Kurikka offers a variety of things to focus on during your stay: nature trails, the steep-sided river valley at Jyllinkoski, disc golf and sites of cultural history. When planning your trip, it’s worth deciding first whether you’d prefer to include short walks, longer routes or cultural and historical sites.

Nature trails of varying lengths

The Autionmaa nature trails run along the border between Kurikka and Kauhajoki, with routes in both cities. The shorter trail starts at the Paulapieksut shelter, at Autiomaantie 515 in Kurikka. The two longer options differ considerably in length: the Laitasaari Nature Trail is about 13 kilometres long, while the Flintanoja Nature Trail is about 5.5 kilometres long. Varied terrain and changes in elevation are characteristic of the Laitasaari Trail. This lets you connect the trail length with a specific landscape feature without treating the routes as alike.

At Jyllinkoski, a nature trail follows the edges of a steep-sided river valley to Kiskonniemi; the round trip is about 1.5 kilometres. Most of the area is a nature reserve and includes floodplain forests. There is also a separate family trail there, just under one kilometre round trip, which is suitable for strollers. The two trails differ both in length and in their described routes: one leads to Kiskonniemi, while the other is the shorter option for a walk with a stroller.

The Nuijapolku can be walked along its entire length and can also be ridden by mountain bike. At the rockiest sections, you may need to carry your bike for longer stretches. If you tackle the trail by mountain bike, be sure to take this possibility into account when planning. Another activity is available at the disc golf course by Kurikka Central Stadium: it has ten holes, is close to the town centre and is also suitable for strollers.

Cultural history in Kurikka

The Kurikka Museum features exhibitions on Kurikka’s history and culture. Its church museum displays artefacts from the old church, built in 1672. Kurikka’s stone cross church was completed in 1847 and built by Erik Kuorikoski. The history of electricity generation is presented at Jyllinkosken Sähköpuisto and its associated museum buildings. Industrial history is another possible focus: the oldest building of Kurikan Lakkitehdas was completed in 1913 and is considered Kurikka’s oldest industrial building. Its exterior is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency.

Getting around and getting there

Kurikka is located on Finnish National Road 3. Buses connect Kurikka with regional centres as well as Jurva and Jalasjärvi; check the timetables for your chosen travel date. As a guide, Seinäjoki railway station is about half an hour from Kurikka town centre. This approximate travel time varies depending on the route and conditions.

Nature trails, a river valley, sports and cultural history offer different points of interest; which ones you combine depends on what you’d like to experience during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Länsikylä, Seinäjoki, Isojoki, Härmä, Lehtimäki, Kauhava, Myllykangas, Karijoki.

For the broader travel overview: South Ostrobothnia.