In Kaustinen, folk music, its history and the places where it is kept alive are among the defining travel themes. Kaustinen fiddle playing was added to UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021. Its distinctive style and playing technique have existed for more than 250 years; the regional repertoire includes several hundred melodies. This offers various cultural points of interest during a stay, from the festival and instrument collection to concerts and exhibitions.
Folk Music and Festival Venues
The Kaustinen Folk Music Festival was first held in 1968 and has since become one of the most significant folk music events in the Nordic countries and Europe. It is firmly rooted in the local Pelimanni tradition. The festival park is located in a fenced area in central Kaustinen and includes the KPO Arena as well as numerous other venues. The programme and venues may vary from one edition to the next.
The Lasten Kaustinen programme includes a children’s activity tent, activities for the whole family and numerous well-known children’s music acts. In the Puuhateltta, children can take part in activities with an accompanying adult; they can also visit the area alone, but remain the responsibility of their accompanying adult. In addition to the Lastenteltta, children can play all day at the festival grounds’ playground; responsibility rests with the parents. In the primary school area of the festival grounds, there is a childcare room where, among other things, nappies can be changed and food warmed. The programme and facilities may vary with each edition.
Instruments, Exhibitions and Concerts
The Kaustinen Folk Art Centre was completed on 1 July 1997 and designed by Rainer Mahlamäki. The Centre houses the Suomen kansansoitinmuseo, with a collection of more than 1,000 instruments. Children can explore the exhibition using the “Soitinsalapoliisi” and “Tarkan tutkijan” activity cards. The exhibition is accessible in Finnish, Swedish and English. The museum is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is free. Check opening hours and admission details before travelling.
The rock-carved Kaustinen Hall provides a distinctive setting for events and concerts. Illuminated display cases in the Kellarigalleria at the Kaustinen Folk Art Centre host various exhibitions. The professional folk music ensemble Tallari also has a permanent connection to a venue in Kaustinen: it is based on the upper floor of Pelimannitalo and holds its seasonal concert series in the building’s main hall.
Local History and Church
The Kaustinen Local History Museum is housed in an old loan granary next to the cemetery. Its two floors showcase various aspects of local history. The church in Kaustinen was built in its present form in 1859 by Jaakko Heikinpoika Kuorikoski. It has about 450 seats and an organ with 21 stops dating from 1971. A service is generally held on Sundays at 10 a.m.; other religious events and concerts are also held there. Dates may change, so it is advisable to check the current schedule before planning a visit.
Nature Trails and Getting There
ViTarinki is a nature trail about 13 kilometres long, with information boards about the surrounding nature. It passes the Hoikanranta shelter and the Tummunniitty shelter. Storm damage has affected the clearing of the trail; check current trail conditions before setting out on a hike. Another option is the Isokallio route: its shelter has a fire pit and wide-ranging views. From Kaustinen, the route there follows Virkkalantie and Lehmäjärventie. Careful roadside parking is possible; the walk to the rock shelter is about 400 metres each way.
Buses run daily from Kokkola to Kaustinen, Veteli and Toholampi. Check the timetables before travelling. Kokkola-Pietarsaari Airport is in Kruunupyy; the drive from Kaustinen takes about half an hour, depending on the route and conditions.
When planning a hotel stay in Kaustinen, you can start by choosing your reason for travelling and your preferred dates: the festival programme, museum opening hours and seasonal concert series follow different schedules. This makes it easier to plan your stay around the visits you actually want to make.
Discover more destinations: Lestijärvi, Yli-Lesti, Halsua, Ahomäki, Lappajärvi, Toholampi, Kokkola.
See the main travel overview: Central Ostrobothnia.
