Pelkosenniemi: River Village, Nature and Local History

The river and church village shape Pelkosenniemi’s character, while its natural history extends to nearby Kilpiaapa. The area offers several starting points for planning your trip: a lit fitness trail, a cross-country ski trail, riverside activities on the Kemijoki, and architectural and art history in the church village. This lets you combine nature and village visits according to your interests, without any single attraction defining the character of the place.

River Village and Mire Landscape

In terms of its layout, Pelkosenniemi’s church village is a typical linear river settlement. Kilpiaapa lies near the church village and is Finland’s tenth-largest aapa mire. The mire is part of the Kemihaaran suot Natura 2000 area. The village landscape thus brings together two distinct perspectives: the linear settlement along the river and a distinctive mire landscape. If you would like to include this natural environment in your trip plans, Kilpiaapa is also the endpoint of a local winter route.

Trails and Activities in the Church Village

The lit fitness trail in the church village is about one kilometre long. It includes an accessible shelter and a toilet. The fitness trail is separate from the cross-country ski trail, which follows the Kurkihyppyläntie loop to the Kilpiaapa bird tower. Trail grooming is seasonal. The two trail options therefore suit different interests and seasons: exercise on a lit fitness trail, or cross-country skiing with the bird tower as a destination.

Kemijoki: Beach and Boat Ramp

You can swim in the Kemijoki at the church village beach. Facilities at the beach also include a barbecue hut, outdoor exercise equipment, a changing room and children’s swings. Next to the beach, at Kemijärventie 80, there is a boat ramp providing access to the Kemijoki. The beach and the boat ramp are two distinct riverside landmarks; the ramp is useful for visitors interested in accessing the river by boat.

Church and Local History

Completed in 1929, Pelkosenniemi Church is a wooden long church belonging to the Pelkosenniemi parish. It was designed by architect Yrjö Sadeniemi. Its style is primarily representative of 1920s Classicism, and it also has a gabled tower. The church survived the Lapland War. Its architectural form, date of construction and wartime history give the church village a distinct historical dimension alongside its riverside and natural features.

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. The square’s spaces can be reserved for a range of purposes, including events. Public artworks there include the Paavali Pelkonen Monument. Also in the square is a 2009 statue of Andy McCoy by Matti Hulkko. Hulkko also created the Saran Salama Monument, installed there in 2017, as well as the large salmon sculptures dating from 2009. The square therefore combines a practical public space with several works whose names and dates provide distinct glimpses into local culture.

More Places to Help Plan Your Trip

Tervola, Mäntyjärvi, Kilpisjärvi, Kittilä, Muonio, Ranua, Tornio, Sinettä

For the regional travel overview: Lapland.