Yli-Ii: Church and Stone Age History

Yli-Ii combines a widely visible landmark with a vivid glimpse into the Stone Age. The church in the village centre and the Kierikki Stone Age Centre offer different perspectives: a 20th-century Neoclassical building on the one hand, and an archaeological exhibition and the Stone Age Village on the north bank of the Iijoki River on the other. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Yli-Ii, you can plan your stay around architecture, prehistory and hands-on activities.

The church as a prominent feature of the village

Yli-Ii Church was completed in 1932 and designed by Yrjö Sadeniemi. Its style is associated with the Neoclassicism of the 1920s. A significant landmark, it is visible across the surrounding landscape and stands in the village centre. This makes it a clear architectural point of reference for anyone interested in more recent architectural history as well as the Stone Age. The church complements Kierikki’s archaeological perspective with another chapter in the area’s history.

Kierikki: from the Ice Age to the Stone Age Village

At the Kierikki Stone Age Centre, the archaeological exhibition introduces visitors to the Stone Age in Finland, with a particular focus on Kierikki. It also covers the prehistory of Northern Ostrobothnia from the Ice Age to the end of the Stone Age. The subject therefore ranges from a broad regional timespan to the specific area whose past Kierikki highlights. The centre also introduces visitors to the Nordic past and to the study of the Stone Age.

The main building also makes its own architectural statement: it was completed in 2001 and is one of the largest modern wooden buildings in the Nordic countries. The modern timber construction contrasts with the Stone Age Village’s prehistoric reconstructions. Alongside the exhibition, architecture enthusiasts will find a striking contemporary building at Kierikki.

Houses and activities on the Iijoki River

Kierikki’s Stone Age Village is in Yli-Ii, on the north bank of the Iijoki River. Its reconstructions of Stone Age houses are based in size and shape on dwellings discovered during excavations. The restored houses are presented on guided tours, where visitors hear about life in the past and learn practical skills. Visits are subject to Kierikki’s opening hours or can be arranged on request.

In the village, visitors can try typical Stone Age activities, including archery and making objects from stone. At the archery activity, they can try to hit a deer-shaped target. Traps along the Trapper’s Path demonstrate the ingenuity of Stone Age people. The 0.5-kilometre trail loops around the village. A basic guided tour follows a simple boardwalk of about one kilometre. These details help distinguish the walking route from the guided tour by length; check the tour’s availability when booking.

A guided tour of the village includes a visit to the dwellings and a break by the campfire. Visitors can also paddle a canoe carved from a tree trunk at the village beach. Check with the operator in advance to confirm the current availability of these activities.

Plan your visit and stay

The easiest way to reach Kierikki is by car. As of 14 September 2026, public transport connections were limited; check current services before travelling, as they may change. When choosing a holiday rental in Yli-Ii, consider whether the church and its architecture or the exhibition, Stone Age Village and its activities will play a bigger part in your stay.

Discover more destinations: Haukipudas, Hankamäki, Savio, Kuivaniemi, Pornainen, Nivala, Merijärvi, Keitele.

Return to the regional travel guide: Northern Ostrobothnia.