Lapua's history dates as far back as the 14th century. The cultivated flat lands, that are typical to the area, are part and parcel of the way of life and thinking in Lapua. The wealthy rural community is known as the birthplace of various popular movements, and the Bothnians are said to have a strong desire for direct actions during social upheaval.
Lapua is a small town proud of its traditions, but it’s also lively and in touch with modern times. The town has approximately 15,000 inhabitants, and as far as tourism is concerned, it can cater for groups of all sizes.
A weekend trip to Lapua may surprise you with its shopping opportunities. Lapua has several renowned artisans specialising in designer items and handicrafts, so there is no shortage of things to see and buy. If you're looking for an exceptionally good quality-price ratio, head to the various outlet and specialty shops. Everyone who appreciates buying locally will be delighted by the multitude of farm shops with Finnish produce for sale. It's a great idea to visit the local restaurants and cafeterias while shopping.
The Vanha Paukku Cultural Centre founded in the 1990s in the old Lapua State Cartridge Factory is located on the banks of the River Lapuanjoki. This historical area comprises old factory buildings and boasts the 200-seater Alajoki Hall, several conference halls and a lunch cafeteria, among other things. The facilities are rented out to companies and other parties. The cultural centre also has a cinema, the Lapua Theatre, the Lapua Art Museum, the Lapua Cartridge Factory Museum, a library, a music institute and an adult education centre. Vanha Paukku is open all year round and serves as a venue for various events, including art exhibitions, lectures and concerts. In the summer, go on a river cruise and hear about the history of the area and see its beautiful scenery.
For those interested in an active city holiday, a visit to the Simpsiö Ski Centre is a must. Its beautiful landscapes offer a place for all kinds of sports throughout the year. Simpsiö is a unique location in Ostrobothnia thanks to its exceptionally large differences in altitude.
The pistes of Simpsiö have a nature reserve that is part of the herb-rich forest conservation programme and Natura 2000 protection programme. The nature walks may also be full of surprises, as the area has a variety of different terrains on offer: lush swamp areas, rocky outcrops, fields of jagged rocks and old pine forests. The nature reserve also has several nature paths, along which you will find information about the wide variety of insects, birds and endangered species in the area. Rytilampi is a popular recreation area with its multitude of nesting and migrating birds.
In the winter, Simpsiö is a venue for downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing.
A holiday in Lapua offers many activities. The town and the surrounding areas have a multitude of accommodation options on offer all year round to suit all tastes, whether you enjoy log cabins or the comfort of hotels, there’s something for everyone. All accommodation options are easily accessible by road, and most places are only a short distance from the pistes of Simpsiö.
