The Kauppi-Niihama hiking trails are being planned in close collaboration with the City of Tampere's nature reserve planning working group and stakeholders. Planning is progressing alongside the preparation of the nature reserve, with careful consideration given to the area's natural values. The hiking trails would primarily make use of existing paths. Most of the routes would be shared-use trails, and some would also be suitable for mountain biking. In addition, several new rest areas could be added to the area, some of which would be designed as accessible facilities. Proposed locations for new rest areas include the shores of Lake Näsijärvi, Niihama Outdoor Lodge and the Alasjärvi area.
Kaisa Mikkola, outdoor recreation planner at EcoFellows Ltd, is planning the hiking trails in the Kauppi-Niihama area. New residential areas and the proximity of the tram line are expected to increase recreational use of the area. According to Mikkola, preserving the area's natural values is a key objective. Marked trails help guide visitor movement, reduce wear on the terrain and accommodate different forms of outdoor recreation.
– There are already plenty of trails in the area, and by marking them we can create a diverse network of routes of varying difficulty levels for different outdoor activities and user groups.
The goal is to reduce conflicts between users, improve opportunities for year-round recreation and lower the threshold for spending time in nature. Forests will not be cleared and there is very little need to construct new trails.
During the summer, Mikkola has gathered feedback from a wide range of user groups, including equestrians, water skiers, hospital staff from Tampere University Hospital (TAYS) and members of a local allotment garden association.
– Next, I will be meeting with dog enthusiasts, disc golfers and several peer planning groups. We genuinely want to take into account the wishes of a wide variety of outdoor recreation users and hear the views of local residents.
In the online survey, users can mark their wishes and suggestions for the hiking trails directly on a map. Feedback can also be provided on the existing hiking trails and rest areas in the region. In addition, the survey explores how hiking trails are used and what aspects of the outdoor experience are most important to visitors. An open comment section is available for additional feedback. Completing the survey takes approximately 5 to 10 minutes. The survey is available in Finnish and English.
The survey is open from 10 August to 4 September 2026. The results will be published during autumn 2026.
– We hope to receive responses from both residents living near Kauppi-Niihama and all other users of the area. Please feel free to respond from the perspective of your favourite outdoor activity and tell us what you would like to see in the future, says Mikkola.
Mikkola notes that now is an excellent time to influence the planning process, as the hiking trails plan is currently being developed and implementation will begin as early as next year.
Visitors can also discuss the trail planning project at EcoFellows information stand during the Taidemetsä Festival on 29 August 2026 from 2 pm to 8 pm at Niihama Outdoor Lodge. The event is organised by the Häme District of the The Finnish Nature Association (Luontoliitto Hämeen piiri ry). Admission is free and open to everyone. Café and sauna services are available for a fee.
The entire Kauppi-Niihama area is being planned through close collaboration between different units of the City of Tampere. Planning takes into account factors such as the preparation of a nature conservation area, new residential developments, public transport connections, accessibility and the area's recreational service needs.
The hiking trails planning process builds on a peer planning study conducted in 2019, which involved residents and various stakeholder groups. The material compiled the views and plans of local residents and community groups. The City of Tampere’s recreational services are guided by the Outdoor recreation services programme 2026–2035.
