Lempäälä: Waterways, Forest and History

Between lakes, rapids and historic buildings, Lempäälä reveals several different sides: the Birgitta Trail passes through lake and forest landscapes, a canal in the town centre connects two lakes, and a medieval stone church stands alongside contemporary cultural attractions. There is also a birdwatching tower and opportunities for fishing and water activities. When planning your trip, it therefore helps to decide whether you’d rather spend your days hiking, on the water or exploring culture.

Lempäälä at a glance: five points of reference

• The Birgitta Trail is an approximately 50-kilometre circular hiking route through lake and forest landscapes; it was chosen as Finnish Hiking Destination of the Year in 2006.
• The Lempäälä Canal in the town centre is 1,275 metres long and connects Lake Pyhäjärvi with Lake Vanajavesi.
• The approximately 10-kilometre water route around the central island follows the canal, Herralan Vuolle and Kuokkalankoski.
• The more than 500-year-old Pyhän Birgitan Kirkko is a medieval grey stone church dating from the early 16th century.
• There is a birdwatching tower at Ahtialanjärvi; the lake is a valuable bird habitat and part of Finland’s Natura 2000 conservation programme.

Waterways between lakes and rapids

In the centre of Lempäälä, the canal connects Lake Pyhäjärvi and Lake Vanajavesi. It was built between 1867 and 1874 and is 1,275 metres long. Cruise ships and recreational boats use it; operating periods may vary depending on the season. The canal’s construction history and connection between the two lakes give the waterway both historical and scenic significance. Visitors interested in the waterways can appreciate the canal not just as part of a route, but also as a defining feature of the town.

The approximately 10-kilometre water route around Lempäälä’s central island offers a different perspective. It includes the canal, Herralan Vuolle and Kuokkalankoski. With the exception of the Herralankoski dam, it is also suitable for beginners. Water levels and safety conditions may vary, and it is important to take these into account when planning a trip. The route offers a specific option for anyone who wants to experience Lempäälä from the water, without confusing it with the long hiking trail.

The rapids are also a fishing destination: the Kuokkalankoski–Herralankoski fishing area is considered a popular fishing spot. Rainbow trout, whitefish, grayling and eels are stocked in the rapids. Stocking practices may change over time. Fishing, the water route and the canal thus cater to different interests on the water: a fishing spot, a longer trip and a historic waterway.

Hiking the Birgitta Trail

The Birgitta Trail is an approximately 50-kilometre circular hiking route through Lempäälä’s lake and forest landscapes. Its selection as Finnish Hiking Destination of the Year in 2006 also gives the trail a place in the area’s history. The distance describes an extensive circular route; how much of it to make the focus of your trip depends on your personal hiking plans. Trail conditions may vary by season.

Two specific points of reference are useful when planning your journey and choosing a starting point. The trail is accessible by public transport. Lempäälä railway station is about 1.5 kilometres from the Hääkivi rest area, from which the Birgitta Trail is easy to access. This makes it possible to consider public transport and access to the hiking trail as separate parts of your trip planning, without assuming a specific walking time or full route.

Church, hillfort and cultural attractions

Pyhän Birgitan Kirkko stands in the town centre. It is a more than 500-year-old medieval grey stone church built in the early 16th century. Pirunlinna offers a different glimpse into the past: the site is considered an ancient hillfort and is believed to be about 1,000 years old. The two sites therefore differ both in their classification and in their estimated age. For those interested in history, Lempäälä offers a choice ranging from a medieval religious building to a much older site whose age is only approximate.

The PiiPoo Cultural Centre in Ideapark offers a contemporary cultural contrast. It provides free cultural and art activities for children and people of all ages. The specific programme may change. For families who want to include culture alongside nature and water experiences, this is an attraction in its own right; it is not the same as the historic buildings, but complements them with a different kind of cultural experience.

Nature watching and time on Lake Pyhäjärvi

The birdwatching tower at Ahtialanjärvi overlooks a valuable bird habitat. The lake is included in Finland’s Natura 2000 conservation programme. Here, conservation and observation go hand in hand: the lake’s protected status is one of the area’s distinctive features, while the tower provides a specific vantage point for birdwatching. This is a different way to experience nature than taking a longer walk on the Birgitta Trail or going on a water trip.

Lempee Sauna, which includes a café, is located on the shore of Lake Pyhäjärvi. Its facilities include a heated outdoor pool, a cold-water pool, swimming in the lake—including ice swimming in winter—and a lounge area with café offerings. Check the operating details before your trip, and plan a visit to the sauna as a flexible rather than guaranteed part of your itinerary. This makes it a possible addition to your water-based activities without assuming specific opening hours.

Which focus suits your accommodation search?

If you’re looking for a hotel in Lempäälä, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip. The Birgitta Trail offers a clear reason to visit for an extended hike; those interested in water can choose from several different options, including the canal, the water route and the fishing area. Culture lovers can combine the medieval church and Pirunlinna with PiiPoo’s contemporary offerings. Birdwatching and the sauna offer other distinct experiences.

Discover more destinations: Pirkkala, Suodenniemi, Akaa, Virrat, Pälkäne, Parkano, Kihniö and Aitoo.

Frequently asked questions about Lempäälä

How long is the Birgitta Trail?

The Birgitta Trail is an approximately 50-kilometre circular hiking route through lake and forest landscapes. It was chosen as Finnish Hiking Destination of the Year in 2006; trail conditions may vary depending on the season.

Is the Birgitta Trail accessible by public transport?

Yes, the trail is accessible by public transport. Lempäälä railway station is about 1.5 kilometres from the Hääkivi rest area, from which the Birgitta Trail is easy to access.

What does the water route around the central island include?

The approximately 10-kilometre route includes the Lempäälä Canal, Herralan Vuolle and Kuokkalankoski. With the exception of the Herralankoski dam, it is also suitable for beginners; water levels and safety conditions may vary.

What cultural activities are available for children?

The PiiPoo Cultural Centre in Ideapark offers free cultural and art activities for children and people of all ages. The specific programme may change.

What does Lempee Sauna on Lake Pyhäjärvi offer?

The sauna with a café on the lakeshore includes a heated outdoor pool, a cold-water pool, swimming in the lake—including ice swimming in winter—and a lounge area with café offerings. Check the operating details before your trip.

To the main travel overview: Pirkanmaa.