Suodenniemi: Nature Trails, History and Views

Suodenniemi offers several options to consider when planning your stay: nature trails wind through forest and rocky landscapes, the views and local traditions shape the character of Pirulanvuori, and the church and local history museum tell the story of the area. There are also seasonal events and other natural attractions. Choose what to focus on according to your interests.

Views from Pirulanvuori and Local Traditions

The observation tower on Pirulanvuori is about 15 metres high. The drop in elevation to Palojärvi below is more than 60 metres. The tower is next to the lake landscape depicted on the reverse of the Finnish one-euro coin. There are places to sit around the tower where you can enjoy food you have brought with you.

Pirulanvuori is also associated with a local tradition: the mountain was said to be home to devils. It was also believed that landslides on its steep slope foretold wars. These stories are among the traditional interpretations of the area. They offer a different way to experience Pirulanvuori than its lake views and striking changes in elevation.

Hiking Trails and Landscapes

The Lahdenperä nature trail is a circular route that can be walked in either direction. The full route is about six kilometres long. It winds through forest and rocky landscapes, where visitors can observe animals and plants. From the summit of Maununvuori on the trail, you can see the tower of Suodenniemi Church and tall wind turbines; the view of the turbines may change as the infrastructure changes.

The Lahdenperä trailhead is about eight kilometres from the centre of Suodenniemi. Parking is available along Lemmetynperäntie near the trailhead. This distance refers to the trailhead, not the length of the hiking trail: the circular route is about six kilometres in total.

The Suodenniemi–Kaituri hiking area has a different focus. Its landscape includes rocky areas, forested lake shores and various types of forest. Signposts, trail markers and maps have been updated, and the routes are clearly marked on the ground. Fishing is possible at the forest lakes, subject to any local fishing regulations. On the shore of Alinen Vehkajärvi, there is a campsite for hikers with a shelter, a covered rest area and a sauna available for rent. Check the sauna rental arrangements before your trip.

Individual places and seasons also offer their own reasons to plan a visit: families with children can picnic at the Kaituri hut. In summer, the city’s conservation grazing sheep graze by Kourajärvi, near Kelaranta public beach in Suodenniemi. Concerts and other events are held in summer in the spacious grounds of the local history museum; this does not indicate a specific event date.

Church, Cemetery and Local History Museum

Suodenniemi’s wooden church was designed by A. W. Arppe in 1831. Its bell tower dates from 1839 and was designed by C. L. Engel. The church is listed as a protected building in the church property strategy for 2022–2026. The altarpiece, “Christ in Gethsemane,” was painted by Ingeborg Malmström.

The church’s history is connected with events of the Finnish Civil War and the Second World War. During the Second World War, an air surveillance station was located in its tower. Suodenniemi’s oldest cemetery is on the shore of Kirkkojärvi.

The local history museum is in the centre of Suodenniemi, right next to the church on the slope of Koippurinmäki. The museum grounds include a Satakunta double dwelling, a windmill and granary buildings. One of the granary buildings dates from 1713. Local handicrafts are sold in the museum shop. Alongside the church buildings, historic buildings and crafts offer more to explore during a stay in Suodenniemi.

Discover more destinations: Siuro, Suinula, Nokia, Toijala, Karhe, Ikaalinen, Terälahti, Urjala.

For the overview of the wider region: Pirkanmaa.