Places to visit

Koli Nature Centre Ukko

In the Koli Nature Centre Ukko, the heart of Koli National Park, meet the culture and nature of Koli National Park. The exhibitions of Ukko provide both information, art and experience. At the Permanent Exhibition on National Landscape you will learn about history, geology, nature and culture of Koli. In the auditorium, you can watch Koli-related movies and presentations. You can buy maps and other printed materials, handicrafts as well as Koli and nature-related souvenirs, textiles, postcards and camping gear at the shop in the nature Centre. The Centre is run by Retkipaikka / Finland Naturally Experiences.

Koli Nature Centre Ukko, Ylä-Kolintie 39, 83960 Koli, tel. +358 40 773 2442,  ukko@retkipaikka.fi, www.ukko.retkipaikka.fi.

Koli Sculpture Garden

A new attraction in Koli! The Sculpture Garden (about one hectare) is divided into different sections according to the colour of the plants. A true jewel of the garden are the impressive sculptures made by Lasse Martikainen, a horticulturist and an amateur artist. Cafe with ice cream and softdrinks. The family-friendly garden is open daily from May to September Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–3pm. Martikkalantie 13, 83960 Koli, tel. +358 50 466 5040,  lasse.martikainen@kolinpuutarha.fi.

Atelier of Eva Ryynänen and Paateri Church

Eva Ryynänen (1915–2001) created more than 500 wooden sculptures in her home and atelier in Paateri. Paateri Church, her largest work, was completed in 1991 and a gallery cafe in 1993. All the buildings, the family home, atelier, Paateri Church and the gallery cafe, were designed by Eva Ryynänen. In addition to the sculptures, there is a photography exhibition about the artist’s life in the atelier. Paateri is in Vuonislahti village, 28 km from Lieksa towards Joensuu. Open 15th May 2019– 15th September 2019. Other times open on reservation only. Paateri 21, 81560 Vuonisjärvi, tel. +358 40 104 4055,  museo@lieksa. fi, www.lieksa.fi/paateri.

Paateri, Paateri 21, 81560 Vuonisjärvi tel. +358 401 044 055, lieksa.fi/museum.
 

Other destinations near Lieksa centre

The Evangelical-Lutheran church in Lieksa was designed by famous architects Raili and Reima Pietilä. The church was completed in 1982. Other Evangelical-Lutheran churches in the Lieksa municipality are in the villages of Viekijärvi, Pankakoski, Nurmijärvi and Koli. The most famous Orthodox churches are the St. Prophet Elijah Orthodox Church and the Chapel of the Transfiguration of Christ. In Rajaperinnetalo – Border Heritage House there is an exhibition of the history of the Finnish-Russian border surveillance from the 17th century to the present day.

Puu-Juuka

Puu-Juuka, the old centre of Juuka, is a fine example of Finnish building tradition which is now hard to find. The original, old wooden buildings make the old village centre unique. This authentic atmosphere also attracts film and TV-series production crews. Puu-Juuka is in a triangle between the Juukajoki River and main roads. There was a village by the Juuanjoki River, where the present town of Juuka is located, as early as in the 16th century. By the end of the 19th century the settlement was concentrated along the main road. The oldest surviving buildings in this area date from the late 19th or the early 20th century. Among these buildings there are residential, commercial and public buildings. There are many interesting details in these buildings, such as pediments, decorative window frames and cornice consoles. The true cultural-historical value, however, becomes from the area and its buildings as a whole. In Puu-Juuka there is the Mill Museuni, an old, restored timber slide and a playground for children. The area of Puu-Juuka also includes a small and romantic bridge, Haaveiden silta (Bridge of Dreams) over Herralankoski Rapids. There is also Taitokartano, a cafe and a place where local artisans practice their professions.  You can experience the atmosphere of Puu-Juuka by staying overnight in an idyllic Majatalo Juuka guesthouse. See also the map of Puu-Juuka.

Juuka Church

Designed by architect C. A. Gustavsson, the beautiful wooden church was built in 1850–1851. There are seats for 900 people. The altarpiece is Kaarlo Kiljander’s copy (1885) of A. von Becker’s painting “Christ on the Cross”, which was destroyed in a fire.