The most beautiful religious buildings Finnish Lapland

Completed in 1797, this neoclassical church is one of the measuring points of the Struve geodesic arch, which is part of the Unesco World Heritage. The point on the tower of the church was measured in 1842. It was marked in the clock tower and can still be seen on the walls. There was probably a wooden church in its place already in 1208. Surrounded by a quiet area by the water, you can spend a day here with a visit of the church.

The Vanha Kirkko Church is located outside the town and is surrounded by greenery and trees. Built in 1689, it is one of the oldest and best preserved churches in Lapland, and even in Finland, as it was spared the rout of the German army. At the time, it was only the third church built in Lapland after Inari and Kemijärvi. It is made of wood and has a roof of wooden scales in the shape of an overturned boat.

Completed in 1987, this magnificent church will finish by immersing you in the atmosphere of the Great North. The exterior already surprises: all in wood, with the shape of a chalet, it seduces you right away! This church was not built for Russian nationals, but for the Saami skolts. The latter fled the Petsamo region after the arrival of the Soviets and the catastrophic development of nickel mining. There is also a community of Saami skolts in Sevettijärvi, further north.

While walking around Tornio, don't miss the church on Seminaarinkatu. Certainly one of the most beautiful wooden churches in the country. Completed in 1686, the church was built in honour of the Swedish Queen Eleanor. A second church can be seen on Lukiokatu. It was in 1825 that Tsar Alexander I decided to build an Orthodox place of worship. The present building, dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, dates from 1884. You can also visit the Torne Valley Museum to learn more about the customs and traditions of the region.