Haukipudas, 21km north of Oulu at a scenic spot along the Kiiminkijoki, is renowned for its cream-painted, terracotta-roofed wooden church, one of Finland’s most exquisite ‘picture churches’. The interior is decorated with striking naive scenes painted in the 18th century, which depict biblical events including an unnerving Day of Judgement. Outside, by the separate belfry, stands an endearing wooden moustachioed vaivaisukko (pauper statue). Buses link Haukipudas with Oulu (€9.40, 30 minutes, three daily).
© ABBPhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Haukiputaan Kirkko
Central Finland
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
21.4 MILES
This excellent museum is by the Iijoki, whose banks are riddled with important Stone Age settlements. The informative display zeroes in on a handful of…
-
11.95 MILES
Oulu has one of Finland's liveliest market squares, and its position at the waterfront makes it all the more appealing. The square is bordered by several…
-
11.81 MILES
This huge, excellent science museum can occupy kids for the best part of a day with a giant, 35m-high IMAX screen, hands-on interactive exhibits exploring…
-
19.16 MILES
Set across two river islands on the scenic Oulujoki, this open-air museum is a collection of traditional wooden buildings, from loggers’ cabins to stables…
-
11.79 MILES
The Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia in the city park has almost too much information to take in at first bite. It covers the earliest habitation of the…
-
11.76 MILES
Just north of the city centre on the Hupisaaret Islands, connected by small bridges, this great park has bike paths, museums, greenhouses and a summer…
-
11.98 MILES
Oulu’s imposing cathedral was built in 1777, but then came the great fire of 1822, which severely damaged the structure. Prolific architect CL Engel…
-
11.8 MILES
Oulu’s art museum is a bright, spacious gallery with excellent temporary exhibitions of both international and Finnish contemporary art, and a cafe.
Nearby Central Finland attractions
11.68 MILES
This house-museum on Pikisaari belonged to a local sailor. Built in 1737, it is the oldest house in Oulu and was transferred here from the city centre in…
11.76 MILES
Just north of the city centre on the Hupisaaret Islands, connected by small bridges, this great park has bike paths, museums, greenhouses and a summer…
11.79 MILES
The Museum of Northern Ostrobothnia in the city park has almost too much information to take in at first bite. It covers the earliest habitation of the…
11.8 MILES
Oulu’s art museum is a bright, spacious gallery with excellent temporary exhibitions of both international and Finnish contemporary art, and a cafe.
11.81 MILES
This huge, excellent science museum can occupy kids for the best part of a day with a giant, 35m-high IMAX screen, hands-on interactive exhibits exploring…
11.95 MILES
Oulu has one of Finland's liveliest market squares, and its position at the waterfront makes it all the more appealing. The square is bordered by several…
11.98 MILES
Oulu’s imposing cathedral was built in 1777, but then came the great fire of 1822, which severely damaged the structure. Prolific architect CL Engel…
19.16 MILES
Set across two river islands on the scenic Oulujoki, this open-air museum is a collection of traditional wooden buildings, from loggers’ cabins to stables…