Discover Parkano

Explore Parkano through its varied themes: local history, traces of forestry, the lake landscape of Kaidatvedet, and trails through forest and river areas. When planning your stay, you can choose from museums and routes of different lengths. The places and trails below offer practical starting points.

Museums and history in Parkano

The Parkano Local History Museum presents Parkano’s local traditions. Its extensive collection includes historic items from Parkano Church. You can learn more about the past at the Gustaf Wrede af Elimä section: housed in a granary built in 1890 next to Parkano Church, it features examples of traditional homes and a selection of tools.

The Metsämuseo presents the history of forestry, from the rise of the sawmill industry in the 1860s to mechanisation in the 1960s. The grounds include an exhibition hall, a forestry workers’ cabin, a sauna, a horse stable and forestry machinery. The Parkanon Radiomuseo displays tube radios from the 1920s to the 1960s, along with telephones, televisions and other antique electronics. Galleria Raamikko displays paintings and installations by artist Salme Törmä.

An annual, changing ITE exhibition is on display in Parkano from June to August and can be explored along a mobile ITE route. The More Joy factory shop showcases responsibly printed textiles, such as tea towels, and other kitchen products for groups and individual travellers. The visitor presentation may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Lake landscapes and special places

Kaidatvedet is a chain of small lakes in a tectonic rift valley that runs from north to south. Parkano’s centre and Lake Parkanojärvi are also located in this valley. Kaidatvedet is noted as a place of peace and natural beauty. On its shore is Messukallio, a granite viewpoint that has also served as a church in the past.

Sormikivi is Parkano’s largest erratic boulder. Made of local pink granite, it lies on the shore of Kaitojenvet along the Käpykintukka nature trail. Alkkianvuori is known for its impressive scenery and traces of ancient sea shores. Together with nature trails of varying lengths, these places offer different ways to explore Parkano’s landscape.

Trails and outdoor activities

The nature trail in the Kallio district follows the Pappilankoski for about 900 metres, from Pärteeninkuja to Kuruntie. Along the way, it passes rapids and calmer stretches of water. The approximately five-kilometre Lähiliikuntareitti runs through the centre of Parkano. Paroonin taival is part of Pirkan taival and leads from Parkano railway station through the town centre to Seitsemis.

There are two nature trails of different lengths at Alkkianvuori: Ellinpolku is 2.8 kilometres long and Lakilenkki is 4.3 kilometres. Another trail, about 800 metres long, runs through the river area of Leijonapuisto and around Lehtikoski. Near Käenkoski, a 3.8-kilometre circular trail with signposts and nature-themed activities follows the Käpykintukka route; the city does not maintain this trail. A Geopark trail runs along the eastern side of Kaitojenvet, from Käenkoski to the Metsämuseo.

The Metsämuseo grounds can also be used for hiking and enjoying nature outside opening hours. Nearby are a nature trail, Messukallio, a beach, shelters and campfire sites. An approximately two-kilometre circular route starts at the Metsämuseo and is intended for very young children; Kustaa activity signs are placed along the trail.

Waterways and routes

Viinikanjoki is a well-known fishing area and recreation spot near the centre of Parkano. A canoe route runs from Pyhäniemi in Kihniö through Parkano to Lake Kyrösjärvi in Ikaalinen. Another route runs from Lapinneva in Parkano via the Kovesjoki to Kovelahti on Lake Kyrösjärvi in Ikaalinen. The paddling guides carry a note that they may contain outdated information; paddling is at your own risk.

Parkano is part of the Järvien-Reitti, which starts in Tampere, via the Aure-Reitti. For many visitors, Parkano railway station is a gateway to the Geopark. The options for a stay therefore range from museums and forestry history to trails and waterscapes, as well as longer routes through the region.

Discover more destinations: Virrat, Killinkoski, Kämmenniemi, Akaa, Suinula, Vammala, Valkeakoski, Lempäälä.

For the broader travel overview: Pirkanmaa.