The Sastamala Church Pilgrimage is a journey of about 40 kilometers, starting from the village of Karkku and continuing through the center of Sastamala in Vammala, then onward to Keikyä on the other side of the municipality. The first section, about 20 km long, runs near Lake Rautavesi along country roads, passing the churches of … Continued
When Karkku Church was completed in 1913, parishioners living on the other side of Lake Rautavesi longed for their own sanctuary. Their wish was fulfilled only in 1960, when a modern church designed by architect Timo Penttilä was built on a plot donated by Kaarlo Ryömä. The spacious church hall features an altar made up … Continued
The hiking trail was renovated through volunteer work in 2020. Signs, markers, and maps have been updated, and the routes are clearly marked in the terrain. Parking locations: • Near the Pirulanvuori observation tower, at Laviantie 600, 38510 Sastamala • Kaiturinjärvi parking area near Laviantie 463, 38510 Sastamala • Alinen Vehkajärvi parking area at Vehkakoskentie … Continued
Architect A. W. Arppe designed the wooden church in 1831, placing it high on Koippurinmäki hill. The church tower, built in 1839, was drawn by C. L. Engel, who led the State Office of the Intendant and left his mark on the heart of Helsinki. Initially, the church was called Nikolai Church, after the then … Continued
The seven-hectare Vehmaanniemi, located near the centre of Sastamala, is a valuable traditional landscape area and part of the Natura 2000 network. A nature trail circles the Vehmaanniemi peninsula, which stretches into Lake Rautavesi, and along the route you’ll find several Iron Age burial cairns. About half of the area consists of different types of … Continued
The wooden cross-shaped church, Kiikka’s third, was built in 1807 under the direction of Mats Åkergren from Ruovesi, based on plans drawn up by the Intendant’s Office in Stockholm. Its appearance changed dramatically during renovations in 1884. A Neo-Gothic bell tower was added to the west end, the old belfry was dismantled, and its base … Continued
This wooden, Empire-style cross-shaped church was completed in 1851 and consecrated in 1853. The church was designed by architect Pehr Johan Gylich. The bell tower is located at the western end and houses two bells. The altarpiece, depicting Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, was painted by Felix Frang in 1924.
You can visit Rusun Reitti with your group for hiking or skiing, or even arrange a meal, coffee, or overnight stay at Lantula House. Forest Trails from Lantula House Volunteers have cleared two trails in the forest: one 3 km and the other 5 km long. Families with children can stop to read signs along … Continued
The Lahdenperä Nature Trail, located in the village of Lahdenperä in Suodenniemi, northern Sastamala, is about 6 km long in total. The trail is maintained and improved by the local village association through volunteer work. The end section of the trail was modified in autumn 2023; a map of the route can be found at … Continued
The Kuasman Kiäppi hiking trail circles the village of Kuorsumaa in northern Sastamala’s Kiikoinen area, following the shores of Lake Kuorsumaanjärvi. Along the route, you can enjoy lake views as well as diverse forest and marsh landscapes. In addition to the scenery, you can experience the sounds and scents of nature and observe animals, plants, … Continued