More than 40 rides make PowerPark in Härmä a distinctive destination in South Ostrobothnia. Attractions also include go-kart tracks, mini golf, a 5D cinema and the Imagine Nation Troll Village. Those interested in nature and landscapes can discover a very different side of the region: Lauhanvuori National Park preserves geological traces from the Ice Age, including extensive boulder fields and ancient shoreline ridges.
Bog landscapes and trails
Lauhanvuori National Park offers several ways to experience the landscape. A viewing tower overlooks forests and bogs. The 23.2-kilometre Lauhanvuori Hiking Trail is a circular route through the national park and its surroundings; boardwalks cross the bogs. In Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park, too, wooden boardwalks lead through bogs, past forest lakes and to birdwatching towers. The Geopark route in South Ostrobothnia passes through both national parks.
The accessible Kanavapuisto Nature Trail in Lappajärvi is a different scale: it is 1.2 kilometres long and runs along wooden boardwalks. Along the route, 14 information boards explain the trees, while another eight focus on stones. The two distances, 1.2 and 23.2 kilometres, provide a concrete comparison of the route lengths; the trails also differ in their design and the subjects you encounter along the way.
The Crater Lake UNESCO Global Geopark extends across eastern South Ostrobothnia, covering Alajärvi, Evijärvi, Lappajärvi and Vimpeli. The South Ostrobothnian Booze Cruise is another named option for cyclists: this cycling route runs through Isokyrö, Kurikka, Ilmajoki and Seinäjoki. The place names and routes offer different points of reference if you are considering nature experiences or a tour through several municipalities as part of your travel plans.
Culture, architecture and crafts
In Seinäjoki, the administrative and cultural centre comprises six Aalto buildings and the new Apila Library. Aalto Centre is close to the railway station area and can be reached on foot in a short time. Architecture and practical orientation come together here, without requiring a fixed sightseeing itinerary.
Another historical landmark is Orisberg Manor, the only manor house in South Ostrobothnia. Its history dates back to an ironworks founded in 1676. In Kauhava, meanwhile, craftsmanship is still practised today: at the Iisakki Järvenpää knife factory, knives, sheaths and their components are still made by hand. The factory building also houses a factory shop and a museum area about the history of the knife and Iisakki Järvenpää.
Väinöntalo, the Järviseutu Museum, explores rural everyday life in the 19th century. Traditional crafts, beliefs, fishing culture and rural customs offer different ways to discover this way of life. The museum is open in summer; take this seasonal opening into account when planning your visit.
Flavours and special occasions
Kyrö Distillery Company welcomes visitors to an old dairy building on the Kyrö River. Its visitor centre offers tastings and guided tours. The Kyrö Dinner Package combines a distillery tour with a tasting and a dinner prepared using locally sourced ingredients. There are several ways to enjoy the distillery: a tour, a tasting, or an evening that also includes a meal together.
In Isokyrö, the historic church district provides the setting for the 18th Century Market. The market takes place on the second weekend of August and draws tens of thousands of visitors over a few days. If you plan to include this event in your trip, check the specific event dates in advance. This recurring time of year can help with planning without implying a particular date.
Choose experiences to suit your interests
Animal encounters are another option in the region: Ähtäri Zoo is Finland’s first wildlife park and is home to more than 50 animal species, including giant pandas and Nordic animals. For trips on the water, the Kuortane Sports Institute rents out canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and a traditional church boat. Check rental availability before you arrive.
The options range from rides and animal species to geological landscapes, architecture, crafts and food experiences. You can decide which of these themes will shape your stay based on your own interests. If you are looking for accommodation, it helps to first prioritise the experiences and places that matter to you, then choose a suitable base for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Kätkänjoki, Länsikylä, Kurikka, Soini, Alavus, Kuortane, Närvijoki, Ähtäri, Lapua, Kauhava, Töysä, Peräseinäjoki, Ojutkangas, Myllykangas, Seinäjoki, Lehtimäki, Isojoki, Alajärvi, Jalasjärvi, Ilmajoki, Härmä, Karijoki.
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