Nestled within the scenic expanse of Teijo National Park is Jeturkasti, a site steeped in folklore and history, widely referred to as a “devil’s field,” or damn field in Finnish tales. My recent winter visit, though devoid of summer’s vibrant foliage, offered a serene escape from the bustling crowds. Despite the park’s undeniable beauty in the warmer months, my intention was to savor the tranquility of this unique landscape. Established in 2015, Teijo National Park draws around 100,000 visitors each year, and Jeturkasti stands as the largest of its few ancient shorelines, complete with a charming viewing deck and a picnic table for those looking to soak in the view.
Previous articles have explored other devil’s fields across Finland, including the breathtaking formations in Kasnäs on Kemiö Island and Rumavaara in Pudasjärvi. It’s intriguing how local folklore insists that such striking rock formations are the work of the devil—either carelessly flung from his hand or crafted by his own infernal plow.
These captivating rock formations are characteristic of the ancient shorelines once caressed by the Litorina Sea, marked by their sparse vegetation. Jeturkasti, which took shape roughly 9,000 years ago, was formed as the waves of the Baltic Sea, specifically the Litorina Sea, sculpted its beach stones. Today, it stands proudly at 80 meters above sea level.
What distinguishes Jeturkasti from other devil’s fields is the intriguing size and shape of its stones, which are generally small, rounded, and measure between 10 to 20 centimeters in diameter. Composed primarily of granite and gneiss, these rocks provide a habitat for various lichens and mosses that thrive in the crevices. Among these stones, visitors may spot up to 15 larger holes, believed by some to be ancient human creations, whimsically dubbed “caveman’s refrigerators” for their potential use.
The journey to Jeturkasti involves two distinct trails: a 1.4-kilometer accessible route and a more adventurous 4.9-kilometer circular path, aptly named the Jeturkasti Ancient Trail.
Demanding Accessible 1.4 km Trail
The accessible trail to Jeturkasti begins at a modest parking area located at Skoilantie 354, Salo. Generally measuring two meters wide, the trail poses some challenges during winter, with large puddles appearing along the path. The incline reaches up to 12% at the start, though it eases off as the journey progresses. The ancient beach lies just 0.7 kilometers from the parking lot. However, it’s worth noting that this area lacks designated disability parking and can accommodate only a limited number of vehicles, making secure parking a game of chance.
Jeturkasti Ancient Trail: 4.9 km Circular Route
The ideal starting points for the longer 4.9-kilometer circular trail, known as The Ancient Path of Jeturkasti, are the Kariholma parking area at Matildanjärventie 20, Salo and the Matildajärvi parking area at Matildanjärventie 86, Salo. For a more enjoyable experience, it’s advisable to navigate the trail in a clockwise direction. This well-marked route meanders through a bright pine forest, intermittently climbing small rocky hills, and traces the picturesque shoreline of Lake Matildanjärvi for just under a kilometer. Notably, the longer trail overlaps with the accessible path for 0.7 kilometers.
For more detailed information about Teijo National Park, you can visit the Metsähallitus website, although it’s worth noting that the site currently suffers from some navigation challenges, particularly for English-speaking users.
Teijo National Park is also accessible via bus from Salo. During the summer, buses run directly to the Matildanjärvi parking lot, providing easy access to the Jeturkasti ancient trail. You can find further details on the Salon Paikku website.
Key Considerations: Jeturkasti is situated within a natura-protected area, and the so-called caveman’s refrigerators are considered archaeological remains safeguarded under the Antiquities Act. As a reminder, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times throughout Teijo National Park.
Best Time to Visit: The park is accessible year-round, but visiting when the devil’s field is blanketed in snow might detract from your experience. While the Kariholma and Matildanjärvi parking areas remain open during winter, the accessible trail and its limited parking area typically close to visitors.