NATURE PATH
Sanatorium Forest Walk
The surrounding pine forrest is also an essential part of the Sanatorium complex. The Paimio Sanatorium Nature trail, operated by Sanatorium Forest Association, (2,6 km) starts from the Chief Physician’s apartment, close to the parking lot of the current Preitilä kindergarten.
The trail takes the visitor to the Sanatorium’s fairytale forest, where a clear-water creek is bubbling amidst mossy rocks. The path passes a small pumping station designed by Alvar Aalto.
Visitors should note that, there is one difficult section on the way, right after the pumping station sign. A campfire place is along the trail. Firewood is not available on behalf of the Sanatorium.
A shorter, one-kilometer (1 km) version of the trail is available too.
NATURE PATH
Preitilä Trail
All the beauty of Paimio nature in one walk.
The Preitilä Trail starts right next to Paimio Sanatorium. Experience the beautiful nature of Paimio and learn about local history. The total length of the trail is about 11 kilometers and along the way, there is a lean-to and a hut with fireplace sites. The scenery varies from the park forest and stream valley near Paimio Sanatorium to the stunning rocky areas and marshes.
Most of the trail runs through forest paths with moderate changes in elevation. Various structures have been built in the most challenging places. The trail offers diverse terrain, such as swampy areas and ponds, flat rocky plateaus, and forests of different ages. The trail’s attractions also include ancient shores, also known as the “devil’s field”, and wood rarities.
The official starting point of the Preitilä Trail is right next to Paimio Sanatorium, from the parking area of the former chief physician’s residence, now Preitilä Day Care Center, and the Sanatorium forest.
NATURE PATH
Paimio Trail
Cliffs, ponds, forests, and countryside views.
The entire Paimio Trail is 18 km long, over 50 years old hiking trail, from which you can also choose shorter stages.
The Paimio Trail offers a comprehensive cross-section of the rugged Paimio nature. The scenery changes quickly, and the journey remains interesting. From the top of the hill, you can see far into the Paimio Bay.
There are several starting points for the trail. For the entire 18 km route, it is advisable to start from Paimio Sports Park. In this case, the beginning and end of the route are along the Rivonmäki trail track. When starting from the sports park, it is possible to cut corners in three places. Hiekkahelmi is the best starting point if you only need about 10 km and want the best nature experience.
The Paimio Trail is marked with clear and abundant signs, so it is easy to stay on the right track. Along the way, there are several stairs, bridges, and boardwalks to facilitate travel.
About the surroundings
Arriving at Paimio Sanatorium is always an inspiring and surprising moment. As you approach the Sanatorium, there are a few farmhouses scattered here and there along the road. At first, the world-famous building is completely hidden by a stunning pine forest. Then, out of the blue, Paimio Sanatorium appears – sparkling white and majestic.
Because tuberculosis was a highly contagious disease, hospitals were located in rural areas far from dense population. Paimio Sanatorium is located 20 kilometers east of Finland’s oldest city, Turku. It’s positioned on one of the highest points in the area, in a spectacular landscape of a beautiful old pine forest.
Aaltos took the environment into account fully in their design, and it feels as if the Sanatorium buildings are in a constant dialogue with the environment and nature. The pine forest is big part of the design. In their holistic vision, Aaltos were brave pioneers in hospital planning as little attention was paid to the influence of the environment as a means of treatment when Paimio Sanatorium was built.
Aaltos wanted to make the most of the environment. There are balconies on each floor, where frail patients could be brought in their beds to breathe fresh air and enjoy the views. Patients in better condition could enjoy the same things on the large roof terrace.
Aaltos also designed walking routes for the hospital grounds and the surrounding forest landscape – meandering paths that are easy to stroll and even a water element to attract patients to walk and enjoy nature. Today, every visitor can enjoy the same routes, silence and clean air in the touchingly beautiful nature landscape of the Paimio Sanatorium.