Discover Yli-Ii

In Yli-Ii, archaeological interpretation of the Stone Age and architectural history sit side by side. Kierikki focuses on prehistory and its study; the church in the town centre adds to the picture with a building completed in 1932. Activities in the Stone Age Village also vary, ranging from a circular trail and a guided tour to hands-on experiments with Stone Age techniques.

Kierikki: The Stone Age and Archaeology

The archaeological exhibition at the Kierikki Stone Age Centre explores the Stone Age in Finland, with a particular focus on the Kierikki area. It presents the early prehistory of Northern Ostrobothnia, from the Ice Age to the end of the Stone Age. This brings together a broad regional time span and a special focus on Kierikki. The main building was completed in 2001 and is one of the largest modern wooden buildings in the Nordic countries.

The Stone Age Village is in Yli-Ii on the north bank of the Iijoki River. Its reconstructed Stone Age houses are based in size and shape on dwellings discovered during excavations. The reconstructions thus show the connection between archaeological finds and the houses built for the village. In restored houses, guided tours tell visitors about life in the past and teach practical skills. Access is available during Kierikki’s opening hours or by request.

Tours, Trails and Activities

A basic guided tour of the Stone Age Village takes participants along an easy boardwalk about one kilometre long. The tour includes visits to the dwellings and a break by the campfire. The 0.5-kilometre Trapper’s Path runs around the village, making it about half as long as the guided route. Traps along the path illustrate the ingenuity of Stone Age people. Confirm the tour’s availability when booking.

Visitors to the Stone Age Village can try typical Stone Age activities, including archery and making objects from stone. The archery activity includes a deer-shaped target. At the village beach, visitors can paddle a canoe carved from a tree trunk. These activities complement the look at reconstructions and finds with practical experiences. Check current availability with the operator before making plans based on them.

Yli-Ii Church

Yli-Ii Church is a landmark visible from far across the landscape, located in the town centre. It was designed by Yrjö Sadeniemi and completed in 1932. Its architecture is classified as 1920s Classicism. A trip that includes both Kierikki and the church therefore brings together two different ways of exploring Yli-Ii’s history: archaeological reconstructions and a building classified as Classicist.

Getting to Kierikki

Transport options are a practical consideration when travelling to Kierikki. As of 14 September 2026, travelling by car was the easiest option; public transport connections were limited. As connections can change, check current options before setting off. This allows you to consider travel arrangements separately from choosing the topics you want to explore during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Arvaja, Juuma, Veteli, Vieremä, Komsi, Strandby, Raahe, Syötekylä

Back to the regional travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.