Puutikkala between two lakes

Puutikkala lies on an isthmus between Lake Kukkia and Lake Vihajärvi. Water is therefore as much a part of the local landscape as the dense village street, which runs along a ridge formed by glacial meltwater. A trip here brings together a range of themes: a long local history, village life, and experiences on lakes and waterways.

Village Street and Places of Remembrance

Puutikkala’s village street is documented as far back as 1457 and also appears in the land tax register of 1539. The character of the densely built street survived the devastating fire of 1875. The three dates represent different chapters in the village’s history: its first written mention, its entry in the register, and the fire. Together, they provide a historical context for the streetscape, without reducing its history to a single event.

Another notable place is the large erratic boulder Ukonkivi. Its interior is cave-like; the Finnish Heritage Agency has classified the stone as a Stone Age site of worship and legend. The village street and Ukonkivi show two different sides of Puutikkala’s past: the documented history of the village and an erratic boulder to which cultural significance has been attributed.

Lakes, Swimming Spots and Church Boat

Puutikkala’s village beach is at Raholahti. The bay also makes a good rest stop for kayakers. You can reach Raholahti by road via Puutikkalanraitti 212 or Päivättömänniementie. Another swimming spot is Aapraminranta, on the Lake Vihajärvi side. This gives you two named waterside locations to choose from when planning your trip, each with its own location details.

The church boat Ahti II is also part of the local waterway tradition. Every summer on the Sunday of the Transfiguration, it travels from Puutikkala across Lake Kukkia towards the church village of Luopioinen. Built in 1988, the boat is based at Saksalanlahti in Puutikkala and can accommodate up to 50 people. Its home port and capacity describe the boat; the annual journey is a distinct part of the church boat tradition.

Further afield, the waters of Lake Kukkia flow via Kukkianvirta, through three rapids and calmer river sections, to Vuollekeskinen and on beneath Virransilta into Lake Vihajärvi. The boat trip along the Kukkianvirta water route ends in Vihavuosi because the rapids are not navigable. Those interested in the waterways will also find a clear limit here on how far they can travel by boat.

Village Life and Local Treats

Dances, pancake cafés and other events are held at Puutikkala’s old, tradition-rich VPK hall. These add a sense of community and village life to the historic sites and swimming spots. Puutikkalan Kesäpuoti serves freshly baked treats and fresh coffee. Alongside history and water, events and something sweet are part of the local character.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Puutikkala, you can let the focus of your trip guide your choice: would you mainly like to explore village history and local events, or are swimming spots and the church boat tradition more important to you? The different themes can help you choose Puutikkala as a holiday destination to suit your interests, without reducing it to its location between two lakes.

More places to discover: Ruovesi, Kotala, Ikaalinen, Suodenniemi, Punkalaidun, Mänttä, Vaskivesi, Siuro.

For the regional travel overview: Pirkanmaa.