It is famous for its natural beauty, as depicted by Sakari Topelius in his poem Kesäpäivä Kangasalla (made into a song by Gabriel Linsén). It is also known for its mansions, such as Liuksiala where Swedish queen Karin Månsdotter lived, and Wääksy.
Finnish author Jalmari Finne was born and lived in Kangasala.