Come on an adventure with children to Uutela to learn about and wonder at the stars and natural phenomena! The Uutela Star Trail is implemented in 2021 as a mobile trail and includes a new Day Trail! Get to know Ursa association's centenary challenge Spot 100 and earn a diploma at the wonders of the sky!

Article cover image: Luontohetkiblogi

In 2021, the Uutela Star Trail can be experienced with the help of a mobile map and as a novelty, the trail features Day stations in addition to the dusk-time stations. Each mobile map point thus has two stations: a STAR station for dark times and a DAY station to experience in daylight.

The year 2021 is the 100th anniversary year of the Astronomical Association, Ursa association, and it is celebrated with the Spot 100 challenge. The Uutela Star Trail stations have been updated to include Spot 100 challenge tasks that can be explored during the day as well. This year you can walk the Uutela Star Trail even in daylight and through its tasks get to know the wonderful phenomena of the universe.

Please note that you may not be able to experience all phenomena at once, but if you succeed in all ten stations, you will earn Ursa's Spot 100 challenge "Everyday Wonder" diploma! So walk the Uutela Day Trail and if you get inspired by pursuing diplomas, also participate in the challenge at www.bongaa100.fi, where you can find instructions for participating.

Also check out Ursa's star map, which has help for identifying constellations.

Welcome to the adventure!

Uutela Star Trail and Day Trail 2021 guide to the phenomena of the sky on Uutela's waterfront trail

This year 2021 the Uutela waterfront trail is explored using mobile technology. The trail starts from the waterfront trail next to Kahvila Kampela and ends at the Niemenapaja fireplace. Follow the route and stations using your phone's location. Each mobile station has both a Star Trail and Day Trail station with tasks.

The Uutela Star Trail mobile map can be found at
Google Earth

We recommend installing the free Google Earth app on your phone so you can follow the route on your phone using a three-dimensional map.
A lighter version of the Uutela Star Trail map can also be found in the Google Maps service.

The station characters are familiar from the book Poppy and Little Bear's Space Journey.

Important notes for a star adventure

Forest trails are not maintained in winter and are explored at your own risk. The trails can occasionally be slippery.

- The Uutela waterfront trail does not have separate reflectors or task stations in the field in 2021. Make sure your phone has battery so you can follow the mobile stations.
- Dress warmly for a winter hike and bring along some warming snacks.
- Unfortunately there are no ready-made firewood at the Niemenapaja fireplace, so those dreaming of campfire snacks should bring their own firewood.
- Move in nature without leaving traces, and clean up your picnic trash.
- Bring a flashlight and warm seat mat for dark adventures.

Implementation of the Star Trail

The Uutela Star Trail is implemented by Luontohetkiblog founder Mira Lainiola and Tuukka Perhoniemi (Ursa association) as well as illustrators Juhani Anttila and Maria Ilvonen. Small Helsinki is also involved in the technical implementation of the trail. You can read more about the adventures of the constellation characters in the book "Poppy and Little Bear's Space Journey".

On the Uutela Star Trail in 2021 you can also go on adventures at Day stations in daylight.