Isokari island

Isokari is accessed through Lahdenperä industrial estate. From Pohjoisväylä turn to Kölitie road, continue left to Lahdenperäntie road and turn immediately to the right to Isokarintie. The parking area is at the end of the road. The trailhead is on the right-hand side of the parking area when approaching along the road. There is a pedestrian and cycle path next to Pohjoisväylä road.

Isokari island, also known as Friisinsaari, is located on the southwest coast of the Ykspihlajanlahti bay. The total size of the island is 5.4 hectares. It is a historically significant destination and a popular recreational area and hiking site.

Nature trail

Accessible trail – The initial trail section along duckboards is accessible as far as the boulder. There is an accessible toilet at the start of the trail. The duckboard trail has handrails and seats. Hikers return along the same trail, the length of which is 0.1 km in one direction.

Medium difficulty trail – The section around the island and paths leading to Isokari villas and the cellar. The trail is partially overgrown with grasses and slightly rocky. Some of the trail markings are missing.

The nature trail (0.8 km) starts from the parking area located at the end of the road that circles the island. The trail winds its way around the island deep in the groves and forests, and it is partially suitable for persons with disabilities (wheelchair ramp). There are information boards along the trail introducing visitors to the history and nature of the island, and there is also a lookout point and a rest area.

Services

The birdwatching tower is located at the end of the causeway leading to the island, and it is a great place to observe the surrounding sea areas. There is a parking area next to the tower. There is also an information board and a map of the area by the road.

Nature

Isokari island is mostly covered with broadleaved deciduous trees. There is a large erratic bolder on the south-western beach. The island’s nature is dominated by the sea and lush grove-like forests. There are rocky coastal meadows on the northern shore. The island with its birdwatching tower offers visitors a great place to observe the birds at the Ykspihlajanlahti bay all year round.