Discover Isokyrö: Napue, church art and active days

If you are considering Isokyrö as a travel destination, you can plan your days around different interests: the history of Napue, church art, or getting active on foot, by bike, and on the Kyrönjoki River. The historical sites and the variety of route profiles offer concrete points to consider when choosing your destination. For a canoe trip, water levels are an additional factor.

Napue and the Kyrönjoki River Valley

The Napue battlefield near Perttilä is the site of the decisive final battle of the Great Northern War. It took place between Perttilä and Turppala on 19 February 1714. The battlefield and Perttilänmäki are located in the Kyrönjoki River Valley, an area of national significance that is designated as one of Finland’s national landscapes. Here, the memory of a specific historical event is connected with a landscape that also holds significance through its national designation.

Another testament to infrastructure history is the steel suspension bridge at Perttilänkoski. It crosses the Kyrönjoki River and was built in 1909–1910. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency maintains it as a museum bridge. Its design, construction period, and function make the bridge a subject in its own right alongside the battlefield: here, the focus is not on the history of war, but on the historic river crossing.

Church art and remembrance

Isonkyrön Vanha kirkko contains 114 wall paintings commissioned by Provost Jaakko Geet in the 1560s. In the churchyard, a memorial stone commemorates the mass grave of the 141 local farmers who fell in the Battle of Napue on 19 February 1714. The wall paintings and the memorial stone represent different ways of engaging with history: one is a collection of church art from the 16th century, while the other preserves the memory of those who fell in battle.

The Leväluhda sacrificial spring is another of Isokyrö’s distinctive historical and archaeological sites. It is located in the village of Orismala and is considered the municipality’s oldest and most mysterious ancient monument. Together with Napue and the old church, it broadens the focus beyond a single event to include the municipality’s diverse historical sites.

Hiking trails with different route profiles

Isokyrö has nine hiking trails, with a total of just over 35 kilometres of routes. The individual routes described vary in length and layout: the Orisberg hiking trail is an 11-kilometre loop around Lake Kotilampi. It follows trails, boardwalks, and forest roads. The Lymmyynen nature trail, by contrast, is an easy 800-metre loop that is well suited to families. The Fatisaari hiking trail is approximately six kilometres long, follows an out-and-back route, and is also rated as easy.

This makes it possible to compare the trails based on specific features, without assuming a walking time: Lymmyynen is the shortest of the three routes described; Orisberg is the longest and includes several types of paths. Fatisaari offers an approximate mid-range distance, but has a different layout from the two loop trails. Check current signage and trail conditions before setting out.

Cycling and paddling on the Kyrönjoki River

Isokyrö’s cycling network starts at the Napue Monument car park and consists of four circular routes with a combined length of just over 100 kilometres. This distance refers to the network of four loops, not to a single route. If you are planning a cycling trip, you can choose between several loops; check current signage and conditions before setting off.

You can canoe or kayak along the entire stretch of the Kyrönjoki River within Isokyrö when water levels are suitable. Water levels vary and are seasonal. Check them before planning a paddling trip. Hiking, cycling, and paddling therefore differ not only in how you get around, but also in the planning details that matter for each: route length and layout for trails, and water levels on the river.

Distillery tours and tastings

Kyrö Distillery in Isokyrö offers distillery tours, and tastings of rye whisky and gin are also available to visitors. This adds another travel theme to the historical sites and outdoor activities. If you would like to include a tour or tasting in your plans, check available dates in advance. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether your trip will focus on the history of Napue, church art, hiking and cycling, or a distillery visit.

Discover more destinations: Nykarleby, Kristinestad, Nordanå, Larsmo, Vörå, Lappfjärd, Iskmo, Vaasa.

For the broader travel overview: Ostrobothnia.