Situated in the Tampere region, Ikaalinen has been a spa town since 1884. Ikaalinen spa, on Lake Kyrösjärvi, is popular with families and rehabilitation patients. Other attractions for families include the home of Ti-Ti the Bear, where children can meet a family of teddy bears. Ikaalinen is also known for its Sata-Häme Soi accordion and light music event.
Start your holiday in Ikaalinen from Wanha Kauppala market town, which you can reach on foot or on a guided tour. Wanha Kauppala is considered Finland's oldest, smallest and most beautiful township. Take a quiet walk in the streets to admire the architecture, the shady parks and boulevards, and the convivial atmosphere. The Local History Museum displays artefacts from the local history of the Ikaalinen area.
The wooden Fredrika Sofia’s church and its massive belfry are also worth a visit. From the church, you can head for the nearby market square. Continue your walk to the culturally and historically significant Rahkola and the old community hall, Oma Tupa, which now contains a coffee shop.
You can visit Ikaalinen at any time, but a summer holiday should include water. Try fishing on Lake Kyrösjärvi or at the Leppäsjärvi rapids. The Jyllinjoki and Vääräjoki rivers have excellent canoeing routes and the Hämeenkangas area offers magnificent ridge scenery and pine forests. Give your mind a rest in this beautiful environment.
If you enjoy hiking, visit Seitseminen National Park, which has several hiking routes, and good ski tracks in winter. The park includes five camping grounds, and there are two parking areas for caravans and camper vans. The heart of the park is Multiharju old-growth forest, which has been protected since 1910. The Seitseminen Nature Centre offers information on hiking and the environment, and organises guided tours and events for both children and adults.
It is easy to get around Ikaalinen on foot or by bicycle. The town has good transport links and is conveniently situated just half an hour from Tampere. There are bus services from both Tampere and Helsinki, which both have international airports.
