Karijoki’s wooden church is an asymmetrical cruciform church designed by Salomon Köhlström, formerly known as Köykkä, between 1808 and 1812. It was consecrated on January 12, 1812. Its architecture, archaeology and trails through the landscape offer different perspectives on the area.
Church, local tradition and everyday life
The church is also called Helena’s Church. According to local tradition, twelve-year-old Helena Kullas put out a fire that Cossacks had started beside the sacristy wall by carrying water in her wooden shoe, which she had taken off. The story is part of local tradition; it adds a well-known anecdote to the church’s history.
The Karijoki Local History Museum stands on Marttusen Hill, at a bend in the river, at Punnintie 12. Its exhibits cover housing, everyday life, objects and ways of working from more than a century ago to the present day. The focus is not just on individual old objects, but also on how daily life and work are presented across a long period of time. The museum grounds include a luti dating from 1841 and a riihi, a traditional drying barn.
Susiluola and early settlement
Susiluola lies on the border between Karijoki and Kristiinankaupunki. The cave is considered Finland’s oldest known settlement site and a unique attraction, with no comparable example in the Nordic countries. It is also part of the Lauhanvuori-Hämeenkangas UNESCO Global Geopark.
A trail about 500 metres long leads to Susiluola. Along the trail are a stone park, a Bronze Age burial site and a field of stones. This lets you connect the walk with several named stops, rather than focusing solely on the cave. The church, museum and Susiluola represent different ways of exploring history: architectural history, the portrayal of everyday life and an early settlement site.
Trails and views at Iso-Kakkori
At 145 metres above sea level, Iso-Kakkori is Karijoki’s highest hill. The easier route starts at the hunting lodge at Luovankyläntie 202 and follows a forest road along the Muinaisvuorten Route for about 1.5 kilometres. From there, a path about 500 metres long branches off towards the summit.
From the summit of rocky Iso-Kakkori, you can see forests and fields in the direction of Karijoki. There is a kota with firewood there. Paarmanninvuori offers other recreational activities: its trails and routes are suitable for walks, and there is also a lit fitness trail and a dance pavilion. The Karijoki Tappara maintains the Paarmannin hut there, which offers recreational activities, as well as a ski jump.
Seasonal route and Peurajärvi
The approximately 12-kilometre Karijoki–Peurajärvi–Kakkori–Sivi route can start at Karijoki School. In summer, it is suitable for hiking; in winter, when there is snow, for cross-country skiing. The two suggested activities therefore depend on the season and snow conditions.
About five kilometres from the centre of Karijoki lies Peurajärvi, a lake covering around six hectares. It is surrounded by Peuraneva and is a water lily lake. Peuramaja, which can be rented, is on its western shore. Check the rental operator and booking status before your trip. This makes the nearby lake an option for exploring a landscape in its own right, while the routes at Iso-Kakkori and Paarmanninvuori offer different trails and recreational activities.
Discover more destinations: Närvijoki, Länsikylä, Kurikka, Alavus, Isojoki, Alajärvi, Peräseinäjoki, Kätkänjoki.
For the broader travel overview: South Ostrobothnia.
