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Alkkia Cultural Cycling Route

Distance 14,8 km

Duration 1h 0min

Easy

A reserve prison was established in Alkkia in the 1930s. The prisoners were tasked with draining the area’s swamps for residential and agricultural use. When World War II broke out, the reserve prison was converted into a prisoner-of-war camp. During the winter of 1941–42, conditions in our country were harsh, and many prisoners died. They were buried in a cemetery established in Rihkaas.

During the war, evacuees from Karelia were settled in Alkkia. When the reserve prison was closed in the early 1960s, a research station of the Finnish Forest Research Institute was established in the area, and the prison grounds and buildings were transferred to its control. A special work facility for conscientious objectors also operated on the reserve prison grounds until the late 1960s.

The Alkkia Cultural Heritage Trail is approximately 15 km long and features five informational signs along its route. In addition to brief descriptions, the signs feature QR codes that allow visitors to learn more about significant events in the area.

More about the route

Difficulty

Easy

Distance

14,8 km

Duration

1:0 h

Ascent

29 m

Descent

25 m

Highest point

170 m

Lowest point

147 m

Information maintained by

Lauhanvuori - Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark

Plan your trip

Turn-by-turn directions

Head east on Alkkiantie. After about 900 m, turn right onto Rihkaantie. Continue south on that road for about 2.9 km, then turn right; on your left is the starting point of the path leading to the prisoners-of-war cemetery. Continue on Rihkaantie for 3.5 km southwest until you reach the intersection with Tuohisalontie. Turn right and continue 5.9 km north. Turn right onto Alkkiantie and continue 1.6 km east until you return to the starting point.

Directions

Public transport

No public transportation.

By road

From the direction of Karvia, turn east onto Alkkiantie at the Sarvela intersection; about 11 km further on, you’ll find the Alkkia plant on the left, where there is parking available. From Parkano, take Kolmostie west on Alkkiantie for about 11 km; the Alkkia plant will be on your right, with parking available.

Parking

Free

Equipment

See lhgeopark.fi

Open in Outdooractive

Cultural/historical interest

Circular route

Round trip