Sastamala Church Pilgrimage

The Sastamala Church Pilgrimage is a journey of about 40 kilometers, starting from the village of Karkku and continuing through the center of Sastamala in Vammala, then onward to Keikyä on the other side of the municipality. The first section, about 20 km long, runs near Lake Rautavesi along country roads, passing the churches of Karkku, St. Mary of Sastamala, and St. Olaf of Tyrvää, ending at Tyrvää Church near the Vammaskoski bridge. From there, the route continues via Kiikka to Keikyä, where you’ll find two more churches and other sights along the way.

At the starting point of the pilgrimage, Wanha Harsu, Hyvän Paimenen Majatalo (Maakunnantie 17), you can get a route guide, a water bottle, rye bread, and prayer cards for each church for a small fee.

The pilgrimage route runs along the Pori-Tampere railway, so you can also arrive by train, which stops at both Karkku and Vammala stations. If needed, you can leave your car in Karkku and easily return there by train after completing the pilgrimage.

During summer, cafés are available near the medieval churches along the route. Next to Vammala railway station is Liekoranta Inn, whose restaurant and café are open for groups by reservation. https://sastamala.fi/visitsastamala/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/kirkkovaellus-esite-kevyt.pdf https://lipas.fi/liikuntapaikat/601857