Alapitkä – Museum, Cultural Landscape and Outdoor Activities

Alapitkä combines an old cultural landscape with opportunities to enjoy culture and outdoor activities. Large, fertile fields and the farms nestled between them shape the character of the area. For geographical orientation, Alapitkä is located along the Savon railway line and State Road 5. Which aspects of the destination matter to you depends on whether you are primarily interested in history, community life or seasonal outdoor activities.

Museum and local community life

The Suomen Asutusmuseo preserves the memory of people who lived on settlement farms and tells the story of life on the farms before the information age. The museum complex includes a veterans’ house completed in 1952 and preserved entirely in its original condition, a barn with a hayloft, a lakeside sauna and a threshing barn. The buildings display original objects belonging to the Muren siblings. The oldest date from the 1940s and the newest from the 1970s; the collection comprises just under 2,000 objects in total.

The Alapitkän Nuorisoseura is also part of the area’s history: it was founded in 1899 to promote young people’s education and received the “Youth Association of the Year” award in 1999. One of its main activities is amateur theatre in the summer. The audience area of the summer theatre is covered; individual performances may vary. During the winter season, from October to April on average, dances are held at the community hall every other Sunday. Check the programme for the relevant season when planning your trip.

Church and prayer house

Alapitkän kirkko was completed in 1970 as a consecrated funeral chapel. Its altar wall features the tall composition “Elämän puu,” made of glass in different colours. Another religious building is the “Pyhän Kolminaisuuden tsasouna” prayer house, designed by Kai Englund and consecrated on 8 June 1952. Its feast day is celebrated at Pentecost; exact service times may vary.

Outdoor activities and winter offerings

Alapitkän Ulkoilualue has illuminated fitness trails measuring 1, 3 and 4 kilometres, which are used as cross-country ski trails in winter. An illuminated cross-country ski trail is about 3 kilometres long and free to use. Whether it is open for use depends on snow conditions and trail maintenance. Alapitkän kuntorata is also a 3-kilometre illuminated outdoor trail that you can use at your own pace. Trail conditions and lighting may vary.

There is an outdoor skating rink and a small open ice area on the school grounds in Alapitkän Ulkoilualue. Alapitkän jääkiekkokaukalo is maintained in winter for skating and ice games. It is illuminated and has goals and a changing shelter for players. The options therefore vary by season and activity: in addition to cross-country skiing, there are ice areas for skating and ice games in winter.

Rest area and swimming area

There is a rest area for hikers at Alapitkän monttu on Rinnetie. It allows campfires and independent excursions and can be used without a reservation. Facilities include lighting and an accessible toilet. Alapitkän Rönkälänrinne swimming area is on the shore of Lake Ala-Pitkä. During the swimming season, locals and other visitors can use it free of charge for summer recreation; the area is maintained during the season.

Discover more destinations: Korpijärvi.

Return to the main travel overview: Lapinlahti.