Sastamala | Exploring Finland
Sastamala is a town in southwestern Finland, in the region of Pirkanmaa. It lies on the shores of the river Kokemäenjoki, a river that enters the Gulf of Bothnia at Pori. Sastamala was earlier known as Vammala, the new town was created in 2009 when the municipalities of Vammala, Mouhijärvi, and Äetsä were merged. The town became the seat of the new municipality, which today has a population of around 24.000 inhabitants. The town and municipality are Finnish-speaking.
There is a long history related to literature in Sastamala. The town has unanimously in 2013 declared itself to be the book capital of Finland, each year awarding the book of the year. There is also the book museum Pukstaavi which opened in 2011.
A Short History of Sastamala
The market town of Vammala was established in 1915 when the area was a part of Tyrvis Municipality. However, it took until 1965 before Vammala received its town status. The town was the seat of the Vammala Municipality and the municipality came to grow during the following decades. The municipalities of Tyrvis and Karkku were incorporated in 1973, while Suodenniemi was added in 2007. The last merger came in 2009, when Vammala was merged with Mouhijärvi and Äetsä to create Sastamala. The new municipality also integrated the municipality of Kiikoinen in 2013.
Things to Do and See
Exploring Sastamala is not complete without a walk along the shores of the river Kokemäenjoki. There are nice paths along the shores, offering a nice view of the river, the rapids, and the many small marinas. The city itself offers very little in regards to a city center. There are a few small streets and a small central shopping center. Otherwise, the main commercial center is a bit further away closer to the main road through the region.
Pukstaavi Book Museum
Pukstaavi opened in 2011 and is a national museum of Finland dedicated to Finnish books. It focuses on the cultural history related to Finnish books and literature.
Sastamala Museum
The Sastamalan Seudun Museo is a regional museum dedicated to the local cultural history. The museum is housed in the Tower Villa, a 130-year-old building in the historical Kirjakortteli area.
Tyrvää Church
There are several churches within the municipality, but it is the Tyrvää Church that stands along the river next to the rapids of Vammaskoski. The church has two towers and creates a spectacular view from the other side of the river. The church was completed in 1855.
How to Get to Sastamala
- Flights: Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP) is only a short distance to the east, towards Tampere. The airport offers a few domestic and international routes.
- Car: Sastamala lies along Road 12, just west of Tampere.
- Train: Vammala Train Station is in the north of the city center and has trains to and from Helsinki, Pori, and Tampere.
The driving distance from 5 major Finnish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Helsinki – 194 kilometers (2 h 30 min)
- Turku – 115 kilometers (1 h 25 min)
- Vaasa – 242 kilometers (3 h)
- Oulu – 544 kilometers (6 h 10 min)
- Joensuu – 452 kilometers (5 h 20 min)
Looking to Explore more of Finland and Europe?
