Kurikka: Nature Trails, Cultural History and Family Routes

Kurikka combines nature trails with insights into local history and excursions that vary in length and terrain. The Nuijapolku can be walked along its entire length. It can also be cycled by mountain bike; on the rockiest sections, you may need to carry the bike for longer stretches. If you plan to cycle the route, take these sections into account.

Nature Trails Between Kurikka and Kauhajoki

The Autionmaa nature trails run along the border between Kurikka and Kauhajoki, with routes in both towns. The shorter route starts at the Paulapieksut hut, Autiomaantie 515, Kurikka. Here, a specific starting point is therefore important for finding your way. Among the named trails, the Laitasaari nature trail is about 13 km long. It has varied terrain and elevation changes. The Flintanoja nature trail is about 5.5 km long. The different route lengths and the terrain of the Laitasaari trail can help you choose a trip based on the features you are looking for.

River Valley and Floodplain Forests at Jyllinkoski

Most of the Jyllinkoski area is a nature reserve with floodplain forests. The Jyllinkoski nature trail follows the edges of a steep-sided river valley to Kiskonniemi and is about 1.5 km long there and back. There is also a family trail just under 1 km long there and back, which is well suited to pushchairs.

Kurikka’s History in Museums and Buildings

The Kurikka Museum presents exhibitions on the history and culture of Kurikka. The church museum on the same site displays artefacts from the old church, built in 1672. Local and church history are therefore among the subjects you can explore there through exhibitions and historical objects.

Another building with a specific completion date is Kurikka’s stone cross church: it was completed in 1847 and built by Erik Kuorikoski. Kurikka also has a place associated with the history of electricity generation. This history is presented at Jyllinkoski Power Park and in its museum buildings. The oldest building of the Kurikan Lakkitehdas was completed in 1913 and is considered Kurikka’s oldest industrial building. Its exterior is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency.

Another Pushchair-Friendly Activity

The disc golf course at Kurikkaer Central Stadium is near the centre of Kurikka. It has ten holes and can also be used with a pushchair. It complements the pushchair-friendly loop at Jyllinkoski with a different kind of activity to enjoy together.

Getting There and Finding Your Way During Your Stay

Kurikka is located on Finnish National Road 3 and is connected by bus to regional centres as well as to Jurva and Jalasjärvi. Seinäjoki railway station is about half an hour from the centre of Kurikka. When choosing a holiday rental as a base for your stay, your planned excursions can help you decide where to go: for the Autionmaa nature trails, knowing the starting point of the shorter route is useful; culture enthusiasts can explore a range of subjects at the museum, church museum and other historic sites. Also bear in mind that the Autionmaa routes extend across Kurikka and Kauhajoki.

More Destinations

Isojoki, Karijoki, Töysä, Ojutkangas, Ilmajoki, Härmä, Seinäjoki, Soini.

For the main travel overview: South Ostrobothnia.