South Ostrobothnia

Nature, culture and things to do in South Ostrobothnia

South Ostrobothnia offers a wide range of reasons to travel: traces of the Ice Age and peatland landscapes sit alongside architecture, traditional crafts and attractions for the whole family. Families travelling with children can make rides and wildlife the main focus of their plans, while nature lovers can explore trails through forests and peatlands. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, it helps to first consider which places and experiences you want to shape your stay.

Geological traces and trails through nature

In Lauhanvuori National Park, extensive boulder fields and raised shorelines of former coastlines tell the story of the Ice Age. An observation tower in the park offers views over forests and peatlands. For a longer hike, the Lauhanvuori Hiking Trail is a 23.2-kilometre circular route in and around the national park. Boardwalks cross the peatlands.

For a shorter nature outing, the accessible Kanavapuisto Nature Trail in Lappajärvi is 1.2 kilometres long and runs along wooden boardwalks. There are 14 information panels about trees and eight about rocks along the trail. This makes nature the focus, with plenty to discover without taking a long hiking route. In Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park, boardwalks lead through peatlands, past forest lakes and to birdwatching towers. The Geopark route in South Ostrobothnia passes through Lauhanvuori and Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas national parks.

The Crater Lake UNESCO Global Geopark extends across Alajärvi, Evijärvi, Lappajärvi and Vimpeli in eastern South Ostrobothnia. This wider geographical area complements individual nature experiences by offering a broader way to plan your trip: you can focus on a particular nature trail, or on landscapes and national parks.

Rides and wildlife

PowerPark in Härmä offers more than 40 rides. It also has karting tracks, mini golf, a 5D cinema and the Imagine Nation Troll Village. For families looking for a day out with a variety of attractions, PowerPark can be a main focus. Ähtäri Zoo is Finland’s first nature zoo and is home to more than 50 animal species, including giant pandas and Nordic animals. Rides and wildlife offer different reasons to visit, which you can plan into your stay according to your interests.

Architecture, crafts and local history

In Seinäjoki, the administrative and cultural centre comprises six Aalto buildings and the new Apila Library. Aalto Centre is close to the railway station area and can be reached from there on foot in a short time. This makes it easy to combine a visit to this architectural ensemble with a stay in Seinäjoki, if you’d like to focus on culture and urban design.

In Kauhava, knives, sheaths and their components are still made by hand at the Iisakki Järvenpää knife factory. The factory building also houses a shop and a museum section devoted to the history of knives and Iisakki Järvenpää. Another historic stop is Orisberg Manor, the only manor house in South Ostrobothnia. Its history dates back to an ironworks founded in 1676. At Väinöntalo, the Järviseutu Museum, you can explore everyday rural life in the 19th century through traditional crafts, beliefs, fishing culture and rural customs. The museum is open in summer.

Food and local produce offer their own reasons to travel, too. The Kyrö Distillery Company visitor centre is in an old dairy building by the Kyrö River and offers tastings and guided tours. The Kyrö Dinner Package includes a distillery tour, a tasting and dinner made with locally sourced ingredients. It’s a specific option for anyone who wants to plan sightseeing and dining together during their stay.

Combine places and travel interests

The 18th Century Market in Isokyrö takes place on the second weekend of August and draws tens of thousands of visitors to the historic church grounds over a few days. If you’re planning a trip for this time, you can make the market a highlight of your visit. For active pursuits, the South Ostrobothnian Booze Cruise cycling route passes through Isokyrö, Kurikka, Ilmajoki and Seinäjoki. Kuortane Sports Institute rents canoes, kayaks, rowing boats and a traditional church boat.

These examples are in different places and cater to different travel interests: nature trails, architecture, crafts, events or activities. So base your search for a holiday apartment or holiday home on the places you actually want to visit. This gives your choice of where to stay a clear connection to your planned holiday in South Ostrobothnia, without having to combine every experience into a single outing.

More subregions

For more information about South Ostrobothnia: Kätkänjoki, Länsikylä, Kurikka, Soini, Alavus, Kuortane, Närvijoki, Ähtäri, Lapua, Kauhava, Töysä, Peräseinäjoki, Ojutkangas, Myllykangas, Seinäjoki, Lehtimäki, Isojoki, Alajärvi, Jalasjärvi, Ilmajoki, Härmä and Karijoki.

For the broader travel overview: Finland.