Karttula: History, Nature and Culture

Karttula combines cultural history with seasonal outdoor experiences and places by the water. The seasonal Riuttala Peasant Museum is a large museum site; at Pörönmäki, outdoor routes in summer give way to ski trails in winter. There is also birdwatching near Syvänniemi and facilities at Karttula harbour. When planning your trip, you can choose between historical discoveries, nature and experiences by the water.

Museum Site and History

In summer, the seasonal Riuttala Peasant Museum covers 14 hectares and includes more than 20 buildings. These figures make the site itself an important part of the visit: it is not just a single building, but an extensive area with numerous buildings. Various events for children and adults are also held at the museum. This offers a cultural activity for adults and children travelling together, without tying a visit to any particular event.

The history of the farm where the museum is located can also be traced back to an entry from 1657. This date refers to the history of the farm. Another historical trace leads to Karttula Church: its bell tower was built in 1843–1844, and its ornamentation is considered an example of outstanding vernacular architecture. Those interested in older buildings and their design can thus explore Karttula’s cultural history from two different perspectives.

The Riuttala Peasant Museum is home to the Katrin Kammarj café-restaurant. It can provide picnic meals, coffee service and catering for celebrations.

Seasonal Trails and Nature

Pörönmäki offers several outdoor routes in summer. In winter, ski trails run around Pörönmäki. These two details highlight the seasonal difference: in summer, the focus is on outdoor trails; in winter, on ski trails. Part of the Pörönmäki area is a nature reserve. This designation applies to part of the area, not all of Pörönmäki.

Nearby in Syvänniemi, the Keihäsjärven lintutorni observation tower stands on the shore of Lake Keihäsjärvi. Several bird species can be observed from there during the spring and autumn migrations. The path to the tower is accessible, but access is controlled by a barrier. There is an accessible dry toilet and a campfire site nearby. For nature enthusiasts, the tower is a destination in its own right, with a seasonal focus on bird migration. When planning your visit, both the accessible route and the barrier are useful details to bear in mind.

Places by the Water and Finding a Holiday Rental

Nearby Syvänniemi offers a different kind of experience: the beach is in an open setting and faces west. It is easy to reach from the car park. If you are considering a visit, this gives you practical information about the beach’s surroundings and access from the car park.

Karttula’s church village has a home harbour, a boat ramp and a passenger pier. Karttula harbour has a passenger pier, a boat ramp, a water point, a waste disposal station and a toilet.

When looking for a holiday rental in Karttula, you can start by considering which experiences you would like to shape your stay: the seasonal museum site and architectural history, outdoor routes at Pörönmäki, birdwatching near Syvänniemi or places by the water.

More places at this level: Pörsänmäki, Syvänniemi, Kaavi, Rautavaara, Vesanto, Tuusniemi, Rautalampi, Runni.

For the overview of the wider region: North Savo.