Lappajärvi: Art, Crater Lake and Nature

In Lappajärvi, unusual arts and cultural venues meet experiences by the crater lake: at the Meteoriittikeskus, you can touch real meteorites and see a rock sample from the Moon. There are also nature trails, museums in historic buildings and winter activities on the ice. Which of these appeals to you most may also influence your choice of holiday rental.

Meteorites, sculptures and unusual exhibition venues

The Meteoriittikeskus is located in the basement of Hotelli Kivitippu and features eight different exhibitions. A free virtual 3D journey takes you to the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars. It lasts just over 13 minutes and accommodates up to four people at a time—an experience in its own right, alongside the exhibitions of meteorites and lunar rock.

Vuosimiljoonat offers a different kind of outdoor art: the series consists of five sculptures depicting the Lappajärvi region in different eras. Along the 1.2-kilometre accessible nature trail, the sculptures are decorated with relief patterns. The artwork expresses the history and natural uniqueness of the region. If you prefer exploring outdoors to visiting exhibition spaces, this offers a clearly defined cultural focus.

The buildings, too, tell stories of different periods. Taavintupa Local Heritage Museum is a traditional farmhouse building from the late 18th century in the Järviseutu lake region, located in Nykälänniemi. The Lappajärvi Fishing Museum is housed in a tall 19th-century granary. In 2002, it was moved from Ahola to the grounds of Taavintupa. The Lappajärvi Museum, meanwhile, is housed in a former courthouse: built in Soini in the late 18th century, it was moved to its present location in the 1840s.

Discover nature and enjoy outdoor activities

On the Kanavapuisto nature trail, you can learn about Lappajärvi’s distinctive rock types and habitats that are important for Finnish biodiversity. You’ll also encounter nature themes at Vuosimiljoonat, where art and regional history come together. In the municipality of Lappajärvi, the area is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark status of the Kraatterijärvi Geopark, together with five other municipalities.

In winter, ice activities offer a range of options: on the lake, in the scenic surroundings around Hotelli Kivitippu, a 3,000-metre tour skating track and a cross-country ski trail are maintained. Lappajärvi’s ice rink is also regularly flooded. It is suitable for all types of skates, including for children. The tour skating track and the ice rink are separate options; if you’re travelling with children or want to use different types of skates, you can take this distinction into account when planning your day.

For golf, a round at Järviseudun Golf on the crater lake begins with a ride on the Albatlossi ferry through the Nykälä landscape to the first tee. The long first nine holes wind through undulating woodland. After returning to the club, the second nine have a parkland feel, with Lappajärvi always in view. The two halves of the course therefore offer different scenery. If you’re interested in a physical workout, you’ll also find the Itäkylän Kuoppalan Kuntoportaat at Kuoppalantie 256, 62660 Lappajärvi.

Getting there and choosing a holiday rental

Lappajärvi is accessible by car or bus; the nearest rail stop is in Kauhava. When choosing your holiday rental, consider which mode of transport suits your journey. You can choose the focus of your trip from museums and art, nature trails, ice activities and golf. This way, your search for suitable accommodation can reflect the experiences that matter to you, without having to choose just one focus for all your days.

Ateljee Tapio Autio has seasonal opening hours: from the Midsummer festival until the end of August, it is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm; outside this period, group visits are possible by arrangement. Ateljee Tapio Autio includes a stone church built by Tapio Autio, a Kalevala-themed stone painting cave and an angel room featuring works of art. A 16-metre-high observation tower at Ateljee Tapio Autio offers views of Tapolanvuori and Lappajärvi.

Discover more places

For further inspiration: Kaustinen, Halsua, Ahomäki, Kokkola, Yli-Lesti, Lestijärvi, Toholampi.

For the broader travel overview: Central Ostrobothnia.