Discover Ii: History, Art and Nature

Ii brings together the history of Iin Wanha Hamina, art along the Iijoki and paths through the landscape. At the local history museum, on the Ruustinna cultural landscape route and in the Environmental Art Park, you can discover different sides of the area. Families also have practical ways to include nature and culture in their stay.

History in Iin Wanha Hamina

Ii’s local history museum is centrally located in Iin Wanha Hamina, next to the church, and is easy to reach. In the Huilingi building, you can visit the interior of a floating dwelling and a room dedicated to Old Hamina. The renovated main exhibition is in the granary. It presents Ii’s history and includes objects relating to agriculture and handicrafts. The museum thus offers a look at both local life and the tools used in everyday work.

Iin Hamina was also an important trading centre: one of the most significant historical market sites in Northern Ostrobothnia was located there, at the mouth of the Iijoki. The cemetery in Iin Hamina was used in the Middle Ages, probably mainly during the 15th and 16th centuries. The site of an old church is also thought to have been located in the area. Iin Hamina is classified as a nationally significant archaeological site under the VARK programme.

Alakatu and Yläkatu streets run through Iin Wanha Hamina along the Iijoki. Most of the buildings there are centuries-old, renovated structures; the oldest wooden houses date from around the early 19th century. Those interested in local history will find not only exhibitions here, but also a historic setting whose buildings reflect different periods.

A route through culture and landscape

The Ruustinna cultural landscape route starts in Iin Wanha Hamina and is 2 km long. You can travel it on foot or by bicycle; information boards tell the story of Ii’s history, nature and way of life. The route is accessible and follows public paved roads. You can listen to the stories on the boards on your own phone in Finnish and English. The route combines physical activity with insights into the area’s cultural history.

Art along the Iijoki and nature experiences

The Environmental Art Park is located along the Iijoki in the centre of Ii and was established in 2012. Its works include international contemporary art, as well as ecological environmental and sculpture art. The site-specific works of the Art Ii Biennale are located mainly in the park and around Ii’s municipal centre. Lähde! Park, by the Iijoki in Suvantola, has sports equipment and the ceramic public artwork “Strange Flowers” by Paula Suominen.

The natural surroundings offer a variety of highlights. Hiastinlahti is part of a Natura 2000 conservation area and is a nationally significant birdwatching site. The 2 km Hiastinhaara nature trail and the 0.7 km Patakari circular route are suitable for families with children. The stated lengths of the two routes give you a clear guide when choosing an outing.

In winter, the Environmental Art Park has an ice-skating trail approximately 500 metres long. A separate path for walkers, cross-country skiers and fat bikers runs alongside it. This means that winter activities include both ice skating and various ways of getting around on a dedicated path.

For a family outing, the two nature trails offer named options; if you are especially interested in local history, you can focus on the museum and Iin Wanha Hamina.

More destinations: Komsi, Haukipudas, Vahto, Kuivaniemi, Tyrnävä, Siikajoki, Kiiminki, Salmilamminkylä.

For the wider travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.