South Ostrobothnia: Bog Landscapes, Geopark and Culture

A lookout tower overlooking forests and bogs, boardwalks through wetlands and a route to Ice Age traces: South Ostrobothnia offers many ways to tailor a trip to your interests. Architecture, crafts and events also shape the choices. The destinations are spread across different locations, so considering the main focus of your trip can help with planning.

Bog trails, Ice Age traces and a Geopark

Lauhanvuori National Park contains geological traces from the Ice Age, including extensive boulder fields and shoreline ridges from former coastlines. A lookout tower in the national park, which is located in Isojoki, offers views of forests and bogs. If you’re planning a longer hike, you can follow the 23.2-kilometre Lauhanvuori Circular Route. It passes through the national park and its surroundings, crossing bogs on boardwalks.

Boardwalks also cross the bogs in Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park. They pass forest lakes and lead to birdwatching towers. The South Ostrobothnia Geopark Route runs through Lauhanvuori and Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Parks. Cyclists may also be interested in the South Ostrobothnian Booze Cruise, which passes through Isokyrö, Kurikka, Ilmajoki and Seinäjoki.

The Crater Lake UNESCO Global Geopark stretches across Alajärvi, Evijärvi, Lappajärvi and Vimpeli in eastern South Ostrobothnia. In Lappajärvi, the accessible Kanavapuisto Nature Trail offers a different scale for a nature visit: it is 1.2 kilometres long, runs along wooden boardwalks and has 14 information boards about trees and eight about rocks. At its stated length, it is considerably shorter than the 23.2-kilometre Lauhanvuori Circular Route, so the trails call for different amounts of time.

Architecture, wildlife and activities

In Seinäjoki, the administrative and cultural centre consists of six Aalto buildings and the new Apila Library. The Aalto Centre is close to the railway station area and can be reached on foot in a short time. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the architecture with getting your bearings in the station area, without needing to plan for a specific walking time.

Those interested in wildlife can see more than 50 animal species at Ähtäri Zoo, including giant pandas and Nordic animals. It is considered Finland’s first nature zoo. PowerPark in Härmä offers a different mix of experiences: alongside more than 40 rides, there are karting tracks, mini golf, a 5D cinema and Imagine Nation Troll Village. Deciding which of these activities you want to focus on can help you choose the right places to stay.

There are also various ways to get out on the water. The Kuortane Sports Institute rents out canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and a traditional church boat. Check current availability before your trip. Near Kyrö, the Kyrö Distillery Company visitor centre is housed in an old dairy building by the Kyrö River, where tasting experiences and guided tours are offered. The Kyrö Dinner Package includes a distillery tour, a tasting and dinner made with locally sourced ingredients. If you’re planning to book this dinner, check current availability.

Crafts, history and seasonal events

Knives, sheaths and their components are still made by hand at the Iisakki Järvenpää Knife Factory in Kauhava. 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, focuses on everyday rural life in the 19th century. Traditional crafts, beliefs, fishing culture and rural customs are among its themes; the museum is open in summer.

Orisberg Manor, the only manor house in South Ostrobothnia, is another historical landmark. Its history dates back to an ironworks established in 1676. The 18th Century Market takes place in Isokyrö on the second weekend in August. Over just a few days, it draws tens of thousands of visitors to the historic church grounds. If you’d like to include the market in your plans, check the dates for your trip.

These places offer different focal points for a stay: nature trails and bog landscapes, architecture in Seinäjoki, crafts in Kauhava or a seasonal museum and market programme.

Discover more destinations

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

See the main travel overview: Finland.