Hike, cycle, and enjoy the outdoors in the summer

Ikaalinen – A Dream Destination for Outdoor Enthusiasts!

Ikaalinen offers pure nature and stunning scenery. You’ll find plenty to do, thanks to a wide range of experience and tourism services, as well as magnificent nature trails and lake views to enrich every vacation day.

The beautiful ridges and lake landscapes, along with the quaint village roads of our dozens of communities and the surrounding countryside, invite you to explore.

Kyrösjärvi – The Blue Heart of Ikaalinen embraces our shores and offers a vast lake full of recreational opportunities.

The M/S Ikaalinen boat cruises Kyrösjärvi upon request.

Kalmaa and Kiviniemi Nature Trail along the beautiful shores of Kyrösjärvi is 6.5 km long. Along the trail, marked with the city’s signature bird, the blue tit, there are 15 information boards about local nature and history. A birdwatching tower stands at “Paskonnokka,” where you’ll also find a lean-to and campfire spot. Please bring your own firewood and take your trash with you. The trail starts at the Kalmaa marina at the end of street Gyllinginkatu.

Kristan lenkki -trail on Toivolansaari Island is 1.5 km long and loops around the island’s scenic lake views. Near the beach parking area, there is a signboard highlighting the achievements of Ikaalinen’s cross-country skier Krista Pärmäkoski. Toivolansaari is also home to Toivolansaari Camping and Villa Vihta sauna.

The Ikaalinen Spa & Resort jogging trail starts 300 meters from the main building – just follow the brown outdoor signs. Choose between a 2 km or 4.5 km route through the lovely Teiharju pine forest terrain.

The Vatulanharju – Ulvaanharjun ridge area stretches over 10 km and is nationally significant for its geology and biodiversity. The area features excellent trails, many with rest stops. Easy-to-walk paths run along the ridge, including a 4.5 km nature trail with 13 question boards related to local nature and history. Follow the playful fitness tasks and QR codes for more info and tips. The trail begins near the Vatula ski lodge at Palinperäntie 1312. A map of the area is also available there.  a map of Vatulanharju

Pirkan Ura is a beginner-friendly and diverse mountain biking trail in Hämeenkangas. The section maintained by Metsähallitus runs from Niinisalo to the eastern end of Hämeenkangas. A popular route goes from Viidentienristeys in Kankaanpää through Vatulanharju in Ikaalinen to Hämeenkyrö. Cycle through the whispering ridges of Hämeenkangas, one of Finland’s oldest ski touring areas. Learn more and explore the trail map: Pirkan Ura map

Järvien Reitit(Lake Routes) is a cycling trail network. The Kyrös route runs through Ikaalinen, Hämeenkyrö, Jämijärvi, Ylöjärvi, and Nokia. Rolling strawberry fields and sweeping lake views of Kyrösjärvi make for a sweet adventure. The trail also passes historical heights around Jämi. The area’s best nature and countryside attractions—beaches, rural tourism farms, villages, and sights—are perfect for cycling tourists. Download the route map and start your adventure: jarvienreitit.fi/reitit/kyro/

Bike rentals are available at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort and Korsuretket.

Seitsemisen National Park is known for its ancient forests, quiet bogs, and ridge landscapes. In the heart of the park lies the charming   Kovero Heritage Farm  a culturally valuable site with traditional buildings, yard, and meadows. A summer café will be open on several weekends in summer 2025 – check opening hours on the Koveron site.

The park has over 60 km of trails, with many fire pits and camping spots. Short loop trails are less than 2 km, while longer hikes can take a whole weekend.

Outdoor Express offers weekend bus service to Seitseminen during the summer season – no car needed! Find more info here: https://outdoorexpress.fi/

On the Water

The City of Ikaalinen offers two city boats for borrowing, free for up to 3 hours. They are located by the beach at Toivolansaari Camping, and can be borrowed from the camping café. You can also rent SUP boards at Toivolansaari Camping and Ikaalinen Spa & Resort for a summer paddle on Kyrösjärvi. Guided SUP tours are organized by Ikaalinen Spa and hetkiä.fi.

You can go canoeing on Kyrösjärvi, Jyllinjoki, and Vääräjoki. The Jyllinjoki flows calmly and is sheltered from wind, with a beautiful tree canopy creating a unique atmosphere. Korsuretket  offers guided canoe trips and rentals on the Jyllinjoki. The scenic and gorge-like Vääräjoki route begins at Parkanonjärvi and flows to Heittolanlahti bay on Kyrösjärvi, passing rest areas and rapids. Canoes must be portaged past the Kukkurakoski dam and power station.

Kyrösjärvi offers endless paddling possibilities. Canoe rentals are available from Ikaalinen Spa & Resort

Catch a Fish in Ikaalinen!

With 170 lakes and many small ponds, Ikaalinen is a fishing paradise. Our largest lake, Kyrösjärvi, covers 96.1 km², ranking 47th among Finland’s lakes by size. The lake is famous for zander (pike-perch), but perch and pike are also common.

The Leppäsjärvi rapids are known for rainbow trout, brown trout, and grayling. At Teerilammit, near Seitseminen National Park, rainbow trout await the right lure.

You’ll also find excellent outdoor, fishing, and boating gear at the local IS-Tarvike shop.

read more: visitikaalinen.fi/kohteet/kalastus/

Read the Retkipaikka blog by Pasi Talvitie on Vatulanharju and Ulvaanharju in Ikaalinen: https://retkipaikka.fi/vatulanharju-ja-ulvaanharju-ikaalisissa/

Pirkan Ura -Trail Network

Pirkan Taival is a long-distance trail network in Northern Pirkanmaa, north of Tampere. Trails begin from Kuru, Ruovesi, Virrat, Kihniö, Parkano, Ikaalinen, and Viljakkala, leading to Seitseminen and Helvetinjärvi National Parks.

The trail continues north from Virrat to Ähtäri, partly passing through Keuruu. From Viljakkala, the trail connects southward to Pirkan Ura (Tampere–Kankaanpää). Parts of the trails are included in the E6 European long-distance path. Find the Pirkan Ura trail map here. Pirkan Ura map

The total length of Pirkan Taival is 350 km, with about 30 lean-tos and campfire sites. The national parks and the Riuttaskorpi recreation forest between them offer additional rest spots—not to mention private accommodation and service providers.