Tourist Attractions & Monuments Finland

The last one made by Alvar Aalto in 1978: powerful and brilliant simplicity with its white and bare interior. High windows let a light flood in, barely subdued by the light foliage of the surrounding birch trees. The large organs built into the right wall are superb. The church hosts the annual organ festival in August. A few steps away is the market square with its covered market and the town hall in Art Nouveau style.

Gallery Becker houses temporary collections of modern art that are renewed every three weeks. For lovers of Finnish art (in photography as well as in painting or sculpture...), works are for sale or to rent for the time of your stay if you are not decided to buy! Don't hesitate to take a tour if you pass by, it's always interesting and it's the opportunity to discover small local, national and sometimes even international artists. And if you are one yourself, why not rent a place?

This little yellow train has become an institution over time. Even if it has a rather classic appearance, this tourist train has a reputation that goes beyond the Oulu cove in the Gulf of Bothnia. You will be able to say: "I did it! "But after an hour, you will be able to see all the main sights of Oulu. There are two trains: one to go to the sea at Nallikari and the other to go to Hupisaaret and the Oulu river delta. The departure is from the intersection of Rotuaari pedestrian street with Kirkkokatu. More information at the tourist office.

Outside the city, in the open air, this open-air museum allows you to discover a rural village through 40 different buildings, with for example a church dating from 1694 or the Ylikärppä manor house. We walk along the lake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Ideal for all ages and all travellers! In the summer, a café is open and offers a delicious salmon soup in a very pleasant setting.

Scientific centre with exhibitions regularly organized on different themes. Interactive, pedagogical and fun to initiate or deepen your knowledge of science and technology. Simulations to be made in music and sports, exhibition on stones, astronomy ... The museum completes its permanent exhibitions with temporary exhibitions such as those on minerals. Nice viewpoint from the water tower. A nice family outing!

The museum is spread over three floors. The first floor is devoted to prehistory from 9,000 B.C., including the hunter-gatherer way of life, as well as flora and fauna. Opposite, the history of Oulu from its foundation by King Karl IX of Sweden in 1605 to the present day. The second floor presents the different learning styles. Finally, the top floor recalls the close link between the sea and the history of the town of Oulu, which in the late ^18th century was world-renowned for its trade in vegetable tar.

Oulu has a long tradition of visual arts. Many artists have settled here, both Finnish and international. The museum works closely with the various artists to showcase them and thus offers rich and diverse exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions are complemented by temporary exhibitions of painting, sculpture and photography. The plus: workshops adapted to children to introduce them to art!

In the town of Vaasa, located on the ground floor of the Ostrobothnia Museum, the Terranova Centre is dedicated to the Kvarken archipelago. In addition to various models, you will also find information about the four nature trails and two hiking trails in the national park (with the Ojen trail from Vaasa, the Panike trail in Korsnäs and the Västerö trail in Maxmo). For those who don't want to hike, take a look at the national park from the Replot Island Bridge, Finland's longest bridge, which is 1,045 metres long.

With friends or family, Vaasa Water Park is the perfect place to unwind and have fun for a day. There are slides for everyone: small and calm for the children, big ones with a sensation of free fall for the more adventurous, long and not too steep for the whole family? You can also take advantage of the whirlpools, the outdoor swimming pools heated to 28°, the solarium areas to relax and sunbathe...

The open-air museum of Brage (Bragegarden) was founded in 1933, in the middle of nature, a few kilometres from the city centre of Vaasa. A dozen houses illustrate the farming traditions and rural settlement in the Swedish-speaking regions of the 19th century. The main building includes a richly decorated Ostrobothnian bridal chamber. There is also a seal hunting museum and a former smoke sauna. On the beach, the Virgin's Round is a stone maze, a faithful replica of the one in the Kvarken archipelago.

If you have a car, you can start, to connect Jakobstad and Kokkola, 40 km away, by opting for the beautiful Route des Sept-Ponts (road no. 749). It winds its way through the archipelago of the Gulf of Bothnia, going deep into the heart of a wild and grandiose site. Then on Isokatu 2-4, towards the city museum. In a rich old house, this museum retraces the prestigious past of the city. Good plan: Wednesdays from 6pm to 8pm, it's free! Then the Nanoq museum introduces you to the way of life and culture of the primitive Arctic peoples.

You will be spoilt for choice between the popular beach in Andra Sjörn, a few kilometres outside the city centre, the beach of Storsnd, the beach of Monäs, the beach of Munsala and the fishing port in Vexala.

The church of Hattula is dedicated to the Holy Cross and is famous all the way to the Kingdom of Denmark. Built in brick according to a process used in central Russia and the Baltic States. For the anecdote, the western gable bears a brick mask intended to frighten away evil spirits. The interior is decorated with murals, the oldest of which date from 1450 and, like those in the church in Lohja, belong to the great era of Finnish medieval art. The guided tour is exciting.

From the dream of the former owner emerged Aulanko with its exotic trees, swans, observation tower (superb view) and small houses. Scattered amidst the greenery are arbors, two graceful pavilions, lookouts, tennis courts, playgrounds, saunas, a pleasant beach, paths and trails lined with benches from afar. A 9-hole golf course. A large part of the park since 1930 is protected by the state.

The Kukkolankoski rapids (about three and a half kilometres long) are the largest in Finland. Already in the Middle Ages, the waters were known to be full of fish and a fishing festival is held here every year at the end of July. There are countless river and lake routes of all categories, ideal for rafting or canoeing. The Arctic Canoe Race (53 km) runs down the Tornionjoki River to the Gulf of Bothnia. The Nordic Safaris company organizes kayaking and rafting trips on the river.

The Aine Art Museum is located in the centre of Tornio, in the same building that houses the main library of the city. The museum offers a permanent exhibition as well as temporary exhibitions that change every 4 to 6 years. Eila and Veli Aine, art lovers, collected a large number of works which have since been bequeathed to the museum. On the program: Finnish paintings of expressionist inspiration. A must-see if you have some time in the area (or if it's raining!). The plus: numerous events and art education workshops.

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.

The house where the composer Sibelius was born has been transformed into a small, refined museum where one can discover the piano, the violin, the scores and the memories of the composer's family. Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) was one of the masters of Finnish music and his entire oeuvre was awarded the Nordic Council Prize, the highest literary distinction in northern Europe. His best-known work, Finlandia, is a true hymn to Finnish patriotism.

Finland is a strange country. In addition to swimming in the lakes in winter and summer, they also drive on them in winter, and in a very official way. The Finnish road administration is in charge of opening the ice road every winter. It is laid out between Koli (at the campsite) and the port of Vuonislahti. For 7 km, the speed limit is 50 km/h and the maximum weight is 3 t. The road is sometimes closed due to bad weather, faults or flooding..

Once parked, take the funicular (free, runs from 8am to 10pm) to the heritage sanctuary. The Koli park house is a mine of information for outdoor activities in the area. People come here to book guided tours, pick up maps and brochures... There are also souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. Many hikers choose this place as a starting point.

Wild Taiga has about 60 agencies that organize activities to discover the region and its wildlife, including the five legendary animals of the region: brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines and elks. In these remote forests, you can also cross paths with flying reefs, reindeer, beavers and many birds. Wild Taiga also allows you to discover them in their natural habitat with a guide. This is a walk that we recommend if you have the time and budget for young and old alike!

In the Karelian cultural centre, there is a 25-minute film on the Kalevala epic in French made from old illustrations. There is also a presentation of crafts and runes, with temporary exhibitions also focused on this Karelian culture. On arrival, outside the site, there is a beautiful statue by the Finnish sculptor Martti Aiha, dedicated to the singers of the founding text the Kalevala.

Alvar Aalto's work, which once again imposes his touch. A beautiful cultural hall for both theatre and concerts. The congress centre has three halls for concerts, cocktail parties, conferences and all kinds of events. In its largest room, it can accommodate up to 419 people. You can also see the library located opposite, which has been extensively redesigned according to the plans of the master architect (1965). Aesthetics and practicality are combined to perfection. Superb work on the light in particular.

This is a historic site in Kittilä, which is also an ancient Saami sacrificial site on the shore of Lake Taatsi, near the village of Pokka. The surrounding area is superb for walking. On Myllyjoentie, you can also visit the very active tourist office, which will be happy to provide you with information on accommodation and activities: reindeer farm visits, ice fishing, snowmobile tours... Website in English (www.levi.fi).

It is one of the most important open-air museums in the country. You will discover many old houses from the 19th century and objects of all kinds... Ideal to impregnate oneself with the daily life of the local people. If you want to immerse yourself in the history and way of life of the inhabitants of Lieksa in another era, you can opt for a guided tour! The tour is particularly enjoyable with children on sunny days so that they can make the most of the outdoors.

The museum helps to understand the importance of the forest and its resources to the country and the region before the industrial take-off. The museum tour includes a visit to the nearby museum boats. In the lobby is the Nestori Center, which features permanent and temporary nature exhibits and information on hiking and canoeing in the area. Museum shop on site with postcards, natural objects...

The M/S Puijo sails between Kuopio and Savonlinna, stopping at the Heinävesi manor house. Meals can also be taken on board. There are also cruises departing from Savonlinna with stops in Valamo or Lintula over two days. This is a great opportunity to discover the region in a different way and get a different view of the villages: we highly recommend it if you have the possibility, the budget and the time.

The M/S Sergei can carry 86 passengers from the Valamo monastery and the Lintula convent.

The nuns make candles for the Orthodox churches in Finland and also keep sheep. Orthodox services are held here twice a day: at 6 am and 6 pm. From New Valamo, 18 km away, you can take a trip on the Sergei boat to the Lintula monastery via the Varistaipale canal (a difference in level of more than 14 m). In summer, you can also take a boat from Kuopio or Savonlinna to both monasteries. The beautiful lake district is ideal for this type of cruise.

Designed in 1842 by order of tsar Nicholas I, the park offers a beautiful view over the rapids and Rantasipi Valtionhotelli. Very pleasant walk.

Imatra was famous for the wild beauty of the Imatrankoski Falls, the "Finnish Niagara", once the largest in Europe. This grandiose scenery was the reason for the construction of the Imatran Valtionhotelli Hotel, now restored. In 1928, the rapids were tamed to supply the industrial installations. The sluice gates are now open in the summer evenings, and for 20 minutes the falls return to their former foaming impetuosity. Ideal to observe from Crown Park, which offers a beautiful panorama.

Ideal to start the visit of Parikkala and its surroundings. You will find brochures (in English) about activities, accommodation and restaurants. There is information on the different species of birds to admire; the park has more than 300 different species. Siikalahti is the country's premier bird wetland. Lakes Simpelejärvi, Pien-Rautjärvi and Suur-Rautjärvi are all part of these important bird areas.

The Kesämaa leisure centre is a small aquapark that the whole family can enjoy on hot days! For young and old alike, there are water slides, an inflatable castle, balloon seas and an open-air swimming pool. However, teenagers and older children can quickly get the impression that they're running out of room! Possibility of accommodation nearby, restaurant on site and picnic area.

The museum, housed in a beautiful wooden building, is a veritable house of forest culture, attracting 30,000 visitors every year. A permanent exhibition presents the essential role of the forest through the ages in Finland and the interactions between man and nature. The history and traditions of past generations are brought to life in a film. The museum also has a store and a good restaurant. It is currently being renovated.

For four generations, the house belonged to the Wolkoff family, a wealthy Russian trading family, from 1870 to 1986. In that year, Johannes Wolkoff donated it to the city as a museum. It is one of the oldest wooden houses in the city. The house is steeped in the Orthodox religious tradition of this Russian family. Namely: it is nicely decorated for Easter and Christmas according to the Orthodox traditions, ideal to discover a little more about this culture. Souvenir shop and Wolkoff restaurant right next door.

Wooden church was built in 1891. Next to it there is a centre on the Orthodox religion and an Orthodox cemetery. At that time, Karelia was converted to Christianity through Orthodoxy in the 12th century. In some Orthodox villages in Karelia, after the mass on St. Peter's Day (June), a ram blessed by the priest is sacrificed before being shared by the faithful. Other communities do the same on St. Elijah's Day (July).

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In the centre of Joensuu, near the market, this museum introduces you to Finnish, Chinese, Roman and European religious art... from the 1850s to the present day. There are also permanent collections devoted to Etruscan and Chinese art. The highlight of the visit is the superb collection of icons and paintings by the great Finnish masters: Lindholm, Edelfeldt, Enckell, Gallèn-Kallela... Temporary exhibitions are also organised.

The neoclassical Lutheran Cathedral - Tuomiokirkko - built between 1806 and 1815 in exposed granite stone, is the seat of the Kuopio Diocese. It is set in a beautiful park and dominates the whole area. A little further on, you can also admire a second Orthodox cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, with its beautiful red brick façade and green roof, which blends in perfectly with the nearby garden.

Located south of Market Square, the open-air museum focuses on the daily life of the people of Kuopio between the 19th century and the 1930s. For this purpose, a group of 11 traditional wooden houses has been preserved, the oldest dating from the late 1700s. The interiors of the houses show the lifestyle of the Finns between the 1800s and 1930s. See also the Pharmacy Museum and photos of the city in the early 20th century.

Opened in 1957, this superb museum, the only one of its kind in Europe, bears witness to the influence of Orthodox Christianity in Karelia and more widely in Finland. The magnificent collection of icons, veritable jewels of silver and silverware, sometimes set with pearls and precious stones, comes largely from the monasteries of Valamo and Konevitsa, located on Lake Ladoga, and Petsamo, near the icy Arctic Ocean. The annexation of these territories by the USSR in 1944 led to the exile of hundreds of thousands of people. The monks saved what they could of the Orthodox treasures. On two floors, you can also admire beautiful religious objects and liturgical ornaments. See in particular the icon of the Virgin of Smolensk (1840) and the silver psalter (1762, Saint Petersburg). Also note the splendid gold-brocaded priestly vestments and the magnificent mitres. Note also the embroidered cover offered in 1551 by two bodyguards of Ivan the Terrible, a miniature iconostasis by Konevitsa (more than 200 figures painted in great detail). Also surprising are the heavy metal chains that some monks and hermits of Valamo secretly wore under their clothes. The final touch to the visit is the museum's pretty little church. Numerous permanent and temporary exhibitions also complete the collections. Cafeteria on site for a meal or coffee break.

Jussi is an experienced and friendly local guide who particularly enjoys tailoring experiences for his clients. Some of the activities he offers are: ice fishing, hiking, northern lights observation and photo shooting, private charter on the Inari lake to islands or for fishing... Jussi also rents a small cabin in the city centre to observe the northern lights and in which he also welcomes you in summer.

Cottage bookings. For more information at the Forestier Park Forestry Office (see below).

Information about Pallas-Oulastunturi National Park and removal of keys for shelters. Other more general tourist data and exhibitions on lapland nature. Clear and reliable cards.

This company offers guided naturalist tours.

The centre also hosts the region's tourism office and all information for full-nature activities in Koli and the existing guidance services. There are also souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. Many hikers choose this place as a starting point.

Numerous information on the national parks Linnansaari, Kolovesi and Repovesi and on the region's natural reserves. You will find information about hiking, places where camping, places to rent canoes and boats, how to obtain the fishing licence. The centre sells books and maps. Permanent exhibits and guided presentations of threatened species and conservation issues in the park and in general. Canoe and kayak rentals.

Free brochures on national parks. Fishing licences and GR cards also for sale.

Permanent exhibition, shop and restaurant. Here you will find all the heritage and natural information of the park.

There is information on hiking in the Lake Saimaa region and Linnansaari, Kolovesi and Siikalahti National Parks. Also on where to camp, where to rent canoes and boats... The centre sells books and maps. Permanent exhibitions on endangered species, such as the seals of the lake. There are currently 310 of them with between 10 and 20 births each year. Very interesting to make a detour there before going on an adventure by canoe or on foot.

This Hautajärvi visitors' center, located on the 82 km Karhunkierros hiking trail, offers a wealth of information on Oulanka and Riisitunturi national parks, as well as on the surrounding nature reserves: maps with routes and ideas for walks, flora and fauna... From here, you can even book guided tours to discover the park. On site, you'll find a café serving drinks and simple dishes.

This travel agency, run by wildlife specialists, offers tours of the country that are a little different: the program includes birdwatching, tracking bears and other local predators... in Kussamo, for example, it offers an eight-hour trip to discover the rich birdlife of the Kuusamo region. Absolutely fascinating and magnificent! Don't forget your camera! Advance booking essential.