Juupajoki: Gorge, Art and Industrial History

An Ice Age-formed gorge and Korkeakoski’s historic factory surroundings give the municipality of Juupajoki a distinctive character. Nature, industrial history and art can be found in different places: the Juupajoki Gorge is a nature reserve covering about 30 hectares, with a valley up to 30 metres deep and a river flowing along its floor. There are also churches, exhibitions and trails to suit a range of interests.

Gorge trails with different levels of difficulty

In summer, the municipality maintains three nature trails in the Juupajoki Gorge. They differ considerably in length and terrain: the blue trail is about two kilometres long and has boardwalks, handrails and an accessible viewpoint. There is also an accessible kota shelter in the gorge area. However, the trails themselves are not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

The yellow trail is about 400 metres long. It starts at the parking area at Koskitie 45 in Korkeakoski and descends into the gorge valley via 130 steps. At about 900 metres, the red trail is longer and particularly challenging: narrow, sloping paths run along the edge of a steep cliff. When choosing a route, you can take into account both its stated length and the terrain and steps described. Seasonal maintenance and ground conditions may change; check trail conditions before your visit.

Industrial history and churches

In Korkeakoski, the Korkeakoski Waterfall combines nature with a historic factory setting. It plunges into the valley at the edge of the courtyard of the Koskenjala Shoe and Leather Museum. The area’s industrial history dates back to 1897, when Finland’s first industrial shoe factory began making shoes there.

Pikkukirkko, also known as Suutarien kirkko, tells the story of this industrial community, too. Aaltosen Kenkätehdas had it built in 1951 as a community hall to meet the religious needs of the community at the time. The octagonal wooden church in Juupajoki, in Kopsamo, offers a different architectural accent. It was built between 1838 and 1846 and is set in a picturesque cultural landscape.

Inn museum, art and science

The Kallenautio Inn Museum is located at its original site in Juupajoki, where the inn began operating in 1778. In summer, rotating art exhibitions are held in the Laurientupa building. The museum courtyard also has a small farmyard for families with children, where they can watch chickens and sheep.

At the Hyytiälä Forest Research Station, Periferia is a permanent multidisciplinary art exhibition. Works are located in the station buildings as well as in the surrounding forest and bog, among historic log buildings and in the new main building. The exhibition is open daily when there is no snow; works in station buildings are subject to the opening hours of those buildings. Exhibitions at the Walleniuksen Wapriikki Gallery change annually from April to October, every four weeks.

The research station’s science trail has 18 information boards and is aimed at people interested in science from lower secondary school age upwards. Some boards include school exercises; a limited number of devices are available to borrow from the station office. The Kaaponharju and Vähä-Karvia hiking trails start in Lyly. For a water route, the trip starts in Kopsamo and passes through cultural and agricultural landscapes to Pitkäjärvi on Längelmävesi in Orivesi. Water levels and portage points vary by season, so check these conditions before setting out.

Choose the focus that suits your trip

When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to first decide which experiences matter most to you: the gorge and its varied trails, Korkeakoski’s industrial history, or art and science at their respective locations. Compare the location of your accommodation with the specific places you plan to visit. This lets you tailor your search to the kind of trip you have in mind, rather than treating every place and activity as a single experience.

Discover more destinations: Nastola, Lavia, Lemmenjoki, Oulu, Kuusamo, Salmilamminkylä, Yli-Valli, Pornainen.

To the main travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.