Kirkkoniemi

Kirkkoniemi (which means Church Headland) in Tohmajärvi is said to be the most beautiful location for a church. The Evangelical Lutheran church, built in 1756, is the oldest wooden church in North Carelia. The rectory dates from 1841 and the Parish hall from 1856. The belfry, circa 1760, was re-roofed in 1990.

The church is open from 6.6. - 15.8.2010 Monday to Friday 10-16:00 Saturdays 10-14:00 and Sundays 11-16:00

The Parish Hall Café Handicraft sales exhibition is open 1.6.-15.8.2010
Monday to Friday 10-16:00 Saturdays 10-14:00 and Sundays 11-16:00
Ror more information mobile: 0500 166 886

Värtsilä Church Kaurilantie 7, Värtsilä.

This church, which is large enough for a congregation of 300, was finished in 1950. The building of the church was made possible with the help of the American Lutheran Organisation, Wärtsilä Syndicate, Church of Finland Central Fund and Swedish Congregations.

In the vestibule is a plaque to the departed heroes of the war. There are photographs here of Värtsilä old church, which was in the area conceded to the USSR, and was destroyed in 1941. The original chandeliers were rescued and are now hanging in the church.

For more information mobile: 0400 967 601.

Petravaara Orthodox Church (Tsasouna) and Cemetery Petravaarantie 480

This small Orthodox Church is not open to the public and can only be viewed from the outside.The Tsasouna was built in 1967.

The cemetery is in a peaceful natural setting about 1km past the Tsasouna, signposted to the left.
It is situated at the edge of the forest beyond the open ground.

The parish museum is the coach house owned by Gabriel Wallenius "Karjalan Kuninkaan" (The King of Carelia) and in the grounds you will find out-buildings and a windmill belonging to author Maiju Lassila.

The Nyman house was North Carelia's second oldest pharmacy, now a house museum; one of the rooms is dedicated to the pharmacy.There is an exhibition of preserved utensils and everyday objects from ages past.

Open 30.6. - 1.8.2010 Wednesdays to Sundays  11-17:00.  Groups by arrangement.

More information from Tohmajärvi Matkapalvelu (Travel Agency) tel: (013) 622 643 Mari Pykäläinen.

Entrance fee: Adults 2€. Children free. Groups: 1€ per person.
Kirkkotie 14, off the road to Kirkkoniemi, near Tohmajärvi Summer Theatre (kesäteatteri).
Take the track from the tennis courts where there is a black and white sign to the Pitäjänmuseo

Saario Voimalaitosmuseo  (Hydroelectric Plant Museum)

Built in 1908 on the Jänisjoki River in Saario and completely restored, it is Finland's oldest Hydroelectric Plant with original equipment. The building is an example of central European "New-Gothic" industrial architectural style. It was built on the site of an old mill, the old millstones can be found in the grounds.

Next to the museum is a new underground hydroelectric plant.

Open 29.6. - 31.7.2010 Tuesday to Saturday 11-17:00

Entrance fee: Adults 2€. Children free. Groups: 1€ per person.
Driving directions from Tohmajärvi town centre: Asemantie - Tehdastie - Saariontie - Pykälävaarantie - Voimalaitostie 24

The school museum tries to recreate the atmosphere of the old fashioned primary school. It is the original school building which has now been completely renovated and is being used as the village hall.

In the grounds there is a memorial to the "Hyrsylänmutkaan", civilian prisoners of war left behind in Russia and who were repatriated to Kaurila at the end of the Winter War.

Open during "Potsi" weekend 2.7.2010 from 17-20.00. Groups by arrangement.

More information Kaurila-Muskon kyläyhdistys ry. tel: 044 253 1250 /Marketta Karhu

Entrance fee: Adults 2€ Groups: 1€ per person
Driving directions from Tohmajärvi town centre: Sininentie (n. 10-11 km) - Kaurilantie -Koulumäentie

The old mill is in the centre of Värtsilä village by the Jänisjoki River. It holds a collection of small objects associated with crop growing as well as the original mill machinery.

Open Sundays in July 12-15.00 or by special arrangement, mobile: 0500 914 263 /Markus Kontiainen

Entrance fee optional, any donations welcome.
Driving directions from Tohmajärvi town centre: Sininentie - Rajantie- Värtsiläntie 38

Raili took up basketry and willow weaving when she stopped taking care of her farm and moved to Kemie. Finding herself in a house on an empty plot she decided to do something about it. Now that bare plot is an enchanted garden of flowerbeds and willow weaving

Open by agreement 3.7. - 31.8.2010, tel. 050 331 2672 
Entrance fee: Adults 2€, children 1€

Location: Susonpolku 4, Tohmajärvi centre, Towards Kirkkoniemi, by the side of Kirkkotie.

North Carelian Woodworking School's magnificent "Log Mansion", with its pools and arboretum.
Vehkavaarantie 260, Onkamo. Open all year. Permanent exhibition of woodcraft and carving.

"Puun Sielu" (Spirit of Wood)
Information tel: (013) 625 777 mobile: 0400 253 722 /Mauri Kekkonen

Beautiful lake landscape by the side of the Tohmajärvi to Kitee road about 4km from the centre towards Kitee.