Lapinjärvi: Churches, Historic Routes and Nature

Lapinjärvi brings together a range of interests for a stay: church art and village history, a cultural trail, and nature and leisure destinations throughout the municipality. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip, you can start by considering whether historic buildings, a cohesive village setting or outdoor activities should be the focus. It is worth distinguishing between the church village of Lapinjärvi and places within the municipality such as Porlammi and Kimonkylä.

Churches, Art and Village History

In the church village of Lapinjärvi, the adjacent Swedish and Finnish wooden churches form a historically significant ensemble. The Swedish wooden church has stained-glass windows by Lennart Segerstråle. The larger church has a pulpit made in 1745 by Hamina carpenter Theito. The churchyard is also home to the Gylling family burial chapel, dating from 1827. Carl F. Gylling and his family from Rutum Manor rest there.

The linguistic border region of Lapinjärvi is part of the wider regional context. The wider Lapinjärvi area has long been a linguistic border region; Finland’s easternmost and northeasternmost boundary of Swedish-speaking settlement runs through it. The historic village setting of the church village is also shaped by Nimismiehenpolku: the path forms a cohesive historic environment, with a densely built-up settlement of houses dating from 1850 to 1930.

Historic Routes in the Municipality

The Church and Pirtupolku routes form a culturally rich network of paths within the municipality of Lapinjärvi. It developed over several centuries through use by residents and animals. The historic Suosilta lies on this network and is 140 metres long and 2 metres wide.

Kylänraitti is another historic connection. In the municipality of Lapinjärvi, Kylänraitti is a historic road: it led from Koskenkylä to Kappelinkylä, the church village of Lapinjärvi, and continued via Pukaro and Kimonkylä to Elimäki and Anjala. It has been known since the 17th century and is probably older. While Kylänraitti describes a route through several places, the Church and Pirtupolku network represents a network of paths used over several centuries within the municipality.

Nature and Activities

In Kimonkylä, within the municipality of Lapinjärvi, the natural rock gorge of Ruskiakallio lies along Artjärventie. The gorge in Kimonkylä, within the municipality of Lapinjärvi, offers opportunities for climbing and geocaching. In Porlammi, within the municipality of Lapinjärvi, Tornikallio is a popular viewpoint. Visitors can climb onto the rocks to admire the scenery. Tornikallio is also a measuring point on the Struve Geodetic Arc, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A regional connection is also noted for paddlers: at Pyhäjärvi, the paddling route reaches the area under the jurisdiction of the municipality of Lapinjärvi. A 38-kilometre stretch of the Koskenkylänjoki begins there.

The Lapinjärvi Cultural Trail offers a cultural experience in a natural setting, where visitors can learn about the region’s history and traditions. Kirkonkylän uimaranta in Lapinjärvi is a sandy beach with gently deepening water. The beach also has a picnic table and a volleyball net.

The destinations differ considerably in their focus: the church village centres on churches and historic buildings, while Porlammi and Kimonkylä offer viewpoints, a rock gorge and outdoor activities. This distinction can help you tailor your trip planning and search for a hotel in Lapinjärvi to your interests.

Discover more destinations: Ingå, Kurkimäki, Hermala, Svartå, Hanko, Åminnefors, Järvenpää and Karjalohja.

For the regional travel overview: Uusimaa.