Discover Suodenniemi

Suodenniemi combines impressive landscapes with a layered local history. A lookout tower above Lake Palojärvi, a nature trail through forest and rock, and historic buildings give a trip a variety of focal points. Families can include nature watching, excursions to the hiking area, and cultural discoveries in their holiday plans.

Views and nature around Suodenniemi

A lookout tower about 15 metres high stands on Pirulanvuori. The drop in elevation to Lake Palojärvi below is more than 60 metres. Next to the tower is the lake landscape depicted on the reverse of the Finnish one-euro coin. There are places to sit near the lookout tower where you can enjoy food you have brought along. This means you can also combine a visit with a picnic break of your own.

Pirulanvuori is also associated with a local legend: the mountain was said to be home to devils. According to the legend, landslides on its steep slope were understood as a warning of wars. This story adds a cultural dimension to the striking slope, offering a distinct way to experience the place alongside the views of the landscape.

The Lahdenperä nature trail is a circular route about 6 km long that can be walked in either direction. It passes through forest and rock landscapes where visitors can observe animals and plants. From the summit of Maununvuori along the trail, you can see the tower of Suodenniemi Church and tall wind turbines. The trailhead is about 8 km from the centre of Suodenniemi; parking is available near the trailhead along Lemmetynperäntie. The trail’s length and location are useful points of reference when planning a nature excursion for the day.

The Suodenniemi-Kaituri hiking area features other types of landscape, including rocky areas, forested lake shores, and various types of forest. The routes are clearly marked on the ground; signs, markings, and maps have been updated. Fishing is possible at the forest lakes. On the shore of Lake Alinen Vehkajärvi, the Kaituri hiking area has a campsite for hikers with a shelter, a covered rest area, and a sauna available for rent. Families with children can have a picnic at the Kaituri cabin.

Church, museum, and local history

Suodenniemi Church is a protected building. The wooden church was designed by A. W. Arppe in 1831; the church tower dates from 1839 and was designed by C. L. Engel. The furnishings also have a specific connection to the area’s art history: the altarpiece “Christ in Gethsemane” was painted by Ingeborg Malmström. Suodenniemi’s oldest cemetery is on the shore of Lake Kirkkojärvi.

The local history museum is in the centre of Suodenniemi, right next to the church on the slope of Koippurinmäki. The grounds feature a Satakunta-style double dwelling, a windmill, and granary buildings; one of the granary buildings dates from 1713. Local handicrafts are sold in the museum shop. In summer, concerts and other events are held in the museum’s spacious courtyard. The church was involved in events during the Finnish Civil War and the Second World War; during the Second World War, an air surveillance station was located in its tower.

The landscape around Kelaranta also has a distinctive seasonal feature: in summer, municipal landscape-management sheep graze by Lake Kourajärvi, near Kelaranta’s public beach in Suodenniemi. With viewpoints, walking trails, and local history, you can cater to a variety of interests when choosing Suodenniemi as your holiday destination.

More places to discover: Virrat, Siuro, Kolunkylä, Mouhijärvi, Karhe, Kihniö, Ikaalinen, Puutikkala.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Pirkanmaa.