Located in the province of Pirkanmaa, Parkano lies amid magnificent forest scenery, making it a great place to enjoy nature. Many people take a holiday in Parkano during the summer, when the area is at its most beautiful. There are around a dozen villages in Parkano, all offering opportunities for canoeing, berry-picking and hiking, and where the many museums invite you to learn about local traditions and the history of forestry.
Although Parkano is quiet place for a town break, there are a number of worthwhile places to visit, such as the hexagonal water tower, painted in the colours of the town's symbol, the pine. You should also visit the Parkano Church, a pleasant wooden building dating back to the early 19th century.
Visit the Parkano Museum for its wide range of exhibitions including midwifery equipment and the making of bread from pine bark. You can also explore the life of the eccentric nobleman Gustaf Wrede af Elimä, more commonly known as the "Baron of Parkano".
You can organise a low-cost holiday in Parkano by using the villages' natural recreational areas. A good place to start is Alaskylä, from where the popular canoeing route on the River Vääräjoki begins. On the opposite side of Lake Parkanonjärvi lie the lake shores of Yliskylä. From Linnankylä, you can take a forest tour on the Käpykintukka nature trail and visit the Forestry Museum, which includes a log cabin and forestry machinery.
Parkano has a railway station at Kairokoski. The Käenkoski leisure centre in Kairokoski is considered by some to be the most beautiful dance venue in Finland. Car enthusiasts will also enjoy the Automobile Museum of the Parkano Region, which opens its doors to visitors during the summer. If you like fishing, the best places to go are on the River Viinikanjoki.
The villages and landscapes of Parkano are easily reached by car, as the 3 and 23 motorways come together. Make sure to include a visit to the Alkkianvuori peak, rising nearly 660 feet above the surrounding areas.
