Urjala: Glass Art, Literature and Nature

Urjala appeals to travelers with a range of interests: glass art and industrial history, literature, and nature trails and observation points. Glassmaking takes center stage in Nuutajärvi, while literary attractions and nature destinations offer other highlights.

Glass Art and History in Nuutajärvi

The Prykäri Glass Museum showcases a representative collection of glass objects made in Nuutajärvi. The collection spans from the 19th century to the present day. Admission includes an audio guide, available in Finnish, Swedish and English.

Nuutajärvi Glassworks is Finland’s oldest glassworks still in operation. Its setting illustrates the living environment of a 19th-century factory. The Lintukoto permanent exhibition presents another side of glass art: it features glass birds designed by artist and professor Oiva Toikka (1931–2019), and tells the story of the birds and Toikka.

Nuutajärvi Manor regularly offers guided tours of the estate’s history, which began at the end of the 16th century and spans more than 400 years. Tour schedules are published separately; if a guided tour is central to your visit, check the dates in advance.

Nature Destinations and Trails

Nuutajärvi’s swimming beach is on the shore of Lake Rutajärvi, 700 meters from the Glass Village. The nature tower on the shore of Lake Nuutajärvi was built in 2019. It is opposite the Glass Village, on the other side of Nuutajärventie, and can be reached on foot from the village. Near the reeds, the operator recommends approaching quietly.

In Pölkinvuori, a 1 km guided nature trail runs through the Flower Park and Forest Garden to a viewing platform at an elevation of 163 meters. The Flower Park and Forest Garden are home to 400,000 bulb flowers in spring and early summer; the exact blooming time varies. The operator publishes seasonal opening information separately, so it is worth checking the latest details before visiting.

Pölkinvuori’s Picnic Hill has several picnic table sets and a hut for up to 15 people. Reservation terms may change; check them directly with the operator before planning to use the hut. A viewpoint in Pölkinvuori offers a forested horizon extending more than 40 km.

The Airanteen askellus loop trail is about 6 km long, easy to walk and signposted; it runs between Nuutajärvi Glass Village and Kajabaca Winery. The trail information makes two different options easy to compare: the guided nature trail in Pölkinvuori is 1 km long, while Airanteen askellus is a signposted loop of about 6 km. This lets you compare the stated trail lengths with your outing plans.

On the shore of Lake Kortejärvi, a nature tower provides a birdwatching point and a place to rest. In the village center of Urjala, an accessible nature trail leads to the Laukeela shelter.

Literature and Travel Routes

The annual Pentinkulman päivät, a nationally significant literary event, has been held since 1978 in Urjala, the hometown of writer Väinö Linna. The guided Väinö Linna Route also has a literary connection: it passes through landscapes that served as the setting for the trilogy Täällä Pohjantähden alla, and began in Urjala.

Within the municipality of Urjala, the national Taikayön Tourist Route loops around Lake Rutajärvi. The route runs from Urjala via Punkalaidun to Huittinen.

Discover more destinations: Terälahti, Suinula, Virrat, Vaskivesi, Mänttä, Ruovesi, Västilä, Ikaalinen

For the overview of the wider region: Pirkanmaa.