Kauhajoki

Kauhajoki is a town in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland. The parliament was evacuated here during World War II. A notable attraction is the Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park.

Understand


During World War II, when the Soviet Union attacked Finland in the Winter War, the Parliament was evacuated and temporarily relocated to Kauhajoki, far away from the front. After the war, Kauhajoki grew rapidly thanks to industry; several factories were established in the town.

The town is known for its agricultural roots, with farming continuing to play an essential role in the local economy.

One of the town's most notable attractions is the Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park, which features peatlands, forests, and wetlands. It can be visited on foot, by bike or on horseback.

By train
Nearest railway stations are Seinäjoki and Parkano. Timetables are available at the VR website.

By bus
Long-distance buses from Seinäjoki and Vaasa. Nearest stop of Onnibus line M3 is in Jalasjärvi. For timetables of ordinary coaches, see Matkahuolto.

Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas National Park
The Kauhaneva-Pohjankangas Nature Reserve covers an area of and features peatlands, forests, and wetlands. The reserve is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including several threatened species. Visitors can explore the reserve on foot, by bike or on horseback, taking in the stunning natural beauty of the area.

The park is included in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Kauhaneva is parly a large risen bog, partly an open aapa-like mire, while Pohjankangas is a forested esker. Watch the bog, wood sandpipers, cranes, whooper swans and other birds (especially during the spring migration).

The 2.6-km Kauhalammi trail by Kauhaneva is accessible by assisted wheelchair, although demanding with that setup. The Salomaa campsite at the trailhead is likewise accessible. There are also duckboard variant of this trail (3.5–5 km) and a steep 2-km circle trail through the ravine Katikankanjoni in the north-west of the park.

A museum road with medieval heritage, used by the biking route, leads by Kauhaneva and the Salomaa and Nummikangas campfire sites. There is a lean-to shelter at Katikanluoma by the ravine-esker trail. The water of the well at Nummikangas campfire site is potable, water from other sources (such as brooks or the Salomaa well) should be boiled. There are no restrictions on berry and mushroom picking in the park (common warnings apply). There is a jetty that can be used for swimming in Kauhalammi.