Kalajoki: Dunes, Archipelago and Culture

Kalajoki combines a distinctive landscape of dunes and beaches with archipelago nature and maritime history. When choosing where to stay, it is worth first deciding what interests you most: should the focus be on Hiekkasärkät, nature and outdoor activities, or on museums and historic sites?

Dunes, Beach and Outdoor Activities

Hiekkasärkät is an area of sand dunes and sandy beaches in Kalajoki, about 3.5 kilometres long. The highest dunes are almost 20 metres tall. Both the area’s extent and the height of its dunes shape the landscape. Those looking to combine coastal nature with exercise will find trail networks at the Hiekkasärkät tourism centre that can be used year-round for cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, jogging and horseback riding. Activities range from winter exercise to options that can also be enjoyed outside the ski season.

Several providers of leisure activities in Hiekkasärkät offer additional options, from go-karting to windsurfing. The maritime tourism centre also has a sea nature centre with information about the nature of the land-uplift coast, changing exhibitions and guided tours. The offerings have different focuses: sporting activities and leisure programmes sit alongside opportunities to learn more about the coastal landscape.

Archipelago Nature and Maakalla

The Rahja Archipelago encompasses various types of coastal nature, from protected forests in the inner archipelago to outer islands in the open sea. Old shorelines and former harbour sites bear witness to land uplift. Fishing villages, flowering meadows and groves are part of the traditional archipelago culture. Here, you can take in nature alongside traces of past ways of life and livelihoods.

In summer, the Rahja Archipelago is a sheltered destination for fishing, kayaking and SUP tours. Kayaks are rented by Kalajoen Latu at the Konikarvo harbour; information and reservations are available at 041 313 6892. Check before your trip whether rentals are currently available. For example, Maakalla can be reached by the Bon Marin or Kiira boats, as well as by the two-masted galleass Ansio. Boat connections are seasonal, so check the latest departure times before planning your trip.

The Maakalla Museum on Maakalla covers the formation of the Kalla islands through land uplift, as well as fishing, life and livelihoods on the islands. The Kallan Museum on Maakalla presents the history of Kallankarit and fishing in the region. The octagonal church is also a notable historic landmark: it was completed in 1780 and designed by Simon Matinpoika Jylkkä, also known as Silven. When conditions are favourable, smoked whitefish caught by fishers in coastal waters may be available to buy on Maakalla; availability depends on catch conditions and seasonal supply.

Kalajoki Old Town and History

Plassi is Kalajoki’s old town and a visitor destination with its village setting and museums. The Fishing Museum is located in the market square. Its diverse collection includes items from local working life. Those interested in the everyday and working history of the area can focus on something different here from the nature attractions along the coast and in the archipelago.

The Art Nouveau villa Havula was built in 1912 by sawmill manager Oskari Santaholma. It offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy middle-class household between 1910 and 1930. At Havula, visitors can also learn about Kalajoki’s sawmill and industrial history. Exhibitions and events are held there in summer, including, for example, theatre performances; the dates of individual events may vary.

Kalajoki’s local history museum also focuses on the lives and ways of life of earlier generations, as well as notable people from Kalajoki. The city’s present-day brick church was completed in 1879 and designed by provincial architect F. W. Lüchow. A distinctive tradition of self-government on the Kallankarit islands dates back to Swedish rule and is based on King Adolf Fredrik’s 1771 Hamina Decree. The highest decision-making and judicial authority rests with the Karikokous. It meets annually on the Sunday closest to St. James’ Day, 25 July.

Getting There

Kalajoki lies at the junction of Highways 8 and 27. The Pohjanlahden Rantatie also passes through the town; it was granted national tourist road status in 2010. Several bus routes stop in Kalajoki, with services from Kokkola and Oulu, as well as from Ylivieska. The nearest railway stations are in Kokkola and Ylivieska. Check the latest departure times before travelling.

Kalajoki offers different themes to suit these interests, without requiring them to be combined into a single itinerary.

You can also discover Rautio as another destination.

Discover more destinations: Pudasjärvi, Kuivaniemi, Savio, Hankamäki, Vahto, Veteli, Kasnäs.

Return to the main travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.