Other cities and towns include Valkeakoski and Akaa (formerly Toijala) in the Pirkanmaa region.

The other chain, the Hauho route, drains from the southeast and consists of the lakes Lummene, Vehkajärvi, Vesijako, Kuohijärvi, Kukkia, Iso-Roine, Vesanselkä and Ilmoilanselkä.

A third chain of lakes and rivers drain into Vanajavesi from the south, originating in Pääjärvi in the east and Loppijärvi in the west.

Vanajavesi itself drains into lake Pyhäjärvi through the Kuokkolankoski rapids, which are situated in Lempäälä, to the north.

Vanajavesi and its surroundings are the central area of the historical province of Tavastia in Finland.