Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Haukipudas
Haukipudas, 21km north of Oulu at a scenic spot along the Kiiminkijoki, is known for its
beige church ( www.oulunseurakunnat.fi ; admission free; 10am-6pm Mon-Fri early Jun-late Aug) ,
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.
There's also a hotel ( 040-159-9580; www.arctichotelkierikki.fi ;d €84; year-round; )
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.
 
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