Ahvenisto fitness stairs
The lighting of the wooden fitness stairs leading to Ahvenisto’s legendary outdoor swimming area and activity park in Hämeenlinna paints the forest landscape of the nature reserve. Lighting was installed on the underside of the wooden handrails using Airam Rigel light strip together with an aluminium mounting profile. The high-quality LED light is energy-efficient and extends the year-round usability of the area. Above all, the lighting makes movement safe as dusk falls.
Ahvenisto fitness stairs
The lighting of the wooden fitness stairs leading to Ahvenisto’s legendary outdoor swimming area and activity park in Hämeenlinna paints the forest landscape of the nature reserve. Lighting was installed on the underside of the wooden handrails using Airam Rigel light strip together with an aluminium mounting profile. The high-quality LED light is energy-efficient and extends the year-round usability of the area. Above all, the lighting makes movement safe as dusk falls.
In the unique setting of the Ahvenisto nature reserve, wide wooden stairs run from the outdoor area’s car park towards the summit of the Ahvenisto ridge. At the mid-landing of the stairs there is a bench providing a much-needed resting place. The area is heavily used by training groups from nearby sports clubs, daycare groups and other fitness enthusiasts, meaning the stairs are in constant active use. At the top of the stairs, an area has been levelled to provide parking for 30 bicycles.
For the staircase constructed in this sensitive nature reserve, a 3D terrain model was created in advance. The model ensured that the stairs could be installed as close to the ground surface as possible between the trees, allowing them to blend naturally into their surroundings. Wood as a material fits well into the forest landscape and is pleasant for running training.
Light brings safety
The electrical installation was carried out by T Sähkö Oy on commission. The pleasant lighting extends the active use of the stairs, especially during autumn and winter. The downward-directed installation provides users with comfortable, glare-free, indirect light reflected via the terrain.
“The lighting is time-controlled and connected to the city’s street-lighting network together with the area’s pole luminaires,” says Sokrithy Bun from T Sähkö, adding: “In addition to the Ahvenisto stairs, T Sähkö Oy has also implemented similar stair lighting using Airam Rigel II LED light strip in Iittala and Lammi.”
Rigel light strip
“The lighting is time-controlled and connected to the city’s street-lighting network together with the area’s pole luminaires,” says Sokrithy Bun from T Sähkö, adding: “In addition to the Ahvenisto stairs, T Sähkö Oy has also implemented similar stair lighting using Airam Rigel II LED light strip in Iittala and Lammi.”
A citizen initiative led to action
The implementation of the Ahvenisto fitness stairs originated from a citizen initiative by Esko Anttola. The idea was well justified: wide, durable wooden fitness stairs built into the ridge slope increase the area’s use and comfort, but above all provide a safe access route for people exercising in Ahvenisto, leaving the adjacent road for motor traffic.
The staircase was officially taken into use in January 2020, when the final steel-framed, galvanised and powder-coated metal components between the railings and steps were installed. The metal components were manufactured by Markku Juselius Oy, while the construction of the wooden stairs and erection of the steel structures also involved prison labour and local volunteer pensioners under the leadership of initiative originator Anttola. A commendable cultural contribution by the local pensioners!
Climbing the fitness stairs is free of charge and an effective form of exercise.
What was previously a difficult, narrow and steep route has now become a comfortable ascent and descent with a 30-metre rise and 120 metres of stairs. There is no winter maintenance on the 300 steps, but volunteer groups have said they are happy to take up snow brushes when needed.
Ahvenisto fitness stairs – key figures
| 20 kpl | Steel consoles |
| 120 m | Total length |
| 30 m | Vertical rise |
| 300 | Steps |
| 120 m | Airam Rigel II LED light strip |
| 120 m | Airam Rigel II 20 mm mounting profile |