Over the years, the boundaries of the City of Raahe have expanded, and within them a diverse network of villages has developed. Siikajoki and Pyhäjoki also have their own charming village networks. Many villages and village communities have a strong local identity. On this page, you will find brief introductions to the villages of the Raahe region.
Villages of Raahe
Alpua is an idyllic and active village that was nationally awarded Village of the Year in 2015. Alpua is located about 15 kilometres from Vihanti. The village has developed around a beautiful pine-covered ridge, giving it a nature-oriented and peaceful character.
In addition to its beautiful natural surroundings, Alpua is known for its history. The village is home to the Church Stone, where church services are still occasionally held today. The Kalmasti forest, suspected to be a burial site from the time of the Great Wrath, also reflects this close connection between nature and history. You can swim and fish at Lake Lumijärvi. Several Vihanti nature trail criss-cross Alpua, for example near Lake Lumijärvi and the Alpuanharju ski lodge.
Alpua hosts AlpuanharjuROCK in June, showcasing bands from the surrounding area, and the traditional Alpua Harvest Market in August. During the summer, it is worth stopping by the summer café, which offers seasonal treats as well as art exhibitions by the village’s own artists.
Did you know? Well-known people originally from Alpua include writer and columnist Impi Fatima Aronaho and former Member of Parliament Juho Pyörälä.
The Haapajoki–Arkkukari village area is located about nine kilometres south of Raahe town centre.
The area is home to one of the Raahe Museum’s sites, the Saloinen Local Heritage Museum. The museum buildings and objects reflect the lives of former farmers and fishermen of Saloinen. The museum area is extensive, comprising a total of 18 buildings, including the Saloinen Computer Museum and the Red Cottage, which serves as a summer café and exhibition space.
Along Highway 8 lies the pleasant Lake Järvelänjärvi, next to which hungry travellers are served by the Järvelänjärvi Grill-Café. The grill’s Salme burgers have been awarded the Arctic Food Lab label.
In addition to the Särkkä Perennial Nursery, floral splendour can be admired at the Arkkukari Allotment Garden. In summer, open house events are organised there, and towards the end of the year the allotment garden is transformed into a charming Christmas world.
From Arkkukari, it is a short distance to Siniluoto on the seashore. Siniluoto offers opportunities for jogging, swimming, and boating. In winter, the area is used for ice track driving and cross-country skiing.
Ilveskorpi is located 50 kilometers from the center of Raahe.
One of the best-known figures of Ilveskorpi was Heikki Kilpua-Myllymäki (1854–1934), also known as Master Heikki. He was known across a wide area in Ilveskorpi, Vihanti, and even in Oulainen. In many ways he was an original character and always wanted to make his own way in life. In Ilveskorpi there is Master Heikki’s Hut, built of stone, where Heikki lived during the summers and spent the winters traveling from one villager’s home to another.
The Vihanti nature trails run through Ilveskorpi. The routes include both easy, wide trails and more demanding mountain biking routes.
Did you know? Ilveskorpi was named Village of the Year in Northern Ostrobothnia in 1999.
Jokela is a village of around 500 residents in Raahe, in the area of the former municipality of Pattijoki.
Jokela offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities and exercise. A ski trail leads to the Raahe ski lodge. In winter, there is an ice rink and a sports field in use, and the area also features a lean-to shelter.
Jokela is an active events village, hosting various fairs, weekly traditional sports competitions, as well as theatre and concert trips.
Kopsa is a rural village of around 250 residents, also consisting of smaller areas, Romuperä and Ojalanperä.
Kopsa offers versatile outdoor and recreational opportunities. The village has ski trails, a playground, an ice rink, the Romuperä open-air swimming area, and paths connecting the villages. One of the area’s most popular attractions is Jylhänharju, near which there are Giant’s Churches and stone cairns dating back to the Stone Age. The Pattijoki River, which runs through Kopsa, adds further value to outdoor activities and the landscape.
An active village association operates in the village, organizing events such as the Open Village Day and the Christmas celebration. The Kopsa Village House serves as a meeting place and the center for events.
Did you know? Kopsa’s first grain dryer was built in 1956, and a separate dryer company was established for it. In 1964, the company moved its operations into a granary building that had survived a shop fire, and the original foundations of that building can still be seen inside the current grain dryer, which has been expanded several times over the years.
Kuusirati, with around one hundred residents, is located seven kilometres from the Vihanti village. In Kuusirati, community activities centred around the village hall combine with nature-based recreational opportunities.
Kuusirati is known for its excellent outdoor and leisure opportunities. The village has a volleyball court, an ice rink, a disc golf course, and excellent opportunities for hunting and geocaching. The Vihanti nature trails also extend to Kuusirati. An easy-to-walk path runs along an ancient forest route that pedestrians have used as a shortcut to the Taka-ava fields.
Lampinsaari is a culturally and historically valuable area that was originally built in the 1950s as a residential area for the workers of the Vihanti mine and their families. A vibrant mining village was created almost from scratch. The influence of the mining era is still visible in the overall appearance of Lampinsaari today, for example in its community structure that follows the ideology of the English garden city. Mining operations ended in 1992. Today, Lampinsaari has around 300 residents.
Lampinsaari has a camping area and an outdoor swimming pool that offer a wide range of leisure opportunities: nature trails, birdwatching towers, lean-to shelters, as well as good berry-picking and fishing spots. In the pavilion located in the area, a café operates during the summer.
Lampinsaari is home to Gunnar's Manor, which offers accommodation and event services. Gunnar's Manor also hosts the lunch restaurant Kaivoskylän herkku. During the summer, the Lampinsaari Festival is held in the Gunnar's Manor area, featuring a programme that includes music and community singing, dining, and activities organised by local residents. Gunnari Manor also regularly organises small-scale events such as karaoke nights.
In addition to sensing the history of the Mining Village itself, a visit to the Sumppitunturi recreation area in Lampinsaari is also recommended, as it offers excellent hiking opportunities and diverse ways to experience the local nature in its many forms.
The Vihanti nature trails are part of the Lampinsaari hiking network. The trails are mainly easy to walk. The cycling route Flatland Route also passes through Lampinsaari.
Did you know? The successful orienteer Pasi Ikonen is originally from Lampinsaari.
Lasikangas, also known as Pattijoen Ylipää, is a vibrant village of around 300 residents located a 15-minute drive from the centre of Raahe. The village is particularly popular with young families and entrepreneurs.
The village offers diverse opportunities for sports and outdoor activities: a sports hall, an ice rink, a fitness trail, and in winter a ski track, a swimming pit, a sledding hill, as well as the Raahe Ancient Trail. Along the route, numerous ancient remains and sites dating from the Stone Age to the Iron Age in the area are presented.
Lumimetsä is located about 60 kilometres from the centre of Raahe and about 20 kilometres from the Vihanti station. Lumimetsä was chosen as Finland’s most beautiful place name in a reader poll by Me Naiset magazine in 2024. Lumimetsä is surrounded by fields and forests.
The Vihanti Bull Festival, which has long-standing traditions, is held in Lumimetsä every third year.
The Vihanti nature trails run through Lumimetsä. Along the route there are farmhouses and agricultural roads. The trail is also suitable for mountain biking, but is more challenging in places.
Did you know? A source of local pride is the mare Lumi-Oosa, bred and owned by Markku Lumiahonen, who has achieved success as a trotting queen.
Läntisranta is located in the immediate vicinity of the Vihanti station. The area has been inhabited as far back as 5,000 years ago. Evidence of this ancient settlement can be seen in a stone field, which can be reached via the Läntisranta nature trail. Along the trail, there are also other sights to see, such as tar pits, the Myllykoski mill, and Lake Särkijärvi. Right at the starting point, there is the Rantasenjärvi birdwatching tower.
The recreation area in Läntisranta is an excellent place to spend time being active or grilling sausages at the campfire site. Mäntylampi is one of the most popular swimming spots in the area.
Did you know? Läntisranta is the geographical centre of Raahe.
Mattilanperä is a village of approximately 350 residents in the area of the former municipality of Saloinen.
Mattilanperä is home to the Kettukangas Stone Age archaeological site, where around one hundred prehistoric features have been discovered. The finds date to the Stone Age and have been preserved relatively well. The area consists of a Giant’s Church, pit structures, depressions, fire-cracked stone mounds, and cairns. The Giant’s Church is located on the southern side of the ridge, close to the hilltop. Part of the Giant’s Church has been destroyed, but it is still clearly identifiable. The area contains about 30 depressions, which are most likely the remains of dwelling foundations. They are arranged along the length of the ridge, following the ancient shoreline. The pit structures also follow the ancient shorelines. In the same area there are fire-cracked stone mounds built from fist-sized, heavily weathered stones. Quartz and quartzite flakes, as well as charcoal and soot, have been found in the mound area. The fire-cracked stone mounds are believed to be connected to the processing of seal fat. In addition, there are cairns in the area that most likely functioned as stone cellars used for storing seals. Kettukangas was therefore a significant settlement site for seal hunters.
Myllyperä-Perukka is a village of about 100 residents, surrounded by beautiful rural landscapes of forests and fields. The Ahmaneva mire area is known as a popular cloudberry-picking site as well as for its unique wildlife.
The Vihanti nature trails network runs through the area. The diverse selection of routes includes both easy and demanding mountain biking trails, boardwalks, as well as an old church path stretching all the way from Saloinen, along which people once traveled long distances through Vihanti and further on to Haapavesi. Some of the routes are easy to traverse, while others are rocky or challenging due to logging activities.
The village of Möykkylä, with around 70 residents, is known for its strong sense of community. Möykkylä is geographically long, stretching 20 kilometres from one end to the other. The area is dotted with several small lakes and ponds.
Möykkylä features the Möykkylä Route, which is part of the Vihanti nature trails network and begins at the Möykkylä village hall. The route is challenging in places, but it can also be travelled by mountain bike. The terrain consists of sandy eskers interspersed with mires and bogs.
Olkijoki is a developing village about 10 kilometres from Raahe. The Hummastinvaara outdoor recreation area extends into Olkijoki. There you will find outdoor trails and a lean-to shelter, a trotting track, a motor racing track, a shooting range, and Lake Hummastinjärvi. Olkijoki offers excellent terrain for berry picking and mushroom foraging. In addition, there is a public beach on the seashore.
Located in Olkijoki is the Olkijoki Treaty Museum, which takes visitors back to the atmosphere of the Finnish War of 1808–1809. The Olkijoki Treaty Museum, which marked the beginning of the armistice between Russia and Sweden, was signed at the Lassila Inn. Most of the main building of the Lassila estate was demolished in 1918, when it was decided to convert it into a museum. As a historical memorial of the Finnish War, the chambers in which the Olkijoki agreement was signed were preserved. At that time, the building was named the Olkijoki Treaty Museum.
Palonkylä, also known as Palo, belonged to the former parish of Saloinen and is part of the suburban area of Raahe. Palonkylä is mentioned in historical sources of Northern Ostrobothnia as early as 1540. Today, there are about 430 residential houses in Palonkylä. From Palonkylä there is a good network of paths and ski trails leading to the Ski Lodge and nature trails.
With approximately 5,000 residents, Pattijoki is the most populous of the villages in the Raahe region. Pattijoki became part of the city of Raahe in 2003. Pattijoki is a vibrant village with a good range of services next to the city centre of Raahe.
The Pattijoki Church, also known as the Chapel of Silence, was designed by architect Josef Stenbäck. In addition, Pattijoki is home to a forest church, which is also referred to as the Church of Living Fire, Water, and Light.
The Hummastinvaara nature trail network offers a wide range of hiking options across its many routes. Lohenpyrstö, set in stunning seaside scenery, is a popular camping spot for those traveling by motorhome or caravan. Finland’s most famous and largest Giant’s Church by area is located in Pattijoki.
The pride of Pattijoki is the local Finnish baseball team, Pattijoen Urheilijat, also known as PattU. At Pattijoki’s Miilu Arena, or “Rännäri,” you can watch top-level pesäpallo games during the summer.
Did you know? Traditional local dishes of Pattijoki include limppisoppa (sweet bread soup), rieska (flatbread), and sea buckthorn berry pudding.
Piehinki is one of the medieval coastal villages of Saloinen, the old parish of Salo. Piehinki has around 410 residents.
The village is known as a versatile nature destination: it attracts berry pickers, mushroom foragers, sea fishers, hunters, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. In Piehinki, you’ll find Kusti’s cycling and hiking trail network, a fitness trail, and the Kultala beach.
The former village of Salo has been inhabited since the late Iron Age. Numerous ancient monuments dating from that time can be found, for example, at Kettukangas, Laivavaara and Tervakangas. These archaeological remains particularly reflect the livelihoods of the period, especially seal hunting.
Saloinen is known for its excellent outdoor recreation areas both in summer and winter. The Haapajärvi reservoir is well suited for fishing, hiking and cycling. In winter, there is an ice-skating track and cross-country ski trails. In addition to the Haapajärvi reservoir, Saloinen also has the Oravajärvi swimming beach.
The Saloinen Local Heritage Museum presents the past lives of local fishermen and farmers. In July, the museum courtyard hosts the St. Olaf’s Day Market, a tradition that has been preserved from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Garden enthusiasts should visit the Arkkukari Allotment Garden for inspiration and then head to the Särkkä Perennial Nursery to buy flowers. Nearby is the Järvelänjärvi Grill Café, where you can enjoy a relaxing break with café and grill treats in beautiful surroundings.
Saloinen is home to the SSAB Raahe Steel Factory, which is also known by its former name, Rautaruukki.
Varvi and Välikylä form a village of 400 residents, featuring a cohesive old residential area built in the 1950s and several newer neighbourhoods. The area is continuously being zoned, and new houses are built every year. Varvi Beach has become an important meeting place for city residents, especially during Midsummer celebrations and the Venetian Night festivities. The heart of the village is the Pooki, a large kota (hut) located at Varvi Beach. Varvi also attracts visitors at other times to admire its magnificent seascape.
In Varvi you will find a nature trail over two kilometres long along the seashore. There is a public swimming beach as well as a dog swimming beach at Katinhäntä. Varvi has a boat launch at Pirttiniemi Bay and is a popular area for boating and other water activities. In winter, Varvi provides easy access to the ice trail leading to the Raahe archipelago.
The Varvi area has a renowned history of shipbuilding, as more than one hundred ships built in Varvi have sailed the world’s seas. The area was also once home to the city’s largest employer, the Santaholma sawmill (1926–1964), which at its peak employed over 600 workers. The local village association has actively highlighted the area’s history. Along the nature trail, at Varvi Beach and inside the Pooki, there are information boards that tell the story of both shipbuilding and the sawmill industry.
Vihanti became part of the city of Raahe in 2013. The village has around 1,000 residents. The Vihanti–Raahe railway station is located in Vihanti.
The long history of settlement in the Vihanti area is evidenced by the area’s extensive Stone Age excavations and archaeological finds. Vihanti has been inhabited since the Stone Age. More than 500 artefacts and dozens of settlement sites have been discovered in Vihanti. For example, a few axes have been found in Ilveskorpi in Vihanti, and a bronze brooch and an arrowhead in Myllyperä.
Vihanti offers a wealth of interesting natural attractions. On the Läntisranta there is a recreation area and a nature trail approximately five kilometres long. At Lake Kirkkojärvi and Mäntylampi you can enjoy waterside settings. Near Lake Kirkkojärvi are the kantti buildings maintained by the Vihanti Local Heritage Association. Most of these kantti buildings are available for rent, while the rest are used as museum facilities. The Granary Museum, whose collection includes more than 400 artefacts, is located next to the Vihanti church.
The embrace of nature is also offered by the Vihanti nature trails, which feature over 100 kilometres of different hiking routes. For hikers, the area offers Vihanti’s ancient history, and the trails themselves are historical in their own right. Most of the routes run past old Stone Age dwelling sites, and as a result, for example, deer hunting pits can still be seen in abundance. In addition, the cycling route Flatland Route runs through the centre of Vihanti.
The best-known event in Vihanti is the Vihanti Bull Festival, which has been held annually ever since 1966. In addition to music and dancing, the event offers good food and other accompanying programme.
Did you know? The village’s postal code 86400 corresponds to the number of seconds in a day.
Located by the sea, Old Town Raahe is the city centre. Old Town Raahe is one of the best-preserved 19th-century wooden towns in Finland. This nationally significant small wooden house area is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency. However, Old Town Raahe is not a museum area but a living neighbourhood, a “village in the heart of the city”, which tells its story of urban construction and living from centuries past to the present day.
There are several museum sites in Old Town Raahe. Located at Museum Shore is the Packhouse Museum. This oldest local museum in Finland presents the history of Raahe as a maritime town and also houses an impressive church hall containing church sculptures preserved from the 17th century. Opposite the Packhouse Museum stands the oldest residential building in Raahe, the Sovelius House. On its upper floor you will find the interior museum The Shipowner’s Home. The Old Pharmacy, located in the heart of Old Town Raahe, is one of Finland’s most significant pharmacy museum collections.
In a central location stands the Church of the Holy Trinity in Raahe, whose tower served as a landmark for sailors returning from the sea. The striking stones of the Raahe church were quarried from the Raahe archipelago. Inside the church is the altarpiece With Jesus in the Storm, painted by Eero Järnefelt.
You can read more about Old Town Raahe and its attractions here.
Villages of Siikajoki
Karinkanta is located in the municipality of Siikajoki, close to the border with Lumijoki.
Karinkanta is home to the Varessäikkä beach and small-boat harbor. The natural sandy beaches of Varessäikkä are ideal for spending a summer day. The shallow swimming waters and gently sloping sandy shores are perfectly suited even for small children to splash around. The low-lying shores of Karinkanta are internationally valuable bird wetlands. In addition to grazing cattle, rare lesser white-fronted geese can sometimes be seen on the meadows and wooded pastures of the spit. Varessäikkä has therefore become a favorite spot for many birdwatchers. The waters of Varessäikkä are also good fishing grounds.
Kurikka Sheep Farm is home to around 400 sheep. In summer, you can enjoy a sheep holiday in wonderful natural tranquility, in idyllic coastal scenery. The company is of high quality too — a whole flock of sheep. Kurikka Sheep Farm also sells lamb meat products as well as handcrafted items made on the farm.
The vibrant and idyllic village of Luohua is located about 20 kilometers from Ruukki, the municipal center of Siikajoki.
Luohua offers an abundance of beautiful nature. The Karhuviia Boulder located in Luohua is one of the largest glacial erratics in Finland. This seven-meter-high boulder is a popular destination among hikers and climbing enthusiasts. Jussilanranta, located along the Luohua River, is a well-liked swimming spot that also features a lean-to shelter with a campfire site and a volleyball court. At Lake Kipsuanjärvi, there is a hut and a lean-to shelter. The Hangasneva nature trail is a year-round wilderness-style hiking route suitable for walking and mountain biking.
Did you know? Luohua is the most child-rich village in the municipality of Siikajoki. Of its residents, 28% are children.
Information will be updated.
Paavola is a small and idyllic rural village along the Siikajoki River. The church street of Paavola village, with its old buildings, is one of the few church villages where the village structure centered around the main road has clearly been preserved. The village has a peaceful atmosphere, yet for a rural village there is plenty of events and activities.
Paavola Church was consecrated in 1756. Thanks to enthusiastic volunteer work, the church was built in just 66 days. The church is white, and its architecture features angular forms. The church is decorated with works by the renowned church artist Mikael Toppelius.
Paavola is home to the Ruokolahti Dance Pavilion, which has been in operation since 1956. It is a popular dance venue that attracts people from a wide area. The pavilion hosts activities and even well-known performers from late May to early September. The annual Paavola Spring Market offers a wide variety of small items for sale from different market vendors, as well as various programs for entertainment.
Did you know? Paavola is home to the Paavola Observatory, built and owned by Arktos of Oulu.
Revonlahti has been inhabited since the 16th century. Settlement in Revonlahti is divided on both sides of the Siikajoki River. The village structure is rural in character, allowing for spacious living and a high level of comfort in the area. Revonlahti was awarded the Village of the Year in North Ostrobothnia title in 2023. Revonlahti is also known by the nickname Revis.
Revonlahti Church was completed in 1775. It is a red-walled wooden cruciform church located on the same site as the old preaching house dating back to 1691. The church is known for its impressive wall paintings painted in 1821 by Mikael Toppelius, which remained the final works of his long artistic career.
Revonlahti is home to two memorials of the Finnish War (1808–1809). Lauri Kallinen’s Flame of Freedom from 1935 resembles a tall flame made of stone. The other Finnish War memorial monument commemorates the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Revonlahti. In addition, Revonlahti has a memorial dedicated to the local fallen heroes who lost their lives during the Second World War.
Tiesikkö nää? Kirjailija Joona Keskitalon teos Suo, joka upposi tapahtumat sijoittuvat pääosin Revonlahdelle.
Ruukki is the municipal center of Siikajoki, located along the Siikajoki River in a beautiful river landscape. Ruukki is the oldest industrial community in Northern Finland, with its industrial history dating back to 1672, when Per Brahe founded a potash factory in the area.
The railway station located in Ruukki ensures good transport connections to both the north and the south.
Garden enthusiasts from near and far gather at the Northern Finland Garden Fair. During the event, the indoor arena of the Ruukki Equesestrian Centre is temporarily transformed into a green oasis offering a vast selection of different plants, a small assortment of local food, and various short informational sessions. At the Ruukki Organic and Local Food Market, a wide range of vendors and exhibitors come together to showcase the autumn harvest. There is also a program lineup, with activities especially aimed at children. KreivinsaariRock is an all-ages rock event with free admission, held in Ruukki’s idyllic island and riverside setting.
Ruukki is home to a well-liked environmental art installation: cows made of stone and metal by sculptor Hannu Ahosalo. Many feel the artwork is a perfect fit for a community with a strong agricultural heritage. For those wishing to immerse themselves in nature, Kärkiniemi’s kota shelter and shoreline trail are well worth a visit. The area also features the ball-shaped pine tree that has delighted visitors, the ruins of an old sawmill, and the Giant’s Kettle formations.
Did you know? Model and singer Marika Kristiina Tupila (née Fingerroos) is originally from Ruukki.
Saarikoski is a small, lively, and traditional rural village. It is located about 18 kilometers from Ruukki, the municipal center of Siikajoki. The village of Saarikoski also includes Metsäperä and Hartaanselkä.
The Siikajoki River meanders through Saarikoski and plays a major role in the village’s identity. In winter, cross-country ski tracks run along the river, and in August fishing competitions are held on the river. Leisure activities are also available through community evenings, the fitness trail, and the swimming beach. In addition, the village has a sports field, and next to it a disc golf course.
Did you know? Saarikoski got its name from an island that once existed in the river, but the island was blasted away during the channeling of the Siikajoki River.
Siikajoenkylä is the former municipal center of Siikajoki. After Siikajoki and Ruukki merged in 2007, it lost its status as the municipal center to Ruukki. The Siikajoki River flows through Siikajoenkylä. Siikajoenkylä is known as one of the sites of the Finnish War (1808–1809).
Siikajoki Church was built in 1701. Near the church stands a bell tower built in 1765, which is still in use today. The Battle of Siikajoki took place near Siikajoki Church Hill during the Finnish War. A memorial monument designed in 1934 by architect and visual artist Matti Visanni stands at the site. Klingspor Road and a cannonball embedded in the wall of the parsonage hall also serve as reminders of the battles fought in Siikajoenkylä during the Finnish War.
The most significant statue in the locality, the Bark Puller Statue, is the work of Martti Väänänen. It depicts the collectors of willow bark used in leather tanning. In the past, bark pulling and its delivery mainly to the Åström leather factories of Oulu provided important additional income for the landless and smallholding population of Siikajoki village.
Located on the opposite bank from the centre of Siikajoki village, Törmälä Farm offers a wide range of accommodation services in the peaceful countryside. The farm also provides event and meeting facilities of various sizes. A separate sauna building is available on the property. During the summer season, you can book Tentsile accommodation, which combines the atmosphere of a hammock and a tent.
Did you know? Siikajoki village is known as the place where the sea and the river meet, as this is where the river flows into the sea.
Tauvo, located south of the Siikajoki River, is known for its natural beaches with white sand. As recently as the 19th century, Tauvo was an island, separated from the mainland by a strait that has since narrowed into what is now known as Kurkunoja.
Tauvo is popular among swimmers, surfers, and birdwatchers. It is classified as an internationally important wetland area for birds. Tauvo is home to a bird station that serves as the bird research centre of the University of Oulu. There are also two birdwatching towers in Tauvo. The Ulkonokka tower is located near the bird station, and the Merikylänlahti tower is situated on the opposite side of the bay.
Tauvo features a harbour completed in 1971, fishermen’s storage buildings, and a summer kiosk that is open occasionally. You can reserve a boat berth or a caravan pitch in Tauvo.
The rural village of Tuomioja is located about 15 kilometres from Ruukki. The extensive wilderness areas of Tuomioja provide excellent opportunities for hunting.
Tuomioja has a multi-purpose community centre that is suitable for a wide range of events, from film screenings to concerts. The hall can accommodate 250 people. Tuomioja also has summer theatre activities.
Did you know? The village’s former name was Lappi. To avoid confusion with Finnish Lapland, the name was changed to Tuomioja.
Villages of Pyhäjoki
Liminkakylä is located in the eastern part of the municipality of Pyhäjoki and consists of several villages situated along Vihanti Road: Kopisto, Keskikylä, Liminkakylä, Polusperä, and Pelkosperä. Of these, Kopisto is the closest to the centre of Pyhäjoki, at a distance of about 10 kilometres. The landscape of the area is dominated by numerous lakes and the Liminkajoki River, which flows through the village. The largest lakes are Liminkajärvi, Polusjärvi, and Pelkosjärvi.
The area offers excellent opportunities for active outdoor recreation. Several routes run near Liminkakylä and are part of the Pyhäjoki route project. In addition, the extensive forest areas surrounding the village provide good opportunities for outdoor activities, berry picking, and hunting.
Did you know? The Liminkajoki River flowing through Liminkakylä is often also referred to as Liminkaoja.
The village of Parhalahti is located about five kilometres north of the centre of Pyhäjoki.
The sea and forests are close at hand in Parhalahti. The village offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and canoeing. Forest roads provide good routes for jogging and mountain biking. You do not need to travel as far as Naantali to find the Gold Coast, as Parhalahti has its own Gold Coast. One of the municipality’s unofficial beaches has earned this name thanks to its sunny and sandy shore.
The local birdwatching tower at Tankokari fishing harbour has performed very well in the annual Battle of the Towers birdwatching competition. This reflects not only the skills of dedicated birdwatchers but also the rich diversity of the area’s birdlife. Tankokari is also a popular fishing spot.
Did you know? In Parhalahti, the Parhake of the Year is selected annually. The award is given to a person who has made a distinguished contribution to the benefit of the village of Parhalahti.
The village of Pirttikoski is located about six kilometres from the centre of Pyhäjoki, extending on both sides of the Pyhäjoki water system. The area offers good opportunities for sports and outdoor activities.
Pirttikoski has an art trail where the rural and river landscapes are adorned with artworks created by local residents.
Did you know? The Helaakoski area of Pirttikoski has been inhabited since the 16th century.
The village of Yppäri is located about 10 kilometres south of the centre of Pyhäjoki. The Yppärinjoki River flows through the village. Elävisluoto Fishing Harbour and the Old Fishing Harbour serve the needs of boaters and fishermen. Elävisluoto also features a nature trail suitable for mountain biking.
The most culturally and historically significant site in Yppäri is Tekevä Mill, which was built as early as 1921. Tekevä Mill is protected as a culturally and historically important building and is included in the list of regionally valuable built cultural environments in North Ostrobothnia. Yppäri is also home to the Flame statue, a memorial to the Great Wrath designed by Oskari Jauhiainen.
Yppäri Merimaja is a well-known and popular pavilion dance venue that exudes traditional dance culture. Behind Merimaja, there is a sandy beach that is also suitable for children.
Did you know? Tapio Karjaluoto, who served as a reserve competitor in biathlon at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, comes from Yppäri.