Säkylä is for travelers who want to combine nature and culture on a trip to one destination: Lake Pyhäjärvi sits alongside routes, a local history museum, a church dating from 1776 and a weekly market day. The attractions offer different highlights. You can choose what suits you based on whether you are interested in a paved route, seasonal activities on the lake, local history or regional products.

Routes and Water Activities

The main route of the Säkylä Nature Trail is 22 kilometers long, partly paved and includes about 30 signposted points of interest. The Säkylä Scenic Route is shorter, at 18 kilometers, fully paved and suitable for cycling or roller skating. Length, surface and the stated points of interest or activities are especially useful for comparing the two: the Scenic Route is paved throughout, while the Nature Trail is characterized by its longer main route and signposted points of interest.

Fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, paddling and ice sailing in winter are all possible on Lake Pyhäjärvi in Säkylä. The lake’s island-free waters extend for almost 25 kilometers from north to south. This means that, alongside activities on the water, there are also winter options to consider. Winter on Lake Köyliönjärvi has a different character: it is known for routes for kick sledding and tour skating. Whether these routes are usable depends on ice conditions. The winter activities on the two lakes therefore differ: ice sailing on Lake Pyhäjärvi versus routes on Lake Köyliönjärvi.

Cultural Sites and Local History

King Gustav III’s Church stands in the center of Säkylä and dates from 1776. The local history museum is in a different location: it was founded in 1961 and is in Lehmuunnokka, in the Katinhäntä area on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi. A windmill also stands in Kirkkoaukio; it was once a landmark of Säkylä. Together, these places show different aspects of local history, from the centrally located church to the museum on the lakeshore and the former landmark in the square.

Admission to the local history museum and Korven Museum Mill is free. Check visiting arrangements in advance before planning a visit.

Thursdays at the Market Square

Säkylä’s market day takes place every Thursday at the Market Square, mostly in the morning. Vendors are there from around 8 a.m. until noon. Regional products are often available, including fresh bread and meat and fish products. In summer, local vegetables and berries are also on offer. If you want to make the market a regular part of your stay, check the times and seasonal offerings in advance.

More Things to Do in Town and the Surrounding Region

Säkylä has two longer disc golf courses and the F-Puttipark. Check current availability and visiting arrangements before your visit. Katismaan Island is near the center of Säkylä and is considered a year-round recreational destination, with activities in every season. Specific offerings and access may vary.

In the wider surrounding region is Harjureitti, an outdoor trail about 28 kilometers long. It was established in 1998 and received official outdoor trail status in 2016. Its founding and later designation mark two separate milestones in its history; as a regional trail option, it complements the routes and activities right in Säkylä.

Discover more destinations: Eurajoki, Siikainen, Harjavalta, Eura, Huittinen, Pomarkku, Pori, Aikkila

For the regional travel overview: Satakunta.