Pelkosenniemi: Wooden Church, Market Square and Kilpiaapa

Pelkosenniemi is, in its layout, a typical ribbon settlement along a river. In the church village, a wooden church, the market square with its monuments, local trails and the beach on the Kemijoki River showcase different aspects of a stay. Kilpiaapa, a nearby mire landscape, adds another dimension. This combination gives you some ideas for deciding whether to focus on architectural history, nature or outdoor activities.

Kilpiaapa and the Landscape

Kilpiaapa is located near the church village of Pelkosenniemi. It is Finland’s tenth-largest aapa mire and is part of the Kemihaaran suot Natura 2000 area. Kilpiaapa is therefore a landscape landmark in its own right, distinct from the built and designed attractions in the church village.

The Wooden Church of Pelkosenniemi

Pelkosenniemi Church was completed in 1929 as a wooden long church, based on a design by architect Yrjö Sadeniemi. It is predominantly in the 1920s Classicist style and has a gable tower. The term “long church” refers to its building form, while Classicism describes its stylistic classification; the gable tower is another feature of the church. The church belongs to the Pelkosenniemi parish. The building form, style and tower each offer a different point of reference when exploring the architecture of the village.

Market Square and Monuments

The market square is in the church village at Sodankyläntie 7. It has a stage, an electricity connection, a noticeboard and various monuments. Areas of the square can be reserved for various purposes, including events. If you would like to use an area, it is best to check availability and make a reservation in advance.

Several works of art date from different years. The Paavali Pelkonen Monument was erected in 2014. Matti Hulkko created the Andy McCoy statue in 2009; after its restoration, it returned in January 2024. Hulkko also created the Saran Salama Monument in 2017 and the large salmon sculptures in 2009. You can therefore see works with different subjects and from different years in the same square.

Fitness Trail and Ski Trail

There are two trails in the church village, described in different ways, for getting active. The illuminated fitness trail is about one kilometre long and has an accessible shelter and a toilet along it. The ski trail in the church village runs on the side of Road 5, via the bend at Kurkihyppyläntie, to the Kilpiaapa bird tower. It is groomed seasonally.

Beach on the Kemijoki River

You can swim in the Kemijoki River at the church village beach at Kemijärventie 80. Facilities there include a barbecue shelter, outdoor exercise equipment, a changing room, children’s swings and a carpet-washing area. There is also a boat slipway on the Kemijoki River at the same beach. The beach thus combines a place to swim with other facilities; the slipway is for launching boats. The condition of the facilities on the fitness trail and at the beach may change. Check each facility before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Inari, Mäntyjärvi, Naruska, Kemijärvi, Kilpisjärvi, Pello, Rautuskylä, Nellim

For the broader travel overview: Lapland.