At the Meteoriittikeskus in the basement of Hotelli Kivitippu, eight exhibitions feature an unusual interactive element: visitors can touch real meteorites and see a rock sample from the Moon. A free virtual 3D journey takes you to the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars; it lasts just over 13 minutes and has room for four people. This offers two different ways to explore the subject: a direct encounter with meteorites and a digital journey through space.
Art and Earth’s history
Vuosimiljoonat is a 2024 municipal art series of five sculptures depicting the Lappajärvi region in different eras. Decorated with relief patterns, the works stand along a 1.2 km accessible nature trail. The artwork expresses the region’s history and natural uniqueness. The Kanavapuisto nature trail, by contrast, focuses on Lappajärvi’s unique rock types and vegetation habitats that are important for Finnish biodiversity.
The Kraatterijärvi Geopark also provides a regional context for these themes: the municipality of Lappajärvi, together with five other municipalities, is part of the park’s UNESCO Global Geopark status. This designation applies to the municipality; it does not mean that every individual place within the municipality has the same designation.
Historic buildings and art venues
The Taavintupa Local Heritage Museum is a traditional farm building from the late 18th century in the Järviseutu lake region. It is located in Nykälänniemi, Lappajärvi. In the courtyard is the Lappajärvi Fishing Museum, housed in a tall 19th-century granary. In 2002, the granary was moved from Ahola to the Taavintupa courtyard.
The Lappajärvi Museum is housed in a former courthouse. It was built in Soini in the late 18th century and moved to its current location in the 1840s. The buildings therefore differ not only in their former functions, but also in their construction and location histories.
Ateljee Autio comprises a stone church built by Tapio Autio, a Kalevala-themed stone-painting cave and an angel room with artworks. A 16 m-high observation tower offers views of Tapolanvuori and Lappajärvi. A visit to this art venue therefore includes both its designed interiors and views of two named landscape features.
Golf and outdoor activities
At Järviseudun Golf, your round begins with a ride on the Albatlossi ferry through the Nykälä landscape to the first tee. The long first nine holes pass through undulating woodland. After returning to the clubhouse, the second nine holes take on a parkland feel, with Lappajärvi always in view. The two halves of the course therefore differ in the terrain described. Check the ferry times before your round.
In winter, the lake ice in the area around Hotelli Kivitippu, characterised by lake scenery, is maintained with a 3,000 m-long tour-skating track and a cross-country ski trail. Maintenance depends on weather conditions. The Lappajärvi skating track is actively flooded with water, can be used with all types of skates and is also suitable for children. Seasonal use depends on ice and maintenance conditions.
For physical training, try the Itäkylän Kuoppalan Kuntoportaat at Kuoppalantie 256, 62660 Lappajärvi. Outdooractive also lists the area’s nature trails and excursion destinations. As the availability of individual routes may change, check the route you plan to take before setting out.
Getting there and planning your visit
Lappajärvi is accessible by car or bus; the nearest rail stop is in Kauhava. Bus services may vary, so it is advisable to check the latest timetables before travelling. Ateljee Tapio Autio has seasonal opening hours: daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Midsummer until the end of August. Outside this period, group visits are possible by arrangement. Check the times before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: Yli-Lesti, Lestijärvi, Kokkola, Toholampi, Kaustinen, Ahomäki, Halsua.
Go to the regional travel overview: Central Ostrobothnia.
