Isokyrö: Napue, the Kyrönjoki and paths through the landscape

Isokyrö brings together a compelling history, paths through the landscape and experiences on the Kyrönjoki. The Napue battlefield near Perttilä is an important site commemorating the Great Northern War. Those who prefer spending time outdoors will find hiking routes of varying lengths, as well as a cycling network with four circular routes. The river is also one of the area’s defining experiences: when the water level is suitable, you can travel along the Kyrönjoki by canoe or kayak in the Isokyrö area.

Napue and the history of Isokyrö

The Napue battlefield near Perttilä was the site of the decisive final battle of the Great Northern War. It took place between Perttilä and Turppala on 19 February 1714. A memorial stone in the cemetery of Isonkyrön Vanha kirkko commemorates the mass grave of the 141 local peasants who fell in battle that day. Both places offer a connection to history, but with different emphases: the battlefield marks the site of the events, while the memorial stone commemorates the peasants who fell there.

Isonkyrön Vanha kirkko is also noteworthy for those interested in culture. The church contains 114 wall paintings commissioned by Provost Jaakko Geet in the 1560s. Another place with a historic character is Leväluhda: the sacrificial spring is considered the municipality’s oldest and most mysterious archaeological monument. If you are planning a trip with a focus on cultural history, you can include these sites alongside the Napue memorials.

Landscape and trails around Isokyrö

Perttilänmäki and the Napue battlefield are located in the Kyrönjokilaakso, an area of nationally significant landscape designated as one of Finland’s national landscapes. Another distinctive landmark is the steel suspension bridge at Perttilänkoski. It crosses the Kyrönjoki, was built in 1909–1910 and is maintained by the road administration as a museum bridge.

Isokyrö has nine hiking routes to choose from, with a total of just over 35 kilometres of trails. The Orisberg hiking trail is an 11-kilometre circular route around Lake Kotilampi. Its route includes paths, boardwalks and forest roads. The Fatisaari hiking trail, by contrast, is an approximately six-kilometre out-and-back route of easy difficulty. For a shorter walk, the 800-metre Lymmyynen nature trail is a good option: this easy circular route is well suited to families. The different route lengths and trail types can help you choose hikes that fit the day’s plans.

You can also explore the area by bike: the Isokyrö cycling network starts at the Napue Monument car park and includes four circular routes with a total length of just over 100 kilometres. This gives you several routes to choose from if you would like to include a longer bike ride in your trip. Cycling and hiking trails offer different ways to combine the landscape and outdoor activity during your stay.

Experiences by the river and at the distillery

You can travel along the Kyrönjoki by canoe or kayak throughout the Isokyrö area when the water level is suitable. The water level is an important factor in deciding whether this experience fits your plans. Another special stop is Kyrö Distillery in Isokyrö, which offers distillery tours and tastings of rye whisky and gin. This allows you to combine an interest in nature and culture with an introduction to local distilling traditions.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Isokyrö, you can consider which of these experiences you would like to focus on during your trip: the history of Napue, hiking, cycling routes, activities on the Kyrönjoki or a visit to the distillery. These themes offer different reasons to discover Isokyrö, without limiting your trip to just one activity.

Discover more places

If you would like to explore other place pages at this level, you can find Iskmo, Nykarleby, Korsholm, Eugmo, Larsmo, Jakobstad, Nordanå and Vörå here: Iskmo, Nykarleby, Korsholm, Eugmo, Larsmo, Jakobstad, Nordanå and Vörå.

For the broader travel overview: Ostrobothnia.