Pylkönmäki: Lakes, Church and Cultural Landscape

Pylkönmäki combines a layered church history with a hilly cultural landscape and a range of activities. The church, the Mulikka–Laatokka route and the ski trails represent different sides of the area: architecture, historic farmsteads and seasonal activities. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider which of these aspects you want to shape your trip. This helps you choose based on specific interests rather than just the place name.

Church and Architectural History

Pylkönmäki’s church was designed by Jaakko Kuorikoski and inaugurated in 1864. Its original furnishings include a pulpit carved by Taavetti Pajunen, a local farmer, and a collection box in the shape of a poor man. The carved pulpit and the figurative shape of the collection box offer contrasting details. Another architectural layer is associated with the young architect Alvar Aalto: in 1926, renovation drawings were commissioned according to his plans. Under Aalto’s plan, the church was given vertical timber cladding, and the tower spire was lowered. The inauguration, original furnishings and later design show different chapters in the building’s history, rather than just a single snapshot.

The Mulikka–Laatokka Route

The Mulikka–Laatokka route showcases typical local architecture and landscapes. Along the route are six small farmsteads built between 1900 and 1920 for people in poverty and smallholders, as well as a small chapel. The period in which they were built and the people they were intended for give the farmsteads a specific social context: these are not simply old buildings, but structures built for people with limited means and small farming operations. This makes the route different from the church as a single building; it draws attention to several farmsteads and a chapel in Pylkönmäki’s cultural landscape. Those interested in architecture and everyday history will find a local perspective here alongside the history of the church building.

Forests, Lakes and Pastureland

Pylkönmäki is characterized by a hilly forest landscape. Around 60 lakes and ponds, surrounded by farms and pastureland, are also part of the local scenery. The landscape therefore includes more than just forest and water; agricultural land is another part of its character. When planning your trip, you can weigh this focus on the landscape against the historical attractions and activities. This makes it easier to choose a holiday apartment based on what matters most to you during your stay.

Ski Trails, Disc Golf and an Artificial Turf Pitch

Several cross-country ski trails of varying lengths offer a seasonal change: in winter, cross-country skiing takes center stage, while in summer the trails are used for running and walking. Some of the routes are lit. Near the school is a free disc golf practice course with seven holes, suitable for all skill levels. The markings are incomplete and should be taken into account when finding your way around the course. The school center also has a lit artificial turf pitch that can be used free of charge outside school hours. The facilities differ in season, sport and the stated conditions of use. This allows you to choose activities based on the kind of exercise you want, without treating the ski trails, practice course and artificial turf pitch as interchangeable.

Rapids and Pönkkä Pulling

Fishing is another interest to explore: the many fish-rich rapids make Pylkönmäki particularly appealing to anglers. “Pönkkä Pulling,” a tractor hill-pulling competition set in the area’s hilly landscape, offers a different kind of attraction. The course is just under 300 metres long, with a height difference of 20 metres. These measurements give the competition a distinct profile, setting it apart from the walking and sports facilities. If you are planning your trip around the competition, check the current event dates and conditions.

Discover more destinations: Häkkilä, Lannevesi, Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Kyyjärvi, Kinnula, Keuruu, Juokslahti.

For the broader travel overview: Central Finland.