Discover Kauhajoki

Kauhajoki can be explored through a wide variety of routes and landscapes, from marked circular trails through rural cultural landscapes to boardwalks in a raised bog area. There are also cycling and winter sports activities, as well as museums and historic farmsteads. When planning, you can compare trail lengths, terrain and their particular highlights to decide which experiences you want to shape your stay.

Hiking trails through cultural landscapes and nature

In the Hyypänjokilaakso, a network of marked circular trails runs through a rural cultural landscape; the routes are between 5 and 17 kilometres long. The 1.9-kilometre Katikankierros offers a different challenge: this demanding circular trail runs along the slopes of Katikankanjoni and along the bottom of a stream valley. The information on length and difficulty helps distinguish this route from the longer circular trails in the valley.

The Kauhalammin kierros runs along boardwalks around Kauhalammi, the largest lake in a protected raised bog area. At Ikkelänjoki, the Partiopolku follows the river through a spruce forest landscape; you may be able to spot signs of beavers along the river. The two trails highlight different aspects of nature: here, the raised bog and boardwalks shape the landscape; there, it is the river and spruce forest.

Day trips and active experiences

The routes to the laavus (lean-to shelters) also differ considerably. Hangonkangas Laavu is an easy day-trip destination for the whole family, located 50 metres from the starting point. Sikarämäkkä Laavu is reached via an easy, one-kilometre access route. It is easy to reach year-round and is supplied with firewood. The stated access-route distances provide a practical guide when choosing between the two destinations.

Kauhajoki’s cycling routes are part of the Two Billion Year Tours cycling network. It extends across nine municipalities in the Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark. Kauhajoki has around 200 kilometres of snowmobile routes; exact conditions and maintenance may vary. Check them if you are planning a ride.

The Sotka biathlon stadium has 30 shooting lanes and a floodlit ski and fitness trail with routes of 5 and 8.5 kilometres. In total, around 6.5 kilometres of ski trails are floodlit. Operating conditions may change, so it is advisable to check current availability before visiting. Sotkanrinteet has two ski slopes, each around 600 metres long, and a free practice slope with a small lift; availability may also vary here.

Motorsports enthusiasts will find tracks for motocross, speedway, dirt track, karting, rallycross and Jokkis at the Sotka motorsports venue. These six disciplines give the venue a different focus from the skiing and biathlon activities.

Museums, farmstead history and culture week

The Kauhajoki Local Heritage Museum displays buildings and objects that illustrate rural life from the 19th century to the 1940s. At the Eduskuntamuseo, visitors can see the plenary chamber, photographs and other materials from the Winter War period. The two museums thus offer different ways to explore history.

Hämes-Havunen is one of the few old farmsteads preserved in South Ostrobothnia. It includes a double courtyard and is also an example of an Ostrobothnian farmhouse built for a particular place and its surroundings. The Kriuhnaasu Culture Week, held every spring, is for residents of all ages, from infants to older people. Its programme includes music, dance, theatre, spoken word, lectures, art exhibitions and village evenings, among other things; programmes vary from year to year.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kiviperä, Pyhäntä, Nastola, Merijärvi, Yli-Valli, Kempele, Kiiminki, Pudasjärvi.

For the broader travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.