Soini: Nature Trails, Horseback Riding and Culture

Soini combines nature experiences with trails of very different lengths and a surprising cultural feature in the town centre. You can choose from a short, easy-to-walk trail, longer routes through forests and mires, horseback rides and cross-country ski trails. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering whether you are looking for short outings, longer tours or a mix of nature and culture.

Soini at a glance: five facts

• The Lintuharju disc golf course has 18 holes, or baskets; the holes are 1,815 metres long in total.
• The nature trail in Kaihiharju offers two routes of approximately 200 and 700 metres.
• Hermanninpolku is an easy-to-walk, 2.5-kilometre trail in Parviaisenkylä.
• Along the Alasen Trail, you will encounter cartoons and humorous anecdotes by Reijo Kivijärvi.
• The Arpainen Route runs for just over 50 kilometres from Soini to Ähtäri.

Trails for different kinds of outing

In Kaihiharju, you can choose between two sections of the accessible nature trail, completed in 2021. The shorter route is approximately 200 metres long and fully accessible. The second route is approximately 700 metres long, more challenging and also accessible; you may need assistance on it. The different lengths and levels of difficulty give you a concrete point of reference for planning your day, without requiring you to settle on just one type of route.

The hiking trails also vary considerably in length. Hermanninpolku runs through Parviaisenkylä and is 2.5 kilometres long and easy to walk. At 8.3 kilometres, Kuninkaanpolku is a longer option. Its southern starting point is just over a kilometre from the centre of Soini, in the direction of Karstula. The distances help you distinguish between a shorter walk and a more extensive hike.

The Arpainen outdoor and hiking route offers a longer tour: it is just over 50 kilometres long and runs from Soini to Ähtäri. Along the way, it passes through species-rich coniferous forests, mires and steep-sided sandy ridges. So it is not only the distance but also the changing landscapes that take centre stage here.

If you would like to combine exercise with an activity other than hiking, Soini also has a varied network of cross-country ski trails. The Lintuharju course adds disc golf to the range of options: its 18 holes, or baskets, cover a total course length of 1,815 metres. The options thus range from a short outing on an easy-to-walk trail to a game on the course; the ski trails offer another activity apart from hiking.

Horseback rides and little discoveries along the way

Vauhti-Matin Ratsutila offers horseback rides of various lengths with nine Icelandic horses and one horse of the “puolilänkkäri” type. You can take part even without previous riding experience. When choosing a ride, both the length you want and your riding experience are therefore relevant.

The Alasen Trail offers something different: it features cartoons and humorous anecdotes by artist Reijo Kivijärvi. This gives the trail a storytelling and artistic touch. If you enjoy combining outings with little observations, you may therefore think of this trail differently from a tour where the distance or landscape is the main focus.

Church and town centre

The cross-shaped Soini Church, built in the Ostrobothnian style, stands in the town centre. In front of its bell tower is an old statue of a poor woman. It is considered the only one of its kind in Finland and possibly unique in the world. This distinctive statue adds a detail in its own right to a visit to the church and makes the town centre interesting even for travellers whose outings are otherwise mainly focused on nature and activity.

Experiences as a guide to your accommodation search

If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Soini, the outings you have in mind can help you structure your choice. For a stay focused on short hikes, Hermanninpolku and the shorter route in Kaihiharju are useful points of reference for your plans. If you want to focus on longer tours, you can consider the 8.3 kilometres of Kuninkaanpolku or the more than 50 kilometres of the Arpainen Route.

A mix of activities can also shape your trip: a horseback ride, a trail featuring art and anecdotes, or a visit to the church each offer a different focus from cross-country skiing or a longer hiking route. First decide which of these experiences matter to you, then tailor your accommodation search accordingly. If you would also like to discover other destinations, you can find more ideas here: Ojutkangas, Töysä, Ilmajoki, Karijoki, Kurikka, Isojoki, Länsikylä and Ähtäri.

Frequently asked questions about Soini

Which trail is described as easy to walk?

The 2.5-kilometre Hermanninpolku in Parviaisenkylä is considered easy to walk. Kaihiharju also has a fully accessible route of approximately 200 metres, as well as a challenging, accessible route of approximately 700 metres, on which assistance may be required.

How long is Kuninkaanpolku?

Kuninkaanpolku is 8.3 kilometres long. Its southern starting point is just over a kilometre from the centre of Soini, in the direction of Karstula.

What can you expect on the Arpainen Route?

The route is just over 50 kilometres long and runs from Soini to Ähtäri. The landscapes described include species-rich coniferous forests, mires and steep-sided sandy ridges.

Are the horseback rides intended for people without riding experience too?

Yes. You can take part in horseback rides of various lengths at Vauhti-Matin Ratsutila even without previous riding experience. They are offered with nine Icelandic horses and one horse of the “puolilänkkäri” type.

What is special about Soini Church?

The church is cross-shaped, built in the Ostrobothnian style and located in the town centre. An old statue of a poor woman stands in front of the bell tower; it is considered the only one of its kind in Finland and possibly unique in the world.

For the broader travel overview: South Ostrobothnia.