Attractions and Places To See around Askola - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Askola include a variety of natural and cultural sites. This Finnish municipality is characterized by its natural environment, featuring river valleys and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore historical sites and engage in outdoor activities within its landscapes. The region offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Askola
- The most popular attractions is Porvoo Cathedral, a religious building that serves as the episcopal church of the Swedish-speaking Evangelical Lutheran diocese of Borgå. Its oldest parts date from the 13th century, with the stone church expanded from 1410.
- Another must-see spot is Helsingintie Bike Path, a cycle way. This path features recent construction, ensuring good condition throughout for cyclists.
- Visitors also love Lahankoski Waterfall, a waterfall that flows in the River Mustijoki in Pornainen. It begins with a three-meter-high waterfall, with the cultural landscape of the Laha estate around it hosting various events.
- Askola is known for its geological formations, historical sites, and natural landscapes. The area provides a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient churches to river rapids.
- The attractions around Askola are appreciated by the komoot community, with 43 upvotes and 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Porvoo Cathedral
Highlight • Religious Site
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Lahankoski Waterfall
Highlight • Waterfall
The waterfall is formed, when the slowly flowing river pours down a rocky cliff, which extends across the whole width of the stream bed. Before the rapids the river flow is calm. The steepness of the cliff varies along the width of the waterfall, being at best, completely vertical. After the fall, the water to continues its way under the nearby road bridge, and from there to the reservoir of the hydroelectric power plant.
Lahankoski has reportedly got its name from the fact that in the past the river was used often for transporting. As the water level in the rapids was low, the boats had to be portaged along the shore past the waterfalls (portage is laahata in Finnish). Lahankoski has also played an important role in the history of the nearby Laha estate (which is more than 200 years old). On the west side of the first waterfall there has been a sawmill, which was operational until 1912. Below the fall, on the other hand, there has been a watermill of the nearby Kupsenkylä village. The concrete foundations of the mill are still visible in the river. In addition, some remnants of an old log floating flume can still be seen at the river, as log floating was practiced there until the 1950s.
The Laha estate watermill was built in 1892, in the lower part of the rapid, where it served as a small power station in addition to the normal milling activity. Electricity was produced with two generators for the use of the estate itself and the neighbouring houses. Power generation ended in the 1960s, when the turbines broke due to freezing. Lahankoski was then able to flow free until the year 2010, when the hydroelectric plant was renewed, and most of the rapids lost its natural water flow. Happily, however, the highest and steepest waterfall in the rapid was left outside of the hydropower production, even though it is said that at the early stages of the project that was also considered.
Lahankoski can be easily reached by car along the Meijerintie road, and there are several parking places near the rapids. The main waterfall is easy to admire from the wooden road bridge, from where you can see the fall straight ahead. Excluding the driest periods of the year, there is enough water to cover most of the rocky cliff, and the roar of the rapids is an impressive sound. The cultural landscape of the Laha estate around the waterfall is open and idyllic countryside. During the summer, a variety of events are arranged in the area, including exhibitions and film screenings in the renewed mill building. In addition, it is possible to ride or play tennis, if you like to.
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Iso Linnamäki Castle Hill
Highlight • Historical Site
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Porvoo Old Railway Station and Depot
Highlight • Historical Site
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Memorial to the Fallen of the Finnish Civil War (1918)
Highlight • Monument
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Tips from the Community
It is somewhat unusual that the church tower is so far away from the church building.
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Site of an old castle, nowadays all that's left to see is a series of circular earthworks. Cycling is forbidden on the earthworks themselves.
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Perched high above the hustle and bustle of central Porvoo in peaceful Iso Linnamäki Park, it's hard to imagine that it was the scene of fierce battles during the Great Northern War in the 18th century. Half a millennium ago there was a castle dominating the entire Porvoo River Valley. It was probably built by the Swedes during their conquest of the East. The steep moats around the top of Linnamäki Hill are a reminder of the past.
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To commemorate the fallen of the Finnish Civil War: "They sided with Finnish freedom in 1918"
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Porvoo Cathedral (Swedish Borgå domkyrka, Finnish Porvoon tuomiokirkko) in Porvoo, Finland (Swedish Borgå) is the episcopal church of the Swedish-speaking Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Borgå. The brick gable is unplastered, the bell tower is free-standing. Around 200,000 tourists visit the cathedral every year. Next to the bell tower is a wooden church built in 1740 for the services of Finnish-speaking parishioners. The diocese was set up in 1723 after the Great Northern War, since Sweden had to cede Vyborg with the bishopric to Russia. The oldest parts of the cathedral - originally a wooden building - date from the 13th century. From 1410 the cathedral was expanded and rebuilt as a stone church. It was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was destroyed by fire several times: in 1508 by the Danish army, in 1571, 1590 and 1708 by Russian forces. Source: wikipedia.org
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Worth seeing station building made of wood
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We parked just outside of Porvoo and passed the old train station on our way to the center. It lies there as if in a slumber, slowly growing and decaying - a pity 😪 Here the railway enthusiast will find a turntable with a two-stall roundhouse (small) and another two-stall roundhouse with a water tower. The station building is repurposed and in good condition; the goods shed, on the other hand, could use some refurbishment. This also applies to the loading ramp and associated crane and all the rolling stock - a shame. With a lot of commitment, a beautiful railway museum could be created here. At least a museum train runs regularly => www.porvoonmuseorautatie.fi
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Former castle complex situated on a hill, which was probably laid out by the Swedes at the beginning of the 13th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural attractions can I explore in Askola?
Askola is famous for its unique geological formations like Askola's Potholes (Hiidenkirnut), which are among the largest in the world. You can also visit the picturesque Porvoonjoki River Valley, the impressive Vakkolankoski rapids, and the rugged cliffs of Korkeakallio offering stunning views. For a more untouched nature experience, explore Vähäjärvi.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in Askola?
Yes, Askola offers several historical and cultural sites. You can visit the beautiful Porvoo Cathedral, with parts dating back to the 13th century. The Askola Church, built in 1799, houses significant items from the region's past. Explore the Askola Local Heritage Museum, located in an old granary, or visit Johannes Linnankoski's Childhood Home (Niemenpellon talo) for insight into the renowned Finnish author's life.
What outdoor activities can I do near Askola's attractions?
The region around Askola is excellent for outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking on routes like the 'Traffic Cones on Forest Path' or 'Jokivarrentie Gravel Path'. There are also running trails, such as the 'Myrskylän mänty loop', and MTB trails like the 'Kokonniemi Fitness Trail'. For more details on these activities, check out the Gravel biking around Askola, Running Trails around Askola, and MTB Trails around Askola guides.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Askola?
Many attractions in Askola are suitable for families. The Lahankoski Waterfall area often hosts events during summer and is easily accessible. The Iso Linnamäki Castle Hill offers a historical site within a park setting. The Etujärvi Walking Trail starts directly from the village center, providing a convenient option for nature walks with children. Additionally, the Helsingintie Bike Path is in good condition for family cycling.
What is the best time of year to visit Askola for nature exploration?
Spring is particularly impressive for witnessing the powerful rush of waters at Vakkolankoski when the ice breaks. Summer offers a peaceful, idyllic environment perfect for enjoying nature, with various events often held around sites like the Lahankoski Waterfall. The Askola's Potholes area is also great for picnics and exploration during warmer months.
Can I find hiking trails in Askola?
Yes, Askola offers several options for nature walks and hiking. The Etujärvi Walking Trail is a convenient option starting from the village center. While the approximately two-kilometer route around Askola's Potholes is not fully accessible, it provides trails, rocks, and stairs for exploration. For more structured hiking routes, you can explore the Running Trails around Askola guide, which includes various difficulty levels.
What is the Lahankoski Waterfall and where is it located?
The Lahankoski Waterfall is a briskly roaring rapid in the River Mustijoki, featuring a three-meter-high waterfall. While technically located in Pornainen, it's considered a significant attraction near Askola. The cultural landscape of the Laha estate around the waterfall also hosts various events during the summer.
Is there parking available at Askola's nature attractions?
Yes, for attractions like the Lahankoski Waterfall, there are several parking places near the rapids, making it easily accessible by car. For Askola's Potholes, visitors can typically find parking facilities, though it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
What is the significance of Porvoo Cathedral?
Porvoo Cathedral is a significant religious building and serves as the episcopal church of the Swedish-speaking Evangelical Lutheran diocese of Borgå. Its oldest parts date from the 13th century, and it was expanded into a stone church from 1410. It's a historically rich site that has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history.
Are there any memorials or monuments related to Finnish history in the area?
Yes, you can visit the Memorial to the Fallen of the Finnish Civil War (1918). This monument commemorates those who sided with Finnish freedom during the civil war, offering a poignant historical site for reflection.
What kind of views can I expect from Korkeakallio?
Korkeakallio features high and rugged cliffs that provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding rural scenery. It's a great spot for those looking to enjoy expansive landscapes and diverse climbing opportunities.
Where can I learn about Askola's local history and traditions?
The Askola Local Heritage Museum, housed in an old granary, is the perfect place to learn about the region's history. It takes visitors on a journey from Stone Age shorelines to rural life in the early 20th century, covering prehistory, daily life, and Askola's rich bread-making traditions.
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