Kronoby

Kronoby combines nature experiences in the village with cultural history and special collections. The Kärleksstigen nature trail runs through the centre; at Skalasträsket, you can see another side of the area. There are also opportunities for exercise at Kronoby sports hall and places to visit around the vicarage, museums and historic sites. Which of these aspects interests you most may be the deciding factor when choosing Kronoby as a holiday destination.

Nature trail and village lake

The Kärleksstigen is approximately 1 km long and starts at Torgare Vicarage, Torgarevägen 22, 68500 Kronoby. It ends at the Motionstrappan, Söderpårasvägen 123, 68500 Kronoby. Along the trail, signs tell children about animals and nature and give them small tasks. The route thus combines outdoor exercise with brief information and interactive activities. The nature trail is also historically significant to the cultural environment of Torgare Vicarage.

The Motionstrappan is an exercise staircase; the Kärleksstigen can be combined with several rounds there. If you are interested in this combination, you can include both stops in your day’s plans. Another landmark is the Gustavsrundan, which starts at the car park at Söderpårasvägen 109, 68500 Kronoby.

The lake Skalasträsket lies in the middle of the village and, despite its location, remains entirely in a natural state. Swans and red-necked grebes have been observed nesting at the lake. The nature trail and the lake represent different ways of experiencing nature in Kronoby: one is a route with signs and activities, while the other is a naturally preserved village lake where nesting birds have been observed.

Exercise and culture in Kronoby

At Kronoby sports hall, you can play volleyball, floorball, korfball, badminton, tennis, gymnastics, football and handball. The hall covers 782 m² and can be divided into three sections. It also has an eight-metre-high climbing wall. The hall therefore offers a range of sporting activities in one place, from ball games to climbing.

Torgare Vicarage has been Kronoby’s cultural centre for centuries. Visitors interested in vehicles and Finnish automotive history will find a unique private collection at the Saab Museum, where hundreds of Saab cars are on display. Another collection is dedicated to agriculture: the Bjarne Holmlund Tractor Museum in Kronoby houses more than 40 tractors restored by Bjarne Holmlund himself.

Nearby is Tolvmansgården, an 18th-century farm with an unusual design. It serves as the local history museum for the Kronoby district. The Gammaldags Market, featuring local vendors, is also held at Tolvmansgården every year on the first Saturday in August. Its main attraction is Köttsoppa, a meat soup. The market combines a visit to the historic farm with regional products and a local speciality.

Historic sites nearby

On Jouxholmen, Cronoholmens Skeppsvarv has a visitor area with an exhibition house. It describes the history of the area and the work of the shipwrights who worked for the Crown in Kronoby and Karlskrona. The old cemetery remains on the site of the former Korpholmen hospital. In 2006–2007, a church modelled on the old church and a bell tower were also built there. An exhibition hut with maps and a miniature model provides further information about the site.

Påras Chapel also has clearly defined visiting hours: it is open to visitors seasonally, from Walpurgis Night to All Saints’ Day; guided tours can be arranged by appointment. If you include these historic destinations in your trip, consider Kronoby when looking for a holiday apartment.

More destinations: Kärsämäki, Veteli, Reisjärvi, Paimio, Hankamäki, Kiiminki, Vieremä and Utajärvi.

For the overview of the wider region: Northern Ostrobothnia.