Nastola – Nature, Culture and History

Nastola combines natural attractions with culture and local history. When planning your stay, it is worth considering the different highlights: the natural areas vary in trail lengths, lakeside settings, and facilities, while cultural centers, churches, and historic mills offer other points of interest. You can decide whether to include marked hiking trails, a short boardwalk, exhibitions, or historic sites in your trip.

Nature Trails and Protected Areas

Lapakisto Nature Reserve covers 230 hectares and borders the shore of Lake Pitkäjärvi to the west, Ahvenlampi to the north, and the shore of Lake Kalliojärvi to the east. The area has five marked hiking trails with a combined length of 23 km. This figure describes the trail network as a whole, not a single trail. Lapakisto also has five fire pits and one lean-to shelter.

An accessible path leads from the parking area on Ristikankaantie to a fire pit; there is a dry toilet in the parking area. Check local conditions before setting out. This way, you will have the information about the path and facilities to hand when planning a visit to the protected area.

Sammalsillansuo Nature Reserve covers 22.33 ha. An approximately 600 m-long boardwalk runs through the area, connecting to Sammalsillantje at both ends. In comparison, the 600 m refers to a single trail section, while the 23 km is spread across the five marked hiking trails in Lapakisto. This gives you two different scales for planning your routes, though the figures describe different types of routes.

An accessible nature trail leads north from Sammalsillantie to the shore of Lake Sylvöjärvi. There is a birdwatching tower there. This trail combines nature interpretation with birdwatching; its lakeside setting is a different highlight from the boardwalk through Sammalsillansuo.

Cultural Sites and Local History

Taidekeskus Taarasti, a versatile cultural center in Nastola, is located on the shore of Lake Pikku-Kukkasjärvi. Its exhibition hall covers 240 m². The covered stage and audience area provide a suitable setting for concerts and other events. If you plan to visit for a specific event, check the date in advance.

Nastola Church is a wooden cruciform church completed in 1804. Its bell tower had originally been built before 1760 and was moved to its current location in 1804. The dates mark different phases of construction: the tower dates from earlier than the completion of the church, and it was moved in the same year the church was completed.

Ancient watermill sites are located at Immilänkosket. The oldest frame saw there was already in operation in the 1770s. In summer, there is a Myllykahvila café, as well as exhibitions and various events. In recent years, popular open-air concerts and Myllyjazz have been among the events held there. The café is seasonal; check current opening arrangements and event dates before visiting.

Sports in Pajulahti

Pajulahti offers a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports activities for people of all ages and skill levels. The activities are suitable for both groups and individuals. They include an adventure park and StarJump. Since individual activities may change, check what is currently on offer before planning your visit. This will help you assess the options based on whether you are traveling alone or in a group, and which activities might suit your stay.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Raahe, Keitele, Pudasjärvi, Arvaja, Keskijärvi, Veteli, Pornainen, Kuusamo.

For the main travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.