In the quaint village of Muurla, nestled within the Salo region, a modest trail beckons adventurers to ascend a wooded hill. At its summit lies an ancient Burial Cairn, a fantastical testament to bygone eras, spread out in a captivating ring shape. Though the grave lacks sweeping vistas, it is enveloped by trees and undergrowth, creating a secluded corner that invites contemplation—perfect for pondering the nuances of time, the lives of our distant ancestors, and our own ephemeral existence on the vast continuum of humanity.
Key Details:
- Starting point: Refer to the map.
- Trail length: 250 meters in each direction.
- Campfire site: None available.
- Accessibility: Accessible.
- By car: Head to Viljo Hurmeentie 1, Salo.
- By public transport: The local bus to Muurla stops at “Taidetalo,” located just 250 meters from the trailhead.
Upon arriving at our destination, we discovered that renowned artist Viljo Hurme’s studio sat just across the road. This unique site is adjacent to the source of the Muurlanjoki (Karhujoki) river, which flows from the tranquil Lake Ylisjärvi toward the sea. The art studio enjoys a picturesque lakeside position, with tantalizing glimpses of water peeking through the trees behind it.
During our midsummer visit, we found ourselves alone on the trail, which cuts clearly through the terrain—a reassuring sign that this place has not been forgotten. Wooden markers nestled in the ground subtly guide hikers along the way. While the path remains straight and undivided, caution is advised as it does briefly skirt the edge of a private yard, reminding us to be courteous of the locals.
The adventure begins with a series of sturdy steps that lead into the embrace of the forest.
As we continued our ascent, we navigated a rugged course punctuated by roots and stones. Despite its brevity, the trail carries a noticeable incline, urging us onward.
Surrounded by the lush greenery post-rain, I breathed in the melancholic yet invigorating scent of the mixed forest. Muurla itself is an idyllic village, and just a few steps into the woods, we found ourselves wrapped in a hushed stillness of nature.
I was particularly struck by the image of a stout pine tree merging with a boulder, its trunk flattened against the stone, a visual metaphor of nature’s tenacity.
Before long, we arrived at the Burial Cairn. I was mesmerized by the oak tree standing sentinel beside it, spreading its protective arms overhead, creating a serene refuge.
The oak not only enhanced the scenery, but also imbued the site with a palpable sense of mystery. It evoked imagery of the tree of life—an apt metaphor, even though it was still youthful in the grand timeline of oaks. Having just binge-watched Outlander, I couldn’t shake the romantic sense of past eras that permeated this place.
The ancient grave itself formed a large, doughnut-shaped ring—a “crown,” as it’s referred to locally. According to the information sign, the formation may have been influenced by previous excavations. For those curious about other historical sites in the Salo region, Viitankruunu, a more well-known “crown” site, offers an intriguing route leading to another ancient grave.
The map at Koivumäki intriguingly illustrates the shifting landscape over time, showing how burial sites like this were often perched at the water’s edge. As the land has gradually risen, some sites now rest further inland, just as this one at Koivumäki does.
“The Koivumäki Cairn is a typical prehistoric burial cairn. The custom of burying the dead in stone cairns was adopted in the southwestern coastal region during the early Bronze Age (circa 1500–500 BCE). It likely arrived with Scandinavian settlers, who built similar structures seen in the oldest cairns in Sweden.”
— Excerpt from the Koivumäki information sign (translated from Finnish)
The sign further sketches a vivid picture of the original setting for the Burial Cairn, perched high on a rocky outcrop. Long ago, this spot may have offered sweeping views of the Muurlanjoki river, now obscured by the encroaching forest. It’s also possible that ancient settlements thrived along the riverbank below, as evidence of habitation has been uncovered in that vicinity.
But what lies beneath the cairn?
“The Koivumäki Cairn was investigated in 1888 by Theodor Schwindt, who found no structural remains or signs of burial. Without the discovery of burned bones, it’s speculated that a body burial occurred but decomposed entirely, leaving no artifacts made of enduring materials. Alternatively, it’s possible that the grave was disturbed.”
— Excerpt from the information sign (translated from Finnish)
While there’s no designated campfire site—nor permission to light fires—this location could serve as an enchanting retreat during the autumn months. Imagine a cozy afternoon here with a thermos of tea and a good friend, as you witness the vibrant oak and maple leaves blazing with color under a crisp blue sky, or perhaps under the silvery glow of a full moon.
Read Next:
- From Lake Matildanjärvi to Teerisaari: Teijo’s Most Beautiful Hike
- Teijo National Park
- A Great Spring Trip Destination Near Teijo National Park: Latokartanonkoski, Salo