Alavus: Art, History and Nature

Alavus brings together several distinct themes at specific locations: at the Taidekeskus Harri, changing exhibitions are shown alongside permanent collections. The church, local history museum and memorial sites tell further chapters of the town’s history. At Lake Alavudenjärvi, nature trails, winter activities and boats round out the offering. When planning your visit, consider which of these highlights you want to shape your stay—art and history, or time by the water and on the trails.

Art and collections at the Taidekeskus Harri

The Taidekeskus Harri is located by Highway 66, near the centre of Alavus, on the shore of Lake Alavudenjärvi. It hosts changing exhibitions by various artists. Permanent displays also feature works by local artist Matti Annala from the collections of the City of Alavus. A regularly updated wall display features Annala’s paintings, sketches and personal belongings. The city also owns a complete collection of 1,250 Arabia milk jugs, which is on display at the art centre. A permanent exhibition dedicated to composer Toivo Kuula is also among the themes presented at the centre; it opened in 2010.

War history and memorial sites

The veterans’ memorial room, relocated to the Taidekeskus Harri, explores Finnish war history particularly from the perspective of soldiers from Alavus and other parts of South Ostrobothnia. Items on display include photographs, weapons, uniforms, decorations, Lotta Svärd objects and handicrafts. A French 155 H 17 howitzer dating from 1917 can also be seen on the Taidekeskus grounds. The memorial room and exhibits offer different perspectives: the objects are part of the collection, while the focus on soldiers from the region highlights the local connection to the history of the war.

In the centre of Alavus, an obelisk erected in 1881 at the Muistojen Chapel commemorates the Battle of Alavus. Another place to explore local history is the Sotavanhuksen Museum. This local history museum is maintained by the Alavus-seura association and is housed in an old granary beside Alavus Church.

Alavus Church and its construction history

The present-day Alavus Church was completed in 1914 and designed by Kauno S. Kallio. Its history of construction goes back further: the first preaching house, built in 1674, was followed by a second church in 1746, with a bell tower built in 1734. The third church and a bell tower were completed by the end of 1825, although some work continued until 1826. The 1734 bell tower was probably built by Henrik Katila, a master builder from Vöyri. This sequence shows that the present-day church is part of a longer history, with the preaching house, church buildings and bell towers marking different stages of construction.

Nature trails and activities at Lake Alavudenjärvi

At the southern end of Lake Alavudenjärvi in central Alavus, an arched bridge crosses the Pahajoki River and connects two nature trails. The bridge thus provides a direct link between the two paths. In winter, weather permitting, the lake has an ice trail, an ice carousel sled and a skating track approximately 3.7 kilometres long. Winter activities depend on conditions; the stated length refers to the skating track.

Canoes, kayaks, SUP boards and rowboats are available for use for a €5 key fee on the shore of Rantapuisto, by Huhtalava in the centre. The lake therefore offers several options described here: trails and a bridge at its southern end, and boats by the park shore. The City of Alavus maintains ten public swimming areas in the centre and surrounding villages; this number may change. Other swimming areas are accessible under everyman’s rights and are not operated by the city.

Discover more destinations

Alajärvi, Länsikylä, Ilmajoki, Närvijoki, Karijoki, Kauhava, Kuortane, Soini

For the main travel overview: South Ostrobothnia.