Pyhäjärvi – Border History, Museums and Water Experiences

Pyhäjärvi can be explored according to different travel interests: Rillankivi and the Kotiseutumuseo Makasiini represent border and local history, while the river, lake and beach offer a range of activities. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay in Pyhäjärvi, you can first consider whether cultural sites or time outdoors will shape your itinerary. The places and opportunities below help distinguish these priorities through concrete examples.

Border history and collections

Rillankivi is a tangible point of reference for border history. The stone apparently served as a boundary marker as early as the 15th century; during boundary surveys, notches were carved into its surface. The area around Rillankivi is protected as a nature reserve. There is a shelter, a campfire site and a toilet at the Rillankivi trailhead. Border history and nature conservation together define the site.

The Kotiseutumuseo Makasiini is housed in a Crown granary completed in 1866. The Pyhäjärvi-Seura association has operated a local history museum there for just over 60 years. Around 1,200 farming-related objects from Pyhäjärvi have been catalogued; some are displayed in an exhibition whose selection may change. The figure describes the catalogued collection, not the number of items on display at any given time. Makasiini thus brings together the history of the granary building and farming-related objects from Pyhäjärvi.

Vaskikello has a unique clock collection, said to be the only one of its kind in the world. There, you can hear around 2,000 different stories about clocks. For choosing a theme, farming-related objects from Pyhäjärvi can thus be set alongside a clock collection and its stories.

River, lake and outdoor activities

The approximately eight-kilometre-long recreational area along the upper reaches of the Pyhäjoki offers opportunities for spinning, trolling and fly fishing. Canoeing on the Pyhäjoki has become a tradition in Pyhäjärvi. There are boating routes with landing stages on Lake Pyhäjärvi, and sightseeing boat trips are also available. For planning purposes, the activities can be distinguished as follows: fishing and canoeing are the main pursuits on the Pyhäjoki, while boating routes and sightseeing trips are available on Lake Pyhäjärvi. Operating details for the boat trips may vary. If you’re making specific plans, check which trips are available during your preferred dates.

There are also various opportunities on land: Pyhäjärvi has extensive areas for berry and mushroom picking, as well as hunting. These activities complement the fishing and boating options with further ways to spend time outdoors.

Beach and event venue

Emolahti’s sandy beach is child-friendly, making it a specific beach option for travellers with children.

Perinnepiha is suitable as a venue for celebrations and meetings, as well as for theatre and dance performances, for example. A reservation may be required. If you’re planning an event, check in advance whether a reservation is needed.

Discover more destinations

Savio, Utajärvi, Pyhäjoki, Arvaja, Vieremä, Karvia, Fiskars, Kiiminki

For the broader travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.