Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Haukipudas
Haukipudas, 21km north of Oulu at a scenic spot along the Kiiminkijoki, is known for its
one of Finland's most notable 'picture churches'. The interior is decorated with striking
naive scenes painted in the 18th century and depicting biblical events, including a scary
Day of Judgement. Outside, by the separate belfry, stands a wooden moustachioed
vaivaisukko
(pauper statue).
From Oulu, buses 20 and 23 run to Haukipudas.
WORTH A TRIP
MUSEUM OF THE STONE AGE
Kierikkikeskus
MUSEUM
(
www.ouka.fi
;Pahkalantie 447, Yli-Ii;adult/child €8/4; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun late
Jun-mid-Aug, 10am-5pm Mon-Sat late Aug, 10am-4pm Mon-Fri May-late Jun & Sep-Oct)
This excellent museum is by the Iijoki, whose banks are riddled with important Stone Age
settlements. The informative display sensibly only includes a handful of artefacts, includ-
ing fortunately preserved wooden fences to trap fish. A ponderous video gives excavation
histories, and a boardwalk leads to the picturesque riverbank, with re-created period
buildings. In summer you can take potshots using a primitive bow and arrow, or send the
kids paddling in a Stone Age canoe.
Settlements in the Kierikki area date from about 4000 BC to 2000 BC and were
coastal, moving gradually west as the land rose. Communities made a comfortable living
fishing and sealing.
here, consisting of wooden buildings surrounding a little pond; the attractive, spacious
rooms have balconies.
Kierikki is 5km south of Yli-Ii, itself 27km east of Ii, on the Oulu-Kemi road.