pottery villages in the park area, such as Mathildedal, will add an interesting dimension to your visit. You can discover the artisan traditions and the unique atmosphere of the villages.
In the village of Teijo you should visit the smallest stone church in Finland. You can buy snacks for your trip at the village shop. Remember that the nearest refuelling facilities are in Salo and Perniö, so make sure you have enough fuel.
The Salo area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and nature. In addition to the Teijo National Park, the area has several interesting nature sites and trails:
At the rest stops you can enjoy a barbecue and admire the scenery. The diverse nature of the parks offers experiences all year round. You can choose a short nature trail or a longer hiking trail, depending on your fitness level and schedule.
The surroundings of Lake Lehmijärvi offer a great opportunity to enjoy the nature of Salo. The hiking trail runs southwards from Salo to the Lehmijärvi beach and continues from there. The starting point of the route is at Perniöntie 7, where you can find a map on the wall of the Sports House. You can also start from Lehmijärvi beach, where there is a private parking area.
The trail is marked on the ground with red markers on trees and light posts, making it easy to follow. Around Lake Lehmijärvi you can admire the beautiful scenery, diverse vegetation and possibly spot wildlife in the area. The route is suitable for beginners and more experienced hikers alike.
Remember to bring enough water and snacks. There may not be services along the route, so it's a good idea to be prepared on your own. The Lehmijärvi nature trail is part of a longer route that continues all the way to Teijo National Park. If you wish, you can continue your journey via Kirjakkala to the national park, where you will find stunning scenery and more extensive hiking opportunities.
Vuohensaari beach is a charming destination in Salo, located in an idyllic island setting just a short distance from the city centre. The island can be reached by driving across a beautiful wooden bridge, which is an experience in itself. The beach offers a peaceful environment for relaxation and recreation. On the beach you will find facilities such as showers, changing rooms and toilets.
The swimming area is located in a small lane, with Vaisakko on one side. The path leads to Viurila Bay, which creates an interesting environment for swimming and water activities. The Vuohensaari beach is generally quiet, so you can enjoy the water and sun without the hustle and bustle. It is ideal for families as well as for those relaxing alone.
There are also other activities in the vicinity of the beach. You can explore the island's nature trail, visit the campsite or enjoy a meal in a summer restaurant. Goat Island also offers camping and caravanning.
Halikko and Angelniemi offer a variety of attractions and nature sites in the Salo area. The historical area of Halikko is full of interesting sites, such as the Rikalanmäki Ancient Trail, a 2.5 km long trail. The trail passes through an Iron Age cemetery and settlement, offering a unique glimpse into the area's past.
In Angelniemi you can enjoy beautiful seaside views. The red Angelniemi Church in the area is a must-see, standing in a stunning location by the sea. The church was built in 1772 and represents wooden architecture at its best.
The Kokkila Ferry, which operates between Kokkila and Kemiönsaari, offers a nice little adventure. A short ferry trip is a fun addition to your tour and allows you to admire the scenery from the sea. During the tour you can learn about the rich cultural history of the area and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
Please note that I could not find exact information on the Kierikkala water protection site in Salo. It is possible that it is a local or lesser known site, or the name may be spelled slightly differently. However, there are several water protection sites and projects in Salo that contribute to environmental protection and the well-being of water bodies.
If you are interested in water protection in Salo, I recommend you to visit for example the Vartsalanlahti wetland, which is an important water protection site in the area. There you can learn about the importance of wetlands in cleaning up water bodies and increasing biodiversity.
Salitu Forest is one of the most fascinating natural sites in the Salo region. This lush forest area offers a peaceful environment for nature walks and relaxation. In the forest you can enjoy a wide variety of flora and fauna. You can spot different species of birds and observe small forest animals in their natural habitat.
Salitu Forest has well-marked paths suitable for walks of varying lengths. You can choose the route that suits you best and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest at your own pace. The forest also offers opportunities for mushroom picking and berry picking in the high season. However, remember to respect the rights of the common man and to respect nature.
Take a picnic lunch with you and enjoy a picnic in the forest. Salitu Forest is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the closeness of nature. The forest is easily accessible from the centre of Salo, making it a perfect day trip destination. Remember to dress for the weather and take drinking water with you to fully enjoy the hike.
The Vartsala-Louhen hiking trail offers a great opportunity to explore the seaside scenery of Salo. This nature trail is about 700 metres long and is located in the village of Vartsala, right by the sea. The trail starts at the parking area, which you can easily reach via Pelkkakuja or Tukkirannantie. The trail circles the picturesque Vartsala beach area and offers visitors a fascinating insight into local history.
Along the way, you will come across several information boards telling you about Vartsala and its interesting past. These panels will give you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of the cultural heritage of the area. Along the route you will find a cosy hut, which is the perfect resting place. From here you can admire breathtaking sea views and enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
The Vartsala-Louhen hiking trail is also ideal for visitors with weaker legs. The trail is designed to be easy to follow, which makes for a pleasant nature experience for all. You can also easily reach the destination by public transport. Hop on the Paikku bus to Kokkila and get off at the Kukkulinna stop.
