A day at Kangasala

Famous sceneries and observation towers

The Keisarinharju ridge, roughly translated as the emperor's ridge, got its name from the fact that past kings and emperors admired its splendid view. The Vehoniemenharju ridge continues on from Keisarinharju, towards the town of Pälkäne, and is located in the middle of a conservation area. The highest of the five ridges is the Kirkkoharju ridge, located in the centre of the municipality. It is a popular spot for summer parties and events. The Kuohunharju ridge is also located at the borders of the centre of the municipality. There used to be a spring on the hillside of the ridge, which was said to have healing properties, and in the beginning of the 20th century Kangasala was a popular spa resort. In the 19th century, the Haralanharju ridge in Suinula inspired the Finnish national poet Zacharias Topelius to write the poem Kesäpäivä Kangasalla ('A Summer's Day in Kangasala'). The song inspired by the poem is known to everybody in Finland. There is also an observation tower on top of the ridge.

The Kangasala museum

The Kangasala museum is located on Tapulinmäki hill. The museum exhibits include Stone Age findings from the prehistoric excavations in Kangasala, as well as historical doll collections. The rock in front of the museum is of rare orbicular granite, formed over 2000 million years ago.

The Lepokoti pension and the summer shop

The Kangasalan Lepokoti operated as a pension during 1910–1986. At the time, it became famous as the working and vacationing spot of celebrities, and artists, in particular. The restored Lepokoti showcases its bountiful set of intriguing articles and interesting tales upon request. From May to August, Lepokoti hosts the Kesäpuoti summer shop selling the arts and crafts of local craftspeople, Kangasalan Kädentaitajat.

Old churches

There are two significant churches in Kangasala. The handsome grey granite church with its beautiful baroque star ceiling, built in 1767, is located in the middle of the parish village. Its rare wooden sculptures, dating back to the 15th century, make the church particularly fascinating. During the summer months the church is open daily, and guided tours are available.

The wooden dome church of Sahalahti represents a different kind of church architecture from the 19th century. The church represents the beautiful empire style.

Car museums

Kangasala hosts two automobile museums: The automobile and road museum Mobilia is a great place for the entire family. A traffic park and a playground will keep the children entertained. The Vehoniemi car museum exhibits rare cars and motorcycles that cannot be seen anywhere else. In addition to exhibiting the history of vehicles, the museum has a toy shop. The museum is located in beautiful surroundings, and the scenery can be admired from a nearby observation tower.

The market square

The Kangasala market square is the heart of Kangasala, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and savour the atmosphere of life on the square. Produce from the local farmers, fresh pastries, household goods, and accessories are sold at the market place. There is also an information board at the square.