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

day 1
Explore the Historical Roots
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Nature Walks and Outdoor Activities
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Turenki old stone church

Photogenic medieval stone architecture and a peaceful churchyard offering detail shots and atmospheric exteriors in different light.

Hakoinen Castle ruins and viewpoint

Historic ruins with elevated views over the surrounding forests and fields — good for wide landscape shots and sunsets.

Lakeshores of Vanajavesi and local smaller lakes

Calm water reflections at sunrise and sunset, reed beds and boating scenes; excellent for long-exposure and nature photography.

Torronsuo bog and boardwalks

Unique bog landscapes with moody skies, birdlife and panoramic boardwalk vistas; great for macro and landscape shots.

Countryside roads and farm fields

Rolling farmland, red cottages (punainen tupa) and traditional fences make classic Finnish rural compositions, especially in golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Janakkala

Cuisine around Janakkala reflects traditional Finnish home cooking: simple, seasonal and focused on local game, fish, root vegetables, berries and rye. Cafés and small restaurants serve pastries, open sandwiches and coffee (kahvi) throughout the day; farm shops and seasonal markets highlight local produce in summer and autumn.

Janakkala Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kalakukko-style fish and rye

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!

Lohikeitto (salmon soup)

A creamy, dill-scented salmon chowder commonly served in cafés and restaurants; look for it as a comforting lunch option.

Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty)

Rice-filled pastries with egg butter — a ubiquitous Finnish snack available at bakeries and cafés in the area.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local village market stalls (seasonal)

Small summer markets and farm stalls sell berries, mushrooms, local cheeses and baked goods — ideal for sampling fresh produce and homemade jams.

Hämeenlinna market square (nearby)

A short trip away, this market has more stalls and street food options such as grilled fish, pastries and local delicacies on market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Janakkala experiences a temperate continental climate with cold, snowy winters (often below freezing from December to March) and mild, occasionally warm summers (typically 15–25°C). Spring and autumn are transitional, with variable weather and frequent rain in shoulder seasons. Daylight varies greatly: long summer days and short winter days with early dusk.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality

Finns value punctuality—arrive on time for appointments and social meetings.

Quiet and personal space

Respect for personal space and low-volume public behavior is customary; avoid loud phone conversations in public transport or cafés.

Removing shoes

It’s polite to remove outdoor shoes when entering someone’s home; hosts will often offer slippers.

Sauna customs

Sauna is an important Finnish tradition. Follow local norms—ask whether swimsuits are expected and respect mixed vs single-sex sessions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Janakkala is generally very safe with low crime rates; usual precautions like locking vehicles and not leaving valuables visible apply. In nature, be mindful of ticks in warm months and take care on icy surfaces in winter. For emergencies call 112; nearest major hospital services are in Hämeenlinna.

Tipping in Janakkala

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Spring

Melting snows and waking forests; expect muddy trails early in spring, blooming birch and early bird migration — good for nature photography and fewer crowds.

Summer

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.

Autumn

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.

Winter

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.

Nightlife Guide

Janakkala at Night

Janakkala itself has a modest nightlife — small pubs, occasional live music at community venues and quiet evenings. For bars, clubs and a busier scene, nearby Hämeenlinna or Riihimäki and Helsinki offer more options and are a short train or drive away.

Hiking in Janakkala

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Torronsuo National Park (nearby)

Extensive bog boardwalks and flat trails through unique peatland landscapes with excellent birdwatching and nature study opportunities.

Evon retkeilyalue (Evo outdoor area)

A larger network of forest trails, lakes and marked routes for hiking, mountain biking and skiing suitable for day trips and overnight stays.

Aulanko Nature Reserve (Hämeenlinna)

Scenic ridges, landscaped parks and viewpoints overlooking Vanajavesi — a short drive away and great for panoramic photography and shorter walks.

Local lakeshore trails

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.

Helsinki–Vantaa Airport (HEL)

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.

Tampere–Pirkkala Airport (TMP)

Regional international airport to the north-west, approximately 1–1.5 hours by car; serves domestic and some international routes.

Hämeenlinna (small airfields nearby)

Small local airfields and private aerodromes in the region serve general aviation but not regular commercial flights; useful for charter flights or private pilots.

Getting Around

Walkability

Turenki and other village centers are compact and very walkable; most everyday errands can be done on foot in town. However, attractions and nature areas outside the center often require a bike or car, so overall walkability is good locally but limited across the wider municipality.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Finnish-speaking locals

The majority population are native Finnish speakers, including families, farmers and commuters working in nearby towns.

Commuters

Residents who commute to Hämeenlinna, Riihimäki or even Helsinki by rail for work, contributing to a mixed rural-suburban character.

Retirees and older residents

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.

Ice Hockey

Very popular across Finland; local clubs and rinks support youth and amateur play, and watching hockey is a common pastime.

Cross-country skiing

A national pastime in winter with groomed trails and forest routes used widely by locals.

Football (soccer) and Floorball

Summer and indoor team sports that are popular in local clubs, especially among families and youth.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Janakkala is light compared with urban centers; main roads are well maintained but can be affected by snow and ice in winter. There is a railway station in Turenki on the Helsinki–Tampere line offering reliable regional connections; local buses serve some routes but schedules can be infrequent, so plan ahead if not driving.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Janakkala.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

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.

Gluten-free

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.

Allergies

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare and health centers serve local residents in Janakkala; for specialist care and hospital services the nearest major facility is in Hämeenlinna (Kanta-Häme Central Hospital). Emergency services are reliable — call 112 in urgent situations. EU travellers should bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if applicable; private clinics are available nearby.

Discover Finland

Read more in our Finland 2025 Travel Guide.

Finland Travel Guide