The renovation and restoration work in the Kuninkaanlähte area has been completed. Metsähallitus has implemented an extensive renovation project in the area, the aim of which is to improve the safety and comfort of the site and make the historically significant site more accessible to visitors.

−A new parking area for approximately 35 cars and two buses has been built in the area. An accessible route leads from the parking area to the spring, and a viewing platform has been built next to the spring. An accessible, approximately 40-meter-long steel-structured access bridge has been built along the spring stream, explains Metsähallitus's specialist in the construction of nature services Matti Aromäki.

In addition, the area around the spring has been renovated with natural stone borders, terrain shaping and clearing of bushes. New roadside signs, traffic signs and information boards have been installed in the area to make it easier to find the site and move around the area. The project has been implemented mainly with the Parliament's allocation of funds allocated for the renovation of the King's Spring.

Valuable spring environment and Geopark site

In addition to its significant history, Kuninkaanlähde is also a valuable natural site. Studies by Metsähallitus have found a diverse spring species in the area, and it has emerged as a significant site in studies based on both the vegetation and insect species.

“The King’s Spring is one of the significant natural sites of the Lauhanvuori−Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark. In the restoration of the area, special attention has been paid to preserving the site’s natural values,” says the Geopark’s executive director. Terttu Hermansson.

During the renovation, the information stone that was previously located at the spring has also been restored and returned to its place. The area has also been cleared of trees to the extent required by the route and access bridge.

Historic highway rest area

The King's Spring is located in Hämeenkangas, along one of Finland's main medieval roads, Kyrönkankaantie. Kyrönkankaantie was once an important route from Satakunta to Ostrobothnia, and the spring has served as a stopping point for travelers for centuries.

The spring received its current name in 1752, when the Swedish King Adolf Fredrik and his entourage stopped there on their tour of Finland. The visit made the spring well-known, and over the years, many stories have been associated with the place, both about the royal stop and the healing properties of the spring.

The opening of the renovated spring area will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, starting at 10 a.m., at Kyrönkankaantie 17, 38700 Kankaanpää. Access to the new parking lot will be via Kyrönkankaantie, not the Hostel entrance. All interested parties are welcome to the opening.

Opening ceremony program:

• Welcome words and background on the restoration project, Liaison Manager Tiina Hakkarainen, Metsähallitus Nature Services
• Memories from the King's Fountain, MP Jari Koskela
• Accordion music, Elias Esala, Kankaanpää Music Institute
• The history of the King's Fountain, museum clerk Anu Forss, Kankaanpää City Museum
• The importance of the source area as a nature and tourism destination, Executive Director Terttu Hermansson, LH Geopark
• Accordion music, Elias Esala, Kankaanpää Music Institute
• Have coffee

 

Additional information:

Leena Kuusimäki, Marketing and Communications Manager, City of Kankaanpää, 050 577 5200, [email protected]
Matti Aromäki, construction specialist, Metsähallitus Nature Services, 040 191 7305, [email protected]