Survey: Kauppi–Niihama users want year‑round trails, better access and dedicated routes

An online public survey of Kauppi–Niihama hiking routes, held 10 August–4 September 2026, found users prioritise year‑round trails, free access and activity‑specific routes. The questionnaire, run by Ekokumppanit Oy, collected 509 responses, about half from residents living immediately next to Kauppi‑Niihama. Respondents ranked year‑round routing highest (55%), followed by free access (46%) and separate routes for different activities (34%). City planners say the results largely align with draft proposals and have prompted tweaks to route alignments, extra rest spots and benches, and clearer plans for graveling or boardwalks where required. Kaisa Mikkola, nature recreation planner at Ekokumppanit, noted most people want trails to stay natural and for repairs to be targeted to very wet or uneven sections to prevent erosion.

The findings follow the earlier plan to upgrade outdoor recreation services in Kauppi–Niihama for 2026–28 the 2026–28 recreation upgrade plan. Participants mapped more than 100 suggested routes, many focused on developing the Näsijärvi shoreline as a quiet, natural path and on creating an all‑season link to the Niihama outdoor lodge from Kauppi sports park or the Alasjärvi direction. Proposals also covered routes around Alasjärvi and up Hepovuori. Key connections mentioned include the Kurasuora between Alasjärvi and Niihama outdoor lodge and the Kaupinlaakso link.

Mountain biking divided opinion. Suggested measures included tougher trail surfaces, separate mountain bike and dog trails and clearer signage. Respondents also asked for lean‑tos, campfire sites and viewing benches at spots such as the Pirunvuori summit and the Kuntokolmonen shoreline. YLE adds that walkers specifically want more guidance and rest opportunities marked along the Pirunvuori summit area, on the Kuntokolmonen route and on the Kauppi–Tapatora shoreline. Planners stress the aim is to protect valuable nature while enabling recreation by improving and marking existing paths; the work will draw on 2019 co‑design material and Tampere’s Hiking Service Programme 2026–2035.

A public discussion meeting with route draft maps and Ekokumppanit’s presentation is scheduled for 6 October 2026, 16:30–19:00 at Vapriikki museum centre public meeting details. YLE reports that it will be held on a Tuesday evening at Museokeskus Vapriikki, where the city will display a draft hiking route plan. The draft is due by the end of 2026, with implementation beginning in 2027.