Pyhäjärvi: Clock Stories, River and Lake

Pyhäjärvi offers some surprising reasons to visit: at a unique clock collection, you can listen to around 2,000 clock stories; a historic granary houses a local history museum; and the Pyhäjoki River offers a range of fishing opportunities. There are also experiences on the lake and the family-friendly sandy beach at Emolahti. Culture, water and nature give your stay a variety of possible themes.

Pyhäjärvi at a glance

• Rillankivi appears to have served as a boundary marker since as early as the 15th century; notches were made during boundary surveys.
• Vaskikello is home to a unique clock collection found nowhere else in the world, where you can listen to around 2,000 different clock stories.
• The Kotiseutumuseo Makasiini local history museum is housed in a crown granary completed in 1866.
• The recreational area along the upper reaches of the Pyhäjoki River is about 8 kilometres long and offers three types of fishing.
• The lake Pyhäjärvi has boating routes with landing places, and boat trips are also available.
• Emolahti sandy beach is family-friendly.

History and remarkable discoveries

Rillankivi brings a boundary story to life: the stone appears to have served as a boundary marker since as early as the 15th century. Notches were carved into its surface during surveys. This cautiously stated dating is part of what makes the stone special, as are the visible traces of the surveying work. Those interested in history will find a tangible connection here to past boundary demarcations, rather than just a general historical backdrop.

At the starting point for Rillankivi, there is a shelter, a campfire site and a toilet. The area around the stone is protected as a nature reserve. Local history and protected status are two distinct aspects of the same visitor site: the stone tells the story of boundary markers, while the area is designated as protected nature.

Kotiseutumuseo Makasiini also connects local history with a specific building. The crown granary was completed in 1866, and the Pyhäjärvi-Seura association has run a local history museum there for just over 60 years. Around 1,200 rural artefacts from Pyhäjärvi have been catalogued. Some are on display in an exhibition, whose contents may change. The collection therefore extends beyond what is shown in the exhibition at any given time.

Vaskikello offers a very different kind of discovery. Its clock collection is considered unique in the world, and visitors can listen to around 2,000 different clock stories. Its appeal lies not only in the number of stories but also in the way they are told: clocks provide the starting point for many individual stories. This complements the local and everyday-history focus of the local history museum with an unusual collection theme.

Perinnepiha is a suitable venue for celebrations and conferences, as well as events such as theatre and dance performances. A reservation may be required.

On the water: fishing, canoeing and boating experiences

Along the upper reaches of the Pyhäjoki River lies a recreational area about 8 kilometres long, with opportunities for spin fishing, trolling and fly fishing. These three types of fishing offer different experiences, so fishing here is not limited to just one form.

Canoeing on the Pyhäjoki River is also a tradition in Pyhäjärvi. On the lake Pyhäjärvi, meanwhile, there are boating routes with landing places. Those planning their trip around the kind of water-based experience they want can distinguish between river activities and boating options on the lake, rather than treating them as the same activity.

Boat trips are also available on the lake Pyhäjärvi. Their availability may vary, so they are one possible part of a stay, but not a reliable fixed point for a tightly scheduled day. The river’s recreational area, with its three types of fishing, offers a different option for those who would rather focus on fishing than take a boat trip.

Nature experiences and a family-friendly beach

Outdoor activities in Pyhäjärvi also include extensive areas for picking berries and mushrooms, as well as hunting. These options complement activities centred on specific places, such as the museum or clock collection, with ways to spend time in nature. When planning a trip, it helps to distinguish between these different interests: one day might focus on culture and stories, another on the water or the outdoors.

At Emolahti sandy beach, the beach experience takes centre stage. The beach is described as family-friendly, giving families a specific option to consider when choosing activities.

Emolahti adds a family-friendly beach to the range of options.

Discover more destinations: Reisjärvi, Nastola, Hailuoto, Keskijärvi, Ii, Apukka, Haukipudas and Vahto.

Frequently asked questions about Pyhäjärvi

What historical sites and collections are there?

Rillankivi is a boundary marker that appears to have been used since as early as the 15th century. Kotiseutumuseo Makasiini displays parts of a catalogued collection of rural artefacts from Pyhäjärvi. Vaskikello has a unique clock collection found nowhere else in the world, with around 2,000 different clock stories.

What activities are available on the Pyhäjoki River?

The recreational area along the river’s upper reaches is about 8 kilometres long and offers opportunities for spin fishing, trolling and fly fishing. Canoeing on the Pyhäjoki is also a tradition in Pyhäjärvi.

Are there boating experiences on the lake Pyhäjärvi?

Yes. The lake has boating routes with landing places, and boat trips are also available. Since availability may vary, consider a boat trip a possibility rather than a guaranteed part of your itinerary.

Is Emolahti a good place for a family outing?

Emolahti sandy beach is family-friendly, making it a specific destination for families.

What should I know about using Perinnepiha?

Perinnepiha is a suitable venue for celebrations, conferences, and events such as theatre and dance performances. A reservation may be required.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.