Discover Kaustinen: Music and Culture

Kaustinen combines a long folk music tradition with museums, distinctive venues, and nature destinations. When planning your trip, you can choose from music and culture, activities for families, and excursions in the surrounding area. The events and attractions you choose to visit will give your stay a fitting focus.

Folk Music and Festival

The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival was first held in 1968 and has since become one of the most significant folk music events in the Nordic countries and Europe. It is rooted in the local pelimanni tradition. The distinctive style and playing technique of this folk music have been in existence for more than 250 years; the regional repertoire includes several hundred melodies. Kaustinen fiddle playing was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2021.

The festival park is located in a fenced area in the centre of Kaustinen. It includes the KPO Arena and numerous other venues. The programme may vary from one edition to another. If you are planning your trip around a festival or event, check the relevant dates and programme information before making your plans.

There are also festival activities for children: Lasten Kaustinen includes a programme tent with activities for children and the whole family, as well as a number of well-known children’s music acts. At Puuhateltta, children can take part in activities with an accompanying adult. They may also visit the area on their own, but remain the responsibility of their adult companion. There is a playground on the festival grounds next to Lastenteltta; children can play there all day, while responsibility remains with their parents. There is also a childcare room in the primary school area on the grounds, where, among other things, nappies can be changed and food warmed. The programme and facilities may vary from one edition to another.

Instruments, Museums and Buildings

The Suomen kansansoitinmuseo is located in the Kaustinen Folk Art Centre and displays a collection of more than 1,000 instruments. The exhibition is accessible in Finnish, Swedish, and English. Children can explore it using the “Soitinsalapoliisi” and “Tarkan tutkijan” activity cards. The museum is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is currently free. Check opening hours and admission details before your arrival.

The Folk Art Centre was completed on 1 July 1997 and designed by Rainer Mahlamäki. The Kellarigalleria inside the building features various exhibitions in illuminated display cases. The Kaustinen Hall is carved into the rock and provides a setting for concerts and events. Tallari, a professional folk music ensemble, is based on the upper floor of Pelimannitalo; its seasonal concert series takes place in the building’s large hall.

The church and local history museum also offer insights into Kaustinen’s history. The church was built in its current form by Jaakko Heikinpoika Kuorikoski in 1859. It has approximately 450 seats and an organ with 21 stops dating from 1971. A service is generally held there on Sundays at 10 a.m.; other religious events and concerts are also held there. Times may change, so it is advisable to check the current schedule before visiting. The local history museum is located in an old lending storehouse next to the cemetery. Its two floors display various aspects of local history.

Nature Destinations and Getting There

ViTarinki is an approximately 13-kilometre nature trail with information boards about the surrounding natural environment. The route passes the Hoikanranta and Tummunniitty shelters. Storm damage has hindered the clearing of the trail; check current conditions before setting out on a walk.

The shelter on the Isokallio route has a fire pit and offers sweeping views. From Kaustinen, take Virkkalantie and Lehmäjärventie to reach the route. Careful parking on the roadside is possible; the walk to the rock shelter is approximately 400 metres each way. These directions can help you find your way, but do not replace checking current conditions on site.

Buses run daily from Kokkola to Kaustinen, Veteli, and Toholampi; check the timetables before travelling. Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport is located in Kruunupyy, about half an hour’s drive from Kaustinen. Actual journey time depends on the route and conditions.

Discover more destinations: Halsua, Kokkola, Lestijärvi, Ahomäki, Lappajärvi, Toholampi, Yli-Lesti.

Back to the main travel overview: Central Ostrobothnia.