Kankaanpää Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and culture in Kankaanpää, Finland with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Kankaanpää

Located in the picturesque region of Satakunta in the west coast of Finland, Kankaanpää is a charming small town that offers visitors a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Whether you are a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Kankaanpää has something for everyone. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will dive into the best places to visit, things to do, and local culture to give you an unforgettable experience.

List of Places to Visit in Kankaanpää

Below are our top recommendations for places to visit in Kankaanpää, divided into two categories: culturally important attractions and natural attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Finnish Labour Museum Werstas: An interactive museum that explores Finland’s industrial heritage and working-class culture.
  • The Kankaanpää Museum: Exhibiting the town’s cultural history and folk traditions.
  • The Rajamäen Museum: A significant part of the museum’s collection is from the horse era, in the form of carriages, tools, and other items related to working with horses.
  • The Kankaanpää Orthodox Church: The Church was built in the 19th century and is unique because of the Byzantine-style architecture.

Natural Attractions of Kankaanpää: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Torronsuo National Park: A popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and birdwatchers.
  • The Köyliönjärvi Nature Trail: A scenic trail that passes through lush forests and past the serene Köyliönjärvi lake.
  • The Kankaanpää Arboretum: A botanic wonderland with over 2,000 species of trees, flowers, and plants.
  • The Sarkkila-Sysilammen Kierros Trail: A 14-km circular trail through beautiful forests with enchanting views of the Sysilampi lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kankaanpää

The best way to discover the natural beauty of Kankaanpää is on foot or bike. Here are some of our favorite trails:

  • The Vihiluodon lenkki Trail: A 9 km trail with a boardwalk through the swamp and also meandering through the forest.
  • The Mustuen lenkki Trail: A 5 km trail through the magnificent pine forest with bogs, lakes, and forests.
  • The Kankaanpään Pyöräreitti: A 20 km bike route that takes you through the stunning countryside with various terrain types.

Best Things to Do in Kankaanpää: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the local farmers’ market which offers the freshest produce traditionally only found in Finland, such as salmon and reindeer meat.
  • Take a kayaking tour on the Köyliönjärvi Lake, to enjoy the scenery and capture the perfect moments and photos.
  • Experience the rich cultural history of the town by taking a guided tour of the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas or the Kankaanpää Museum.
  • Head to the Kankaanpää Orthodox Church for its unique Byzantine-style architecture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kankaanpää

Day 1: Visit the Finnish Labour Museum Werstas and grab lunch at the Werstas restaurant Day 2: Hike the Torronsuo National Park and enjoy a warm sauna in the evening Day 3: Take a kayaking tour of the Köyliönjärvi lake and enjoy a picnic by the waterside. Day 4: Cycle the Kankaanpään Pyöräreitti route and admire the scenic countryside of Kankaanpää. Day 5: Take a relaxing stroll through the beautiful Sarkkila-Sysilammen Kierros Trail Day 6: Visit the Kankaanpää Museum and the Rajamäki Museum to learn about the town’s cultural history and folk traditions. Day 7: Take a day trip to the nearby Rauma, one of the best-preserved old towns in the country.

Food and Drink Scene of Kankaanpää

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karjalanpaisti: A traditional Finnish meat stew made with beef, pork, and lamb.
  • Lohikeitto: A creamy salmon soup with potatoes and dill.
  • Mustikkapiirakka: A classic Finnish blueberry pie, often served with vanilla sauce.
  • Munkki: A Finnish donut dusted with sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Olvi: A popular Finnish beer, widely available across the country.
  • Sima: A traditional Finnish mead made with honey, lemon, and yeast.
  • Lonkero: A refreshing drink made with grapefruit and gin, often served over ice.

Where to Stay in Kankaanpää: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are various accommodation options in Kankaanpää.

  • Loimu Hotel: A cozy hotel that offers rooms with excellent views and a sauna.
  • Höyry Hosteria: A hostel located in a beautiful historic building that offers restaurant services.
  • Maatilamatkailu Jänisvaara: A guesthouse located in a peaceful rural countryside setting, where guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.

What to Buy in Kankaanpää: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Puukko: A traditional Finnish knife with a birch or leather handle.
  • Finnish chocolate: Renowned for its high-quality, Finnish chocolate like Fazer or Halva.
  • Finnish rye bread: A dense and hearty bread that pairs well with all types of meals.

Local Culture and Customs of Kankaanpää

The Finnish culture is rich in traditions and customs; some of the most famous traditions include celebrating Christmas, Midsummer, and Easter. Some customs to keep in mind include being on time when invited, taking off your shoes before entering someone’s home, and appreciating the national Sauna Day on the first Saturday in July.

Best Time to Visit Kankaanpää

The best time to visit Kankaanpää is between June and August. In the summer, the long daylight hours allow visitors to enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. Winter is equally magical, but temperatures can sometimes drop below freezing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kankaanpää

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.
  • Try local foods and beverages.
  • Take a hike or bike ride through the scenic countryside.
  • Take a relaxing sauna.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be late for appointments or reservations.
  • Don’t be too loud or disruptive in public places.
  • Don’t litter or damage the environment.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kankaanpää

Finland is known for being a very safe country, and Kankaanpää is no exception. Crime rates are low, and the town is considered safe for tourists. Nonetheless, it’s good to be aware of your surroundings and take the usual safety precautions, such as not leaving valuable items unattended.

Health in Kankaanpää

The healthcare system in Finland is excellent, and hospitals can be found in every major town, including Kankaanpää. However, it is strongly recommended to have comprehensive travel insurance with good medical coverage before starting your journey.

Getting to Kankaanpää: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kankaanpää

The nearest major airport is in Tampere (TMP), approximately 88 km from Kankaanpää. Other nearby airports include Pori (POR), 66 km away, and Turku (TKU), which is 155 km away.

Bus Stations Near Kankaanpää

The local transportation network is excellent and reliable. Bus routes in and out of Kankaanpää are managed by Matkahuolto.

Other Options

For visitors who prefer to travel by car, Kankaanpää is easily accessible via highway 23.

How to Get Around in Kankaanpää

For visitors who prefer to use public transport, Kankaanpää has a strong network of buses, which connect the town with other destinations in the region. Cycling and walking are also good options, as the town is small and charming to explore by foot or bike.

Where to Go Next from Kankaanpää: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Rauma: This picturesque coastal town offers visitors a unique glimpse into Finland’s maritime history, as well an old town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tampere: A vibrant university town, Tampere boasts cutting-edge technology, innovative start-ups, and stylish cafes and bars.
  • Pori: Renowned for its sandy beaches, Pori is worth a visit for its historical sites, annual jazz music festival and other cultural events.

Conclusion

Kankaanpää may be a small town, but it offers visitors an enormous range of cultural, natural, and gastronomic experiences. With its beautiful nature trails, top-rated museums and historical sites, and cozy accommodations, Kankaanpää is sure to give you a memorable and unforgettable experience.

The town centre of Kankaanpää The town centre of Kankaanpää