Iso-Äiniö Nature Trail, Asikkala

Behind the cultivated fields in the middle of the village of Iso-Äiniö lies a green area of a couple of hectares that contains lush riverbank, green ponds, rich vegetation, a birdwatching tower, and a cozy lean-to with fire pits. The short nature trail of about a kilometer in Iso-Äiniö runs between two ponds following the Äiniö River's bank. The nature center is an easily accessible destination for plant, bird, and nature excursions for all ages.

At the nature center's swimming spot, Rumpi, you can take a dip in the water of the Äiniö River. There is a pier and a changing cabin on site. Rumppi is where the village children once learned to swim. The Äiniö River has been mentioned in historical writings as early as the 1500s, but presumably there has been settlement even before that. The river originates from Äinäjärvi and flows into Päijänne. The river is nearly 18 km long with a drop of about 66 m.

The area has abundant birdlife. The most striking is a pair of swans that have nested in the area for several years. The information boards along the nature trail tell more about the local nature.

The Iso-Äiniö Nature Center was built during 2011-2012 as a project of the Äinä region village association and received the Asikkala Environmental Award in 2015.