Things To Do
in Janakkala
Janakkala is a peaceful municipality in the Kanta-Häme region of southern Finland, known for its rural landscapes, historic villages and proximity to larger towns like Hämeenlinna and Riihimäki. The parish village of Turenki offers a compact town center, a railway station on the Helsinki–Tampere line and a noteworthy old stone church. Around Janakkala you’ll find forests, lakes and ruins such as Hakoinen Castle that are popular with walkers and photographers.
The area blends traditional Finnish countryside life with easy access to urban services, making it a low-key base for nature escapes and short cultural visits.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day at the Janakkala Church, a beautiful medieval wooden structure dating back to the 15th century. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and learn about the area's history. Take a leisurely stroll around the churchyard to appreciate the scenic views.
Visit the Janakkala Museum to explore local artifacts and exhibits about the region's cultural heritage. Participate in a guided tour to deepen your understanding of Janakkala’s past. Have lunch at a nearby café that offers traditional Finnish cuisine.
Enjoy a quiet evening walk in the nearby countryside, watching the sunset over rolling fields. Dine at a local restaurant that specializes in seasonal Finnish ingredients. Relax back at your accommodation with a cup of warm tea.
Start your day with a refreshing hike in the Hauho forest area, known for its serene trails and abundant wildlife. Pack some snacks and enjoy the crisp morning air. Don’t forget your camera to capture the natural beauty.
Head to the Hemberg hiking trail for a longer outdoor adventure. Along the way, find a perfect spot for a picnic by one of the many lakes. Take time to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps spot some local bird species.
Return to your lodging and unwind with a sauna session, a quintessential Finnish experience. Have a relaxing dinner featuring local fish dishes. Finish the day by reading a book or enjoying quiet conversation in cozy surroundings.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $6-9 |
| 🚖Taxi (start + 1 km) | $4 + $1.50-2 per km |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-130 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful countryside and natural scenery ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities
- Easy rail connection to Helsinki and Tampere for day trips
- Low crime, friendly small-town atmosphere
- Good opportunities for nature photography and birdwatching
- Limited nightlife and few tourist services compared with larger towns
- Sparse public transport within the municipality — a car is useful
- Fewer dining options and specialty shops than in nearby cities
- Mosquitoes, ticks and winter road conditions can be challenging seasonally
- "Hei / Moi" - Hello
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Anteeksi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Puhutteko englantia?" - Do you speak English?
- "Missä on ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Paljonko tämä maksaa?" - How much does this cost?
- "Voitteko auttaa minua?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Janakkala
Visit one of these nice places.
Photogenic medieval stone architecture and a peaceful churchyard offering detail shots and atmospheric exteriors in different light.
Historic ruins with elevated views over the surrounding forests and fields — good for wide landscape shots and sunsets.
Calm water reflections at sunrise and sunset, reed beds and boating scenes; excellent for long-exposure and nature photography.
Unique bog landscapes with moody skies, birdlife and panoramic boardwalk vistas; great for macro and landscape shots.
Rolling farmland, red cottages (punainen tupa) and traditional fences make classic Finnish rural compositions, especially in golden hour.
Food in Janakkala
Janakkala Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
While kalakukko is Karelian/Pohjois-Savo in origin, you’ll find local variations featuring lake fish and rye bread in the Tavastia region — typically available at markets or traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
A creamy, dill-scented salmon chowder commonly served in cafés and restaurants; look for it as a comforting lunch option.
Rice-filled pastries with egg butter — a ubiquitous Finnish snack available at bakeries and cafés in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small summer markets and farm stalls sell berries, mushrooms, local cheeses and baked goods — ideal for sampling fresh produce and homemade jams.
A short trip away, this market has more stalls and street food options such as grilled fish, pastries and local delicacies on market days.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Finns value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments and social meetings.
Respect for personal space and low-volume public behavior is customary; avoid loud phone conversations in public transport or cafés.
It’s polite to remove outdoor shoes when entering someone’s home; hosts will often offer slippers.
Sauna is an important Finnish tradition. Follow local norms—ask whether swimsuits are expected and respect mixed vs single-sex sessions.
Safety
Tipping in Janakkala
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not required in Finland; service charges are typically included. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but uncommon.
Card payments are accepted almost everywhere (chip & PIN and contactless). Cash is still used but less common; mobile payments (e.g., Apple Pay, local apps) and debit cards are widely supported.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Melting snows and waking forests; expect muddy trails early in spring, blooming birch and early bird migration — good for nature photography and fewer crowds.
Long daylight hours (Midnight Sun influence in the north) and warm days ideal for hiking, swimming and boating; mosquitoes and ticks can be abundant, so bring repellent and proper clothing.
Crisp air and vibrant fall colors make this a lovely time for walking and mushroom/berry picking; days shorten and evenings get chilly — layering is essential.
Cold, snowy conditions with frozen lakes and opportunities for cross-country skiing and ice skating; roads are salted and cleared but winter tires are mandatory on vehicles.
Janakkala at Night
Hiking in Janakkala
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive bog boardwalks and flat trails through unique peatland landscapes with excellent birdwatching and nature study opportunities.
A larger network of forest trails, lakes and marked routes for hiking, mountain biking and skiing suitable for day trips and overnight stays.
Scenic ridges, landscaped parks and viewpoints overlooking Vanajavesi — a short drive away and great for panoramic photography and shorter walks.
A variety of shorter lakeside walks and loops near Vanajavesi and smaller local lakes, ideal for picnics, swimming spots and quiet photography.
Airports
How to reach Janakkala by plane.
The main international airport for southern Finland, roughly 1–1.5 hours by car from Janakkala depending on traffic; good train/bus connections to Helsinki and onward rail to Turenki.
Regional international airport to the north-west, approximately 1–1.5 hours by car; serves domestic and some international routes.
Small local airfields and private aerodromes in the region serve general aviation but not regular commercial flights; useful for charter flights or private pilots.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are native Finnish speakers, including families, farmers and commuters working in nearby towns.
Residents who commute to Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki or even Helsinki by rail for work, contributing to a mixed rural-suburban character.
Like many rural Finnish municipalities, Janakkala has a notable proportion of older adults and retirees who value the tranquil lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular across Finland; local clubs and rinks support youth and amateur play, and watching hockey is a common pastime.
A national pastime in winter with groomed trails and forest routes used widely by locals.
Summer and indoor team sports that are popular in local clubs, especially among families and youth.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Janakkala.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and restaurants (salads, soups, veggie open sandwiches). Ask for 'kasvis' dishes; many places will adapt meals but rural menus can be meat- and fish-focused, so check ahead.
Vegan choices are growing but still limited in smaller towns. Look for plant-based options in cafés or bring snacks; supermarkets stock plant milks, legumes and frozen veg.
Awareness of gluten-free needs is common; many bakeries and cafés offer gluten-free items if requested, but traditional rye products are ubiquitous so confirm cross-contamination concerns.
Most staff speak some English and can explain ingredients; always say the allergy in Finnish (e.g., 'olen allerginen pähkinöille' — I'm allergic to nuts) for clarity.