Alavus between Art, History and Nature

Alavus brings together art, church history and nature experiences on Lake Alavudenjärvi. At Taidekeskus Harri, local art, rotating exhibitions and several collections are displayed side by side; elsewhere, the church and local history museum offer insights into different layers of architecture and remembrance. By the lake, nature trails and weather-dependent winter activities round out the experience. When looking for a holiday rental, it may help to consider whether cultural attractions or time outdoors should shape your itinerary.

Art and Remembrance at Taidekeskus Harri

Taidekeskus Harri is located on Highway 66 near the centre of Alavus, on the shore of Lake Alavudenjärvi. It permanently displays works by local artist Matti Annala from the collections of the City of Alavus. Paintings, sketches and personal belongings of Annala are shown on a regularly renewed wall; there are also rotating exhibitions by various artists.

Another collection adds its own distinctive touch: the City of Alavus owns a complete collection of 1,250 Arabia milk jugs, which is also on display at Taidekeskus Harri. The veterans’ memorial room at the art centre explores Finnish wartime history, particularly from the perspective of soldiers from Alavus and other parts of South Ostrobothnia. Exhibits include photographs, weapons, uniforms, decorations, items belonging to Lotta Svärd and handicrafts. A French 155 H 17 howitzer dating from 1917 also stands on the grounds. A permanent exhibition dedicated to composer Toivo Kuula opened there in 2010.

Church, Local History Museum and Architectural History

Sotavanhuksen museo is a local history museum maintained by the Alavus-seura association, housed in an old granary next to Alavus Church. The present-day church was completed in 1914 and designed by Kauno S. Kallio. Its building history goes back further: earlier stages include a first prayer house from 1674 and a second church from 1746, with a bell tower already built in 1734. A third church and bell tower were completed by the end of 1825; some work continued until 1826. The 1734 bell tower was probably built by master builder Henrik Katila, who came from Vöyri.

Another memorial landmark is the obelisk at Muistojen Chapel in the centre of Alavus. It was erected in 1881 in memory of the Battle of Alavus. Together, the church, local history museum and memorial site offer different ways to explore the history of the area during your stay.

Nature Trails and Activities on the Water

At the southern end of Lake Alavudenjärvi in the centre of Alavus, an arched bridge crosses the Pahajoki and connects two nature trails. In winter, weather permitting, the lake has an ice trail, an ice carousel sled and an ice-skating track about 3.7 km long. As these winter activities depend on suitable weather conditions, check whether they are currently available before making plans.

On the shore of Rantapuisto in the centre, by Huhtalava, canoes, kayaks, SUP boards and rowing boats are available for a key fee of 5 euros. If you plan to take a trip using one of the watercraft, it is best to check availability in advance. At the municipal level, the City of Alavus maintains ten public swimming areas in the centre and surrounding villages; this number may change. Other swimming areas are accessible under Everyman’s Right and are not operated by the city.

Choose a Holiday Rental to Suit Your Itinerary

If you plan to include Taidekeskus Harri and the bridge area in your itinerary, you could use the town centre as a reference point when looking for a holiday rental in Alavus: the art centre is near the centre, while the bridge area itself is in the centre. If you would rather focus on winter ice activities or watercraft outings, take their respective conditions and availability into account when planning each day.

Discover more destinations: Myllykangas, Länsikylä, Alajärvi, Töysä, Karijoki, Kätkänjoki, Ähtäri, Soini.

For the broader travel overview: South Ostrobothnia.