Discover Tervola: Church, Cultural Heritage and Nature

Tervola combines church and regional history with nature, including trails, lakes and rivers. When looking for a hotel in Tervola, you can plan your trip around whether you want to explore architecture, local history, or landscapes and waterways.

The Old Church and Planning Your Visit

Tervola’s Old Church stands in the central village area. Built between 1687 and 1689, it is one of Finland’s best-preserved pillar-supported churches. This type of church was typical of the 17th century. There is parking for about ten cars right by the church. About 100 metres away, the community centre car park has space for several dozen cars. Check the parking situation before your visit, as parking availability may change.

Museums and Prehistory

The Tervolan kotiseutumuseo is located near Tervola. Its collection includes about 30 buildings and more than 3,000 catalogued objects; collection figures may change over time. Agricultural items and objects related to local cultural heritage provide a comprehensive overview of the recent history and culture of Peräpohjola. The buildings and objects tell the story of rural life and livelihoods from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The exhibition park features various plant species from the region, including some that are rare.

One of Europe’s largest contiguous Stone Age settlements was found in the municipality of Tervola. Törmävaara Stone Village also offers a distinctive glimpse into prehistory, with turf-hut-like dwellings built on site. An exhibition on Tervola’s prehistory is housed in the old village school in Varejoki. You can explore Stone Village with a guide or on your own. If you are planning a guided tour, check the times and booking arrangements in advance.

Landscapes and Trails

Elijärvi is a small lake in the municipality of Tervola whose shores are increasingly overgrown. There are many migratory birds there, especially in spring. The Kätkävaara boulder fields lie in the northern part of the municipality of Tervola. They are ancient shorelines and are also known as devil’s fields.

The Kätkävaara Nature Trail runs through the area’s varied natural landscape in the northern part of the municipality of Tervola. Its seven-kilometre circular route is moderately challenging; allow three to four hours, depending on your pace. There is also a separate, accessible 600-metre path around Perälampi. The two trails therefore differ both in length and in the level of difficulty indicated for each.

Fishing and Swimming

The Kemijoki offers fishing spots in the municipality of Tervola. The river is classified as a waterway for migratory fish species. With the appropriate permit, you can fish from the shore or a boat in the joint permit area, which covers the main course of the Kemijoki and its tributaries within the municipality. Check permit requirements before your trip. All swimming spots in the municipality of Tervola have changing rooms, toilets and a lifebuoy. As facilities may change, check the information before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Räisälä, Muonio, Simo, Kilpisjärvi, Sirkkakoski, Nellim, Savukoski, Kittilä

For the regional travel guide: Lapland.