Discover Lapinjärvi: churches, village paths and nature

Lapinjärvi’s two wooden churches stand side by side and shape the cultural character of the church village. The municipality also has historic roads and natural attractions. You can get to know Lapinjärvi through both its architectural and local history and its outdoor experiences.

Wooden churches and historic village setting

The ensemble of Swedish and Finnish wooden churches is historically significant. The stained-glass windows in the Swedish wooden church were created by Lennart Segerstråle. The larger church has a pulpit made by Hamina carpenter Theito in 1745. These two details offer different points of interest: the windows of a named artist in one church, and a dated piece of craftsmanship in the larger church.

The churchyard is also home to the Gylling family burial chapel, built in 1827. Carl F. Gylling and his family from the Rutum estate are buried there. The chapel adds a specific family story to the historic atmosphere of the church village. The region’s linguistic history extends beyond this one location: the wider Lapinjärvi area has long been a linguistic border region. Finland’s easternmost and northeasternmost boundary of Swedish-speaking settlement runs through it.

In the church village, Nimismiehenpolku passes through a compact historic village setting, with dense development dating from 1850 to 1930. Kylänraitti also offers insight into local history: the historic road led from Koskenkylä to Kappelinkylä, Lapinjärvi’s church village, and continued via Pukaro and Kimonkylä to Elimäki and Anjala. It has been known since the 17th century and is probably older. The two examples show different scales of history: the preserved village setting in one place and a road that connected several places.

The Churches and Pirtupolku routes form a culturally rich network of paths across the municipality. It developed over several centuries through use by local residents and animals. The historic Suosilta bridge is also part of this network: it is 140 metres long and 2 metres wide. These specific measurements give an idea of the bridge, but say nothing about walking times or the difficulty of the routes.

Natural attractions, views and water

In the wider municipality, at Porlammi, Tornikallio is a survey point on the Struve Geodetic Arc, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tornikallio is also considered a popular viewpoint: visitors can climb onto the rocks to take in the landscape. Cultural history and time spent in nature are closely linked here, though the World Heritage status should not be equated with a particular view.

In Kimonkylä, on Artjärventie, lies the Ruskiakallio Gorge, a natural rock gorge. There are opportunities for climbing and geocaching. Those interested in different outdoor activities will find a different focus here than at Tornikallio: climbing and geocaching are mentioned at Ruskiakallio, while Tornikallio is described as a viewpoint.

Water is also among the activities available in the municipality. Near Pyhäjärvi, the paddling route enters the jurisdiction of Lapinjärvi municipality, where a 38-kilometre stretch of the Koskenkylänjoki begins. This figure refers to the stretch of river, not to the length of the paddling route. At Kirkonkylän uimaranta in Lapinjärvi, you’ll find a sandy beach with gradually deepening water. Facilities include a picnic table and a volleyball net—a different way to spend time by the water than on a paddling route.

Lapinjärven matkaparkki campsite is also located in Porlammi. It offers its guests a beach volleyball court, outdoor routes and a children’s playground. These facilities are available to campsite guests.

Discover more destinations: Ruotsinpyhtää, Vihti, Billnäs, Järvenpää, Kerava, Tuusula, Sammatti, Vantaa

For the regional travel overview: Uusimaa.