Sastamala: Book History, Nature and Routes

Sastamala offers several distinct ways to explore the area: Finnish book history takes centre stage at Pukstaavi, Ritajärvi is a protected natural area, and there is also a theme park, a museum of regional history and two longer routes. This range makes your personal travel focus a useful place to start. Would you like to explore exhibitions, immerse yourself in worlds from children's literature, experience nature or cover a longer distance? You can use this choice as a starting point when looking for a holiday rental.

Ritajärvi: Protected Area and Shared Facilities

The Ritajärvi Nature Reserve is located in the centre of Sastamala and covers 127 hectares. The facilities at the rest areas are also straightforward to plan around: the Louhi shelter and Paavinhattu kota cannot be reserved. Their outdoor areas, fire pits, jetty and dry toilet are available to everyone enjoying the outdoors at any time. Check the condition of the facilities before you arrive.

Book History and Regional History in Kirjakortteli

In Kirjakortteli, the Suomalaisen kirjan museo Pukstaavi explores the 500-year history of the Finnish book. Its main exhibition covers different aspects of this subject: bookshelves in Finnish homes, the world of 17th-century printers and the remarkable lives of writers. Together, these perspectives range from the bookshelves in people’s homes and the world of printing to the lives of writers.

In the same Kirjakortteli district, the Sastamalan seudun museo presents the history of the region and preserves its cultural heritage. It hosts events, provides services and organises cultural heritage activities. While Pukstaavi focuses on Finnish book history, this museum turns its attention to the region’s past: two distinct cultural themes to consider when planning your trip.

Kirjakahvila Pukstaavi and the Pukstaavi Museum Shop are open to visitors during museum opening hours. Plan your café and shop visit within those hours, and check the current schedule if you’d like to include both in your museum visit.

Children’s Book Worlds at Herra Hakkarainen

Herra Hakkaraisen talo offers a different kind of experience: this theme park attraction in Sastamala is based on the children’s books of writer Mauri Kunnas. Detailed settings invite visitors to playfully immerse themselves in the stories. Areas include, among others, Herra Hakkarainen’s own home, the Hall of King Arthur’s Knights, a futuristic space world and the Koiramäki children’s town; individual installations may change.

For families who know Mauri Kunnas or would like to discover his books, the theme park is a destination in its own right. Unlike an exhibition, the focus here is on playfully immersing yourself in literary settings.

Two Routes, Two Ways to Travel

The Sastamalan Kirkkovaellus and the Rautareitti cycling route differ in their mode of travel and length. The Kirkkovaellus is a pilgrimage route of about 40 kilometres. It runs from the Karkku district through the centre of Sastamala in Vammala and on to Keikyä on the other side of Sastamala. Rautareitti is 91 kilometres long, links the lake circuit routes around Kulovesi and Rautavesi, and is part of Järvien-Reitit in Sastamala. In terms of distance, the pilgrimage route, at about 40 kilometres, is considerably shorter than the 91-kilometre cycling route.

A Holiday Rental to Suit Your Trip

When choosing a holiday rental, you can start by deciding on your itinerary: are the museums in Kirjakortteli your main focus, or would you like to include Ritajärvi and one of the two routes?

Discover more destinations: Puutikkala, Virrat, Mänttä-Vilppula, Ruovesi, Pirkkala, Västilä, Kämmenniemi, Pälkäne.

For the broader travel overview: Pirkanmaa.