Pelkosenniemi: Church, River and Kilpiaapa

The church village of Pelkosenniemi brings together a distinctive wooden church, monuments in the market square and recreational activities by the Kemijoki. Nearby is Kilpiaapa, Finland’s tenth-largest aapa mire. Here, local history, the riverbank and the mire landscape offer different themes for your trip. If you are looking for accommodation, consider whether you want to focus mainly on architectural history, activities by the river or nature.

Pelkosenniemi at a glance

• The wooden long church was completed in 1929 and built to a design by Yrjö Sadeniemi.
• Kilpiaapa is Finland’s tenth-largest aapa mire and is part of the Kemihaaran suot Natura 2000 site.
• The illuminated fitness trail in the church village is about one kilometre long; a wheelchair-accessible shelter and a toilet are located along it.
• The ski trail in the church village runs to the Kilpiaapa birdwatching tower; the track is groomed seasonally.
• You can swim in the Kemijoki at the beach at Kemijärventie 80.

Church village, river and mire

In its layout, Pelkosenniemi is a typical linear river settlement. This description gives the local landscape a concrete framework: the river is as much a part of the church village’s character as its church and market square. For nature lovers, Kilpiaapa is another prominent point of interest. The mire is close to the church village, forms part of the Kemihaaran suot Natura 2000 site and, as Finland’s tenth-largest aapa mire, is also notable for its size. Its proximity to the village and its inclusion in a protected area are two distinct aspects of its status.

Suvanto offers a different view of the municipality. The village lies on the Kitinen, one of the three main branches of the Kemijoki, about eleven kilometres northwest of the church village. Suvanto is considered Lapland’s only surviving village ensemble in the Peräpohjola building style that was spared by the war; parts of its building stock date back to the 17th century. Those interested in historic settlement landscapes will therefore find a different focus there than at the church and public art in the church village. You can also discover other destinations in Räisälä, Utsjoki, Sodankylä, Ivalo, Napapiiri, Kemijärvi, Sinettä and Nellim.

Church and art in the market square

Pelkosenniemi’s church is a wooden long church completed in 1929. It was designed by architect Yrjö Sadeniemi and is predominantly Neoclassical in style, reflecting the 1920s. The gabled tower is one of its defining architectural features. The building’s history is also remarkable: the church survived the Lapland War. Its design, date of construction and historical context give visitors several concrete points of interest, rather than making the church merely a photo opportunity.

The market square is in the church village at Sodankyläntie 7. Its facilities include a stage, an electricity connection, a noticeboard and various monuments. The spaces can be reserved for different purposes, including events; this does not mean that public events are held there regularly. The monuments each make their own mark: the Paavali Pelkonen monument dates from 2014. Matti Hulkko created the Andy McCoy statue in 2009; the municipality reported its restoration and return in January 2024. Hulkko also created the Saran Salama monument in 2017 and the large salmon sculptures in 2009. Several works with different names and dates can thus be viewed in the same square.

Trails and activities by the water

The illuminated fitness trail in the church village is about one kilometre long. A wheelchair-accessible shelter and a toilet are located along it. The accessibility information applies to the shelter; it does not describe the condition of the entire trail. The facilities may change. As a short walking route, the fitness trail differs considerably from the ski trail: the latter runs on the side of Road 5, via the bend in Kurkihyppyläntie, to the Kilpiaapa birdwatching tower. It is groomed seasonally. This means that the fitness trail offers an approximate length and lighting, while the ski trail has a winter destination and seasonal track maintenance.

You can swim in the Kemijoki at the church village beach at Kemijärventie 80. There is also a barbecue hut, outdoor exercise equipment, a changing room, children’s swings and a carpet-washing spot. The swings are a specific feature for families, while the changing facilities and barbecue hut help shape the character of the riverbank area. The beach facilities may also change. A boat ramp for the Kemijoki is located at the same site. Swimming and launching a boat are therefore two different ways to include the riverbank in your travel plans.

Choose the right focus for your accommodation

Suvanto is a distinct point of interest within the municipality, about eleven kilometres northwest of the church village. This distinction helps avoid treating the church village and other places in the municipality as a single destination. First decide which of these interests matters most for your trip; you can then choose accommodation in a suitable location.

Frequently asked questions about Pelkosenniemi

What is special about Pelkosenniemi’s church?

The wooden long church was completed in 1929 to a design by Yrjö Sadeniemi. It is predominantly Neoclassical in style, has a gabled tower and survived the Lapland War.

What is the difference between the fitness trail and the ski trail?

The illuminated fitness trail is about one kilometre long and has a shelter and a toilet. The ski trail, by contrast, runs to the Kilpiaapa birdwatching tower and is groomed seasonally.

Can you swim in the Kemijoki?

Yes. You can swim in the river at the church village beach at Kemijärventie 80. There is also a boat ramp and other recreational facilities there.

What makes Suvanto special?

Suvanto lies on the Kitinen, about eleven kilometres northwest of the church village. The village ensemble in the Peräpohjola building style is the only one of its kind in Lapland to have been spared by the war; parts of the buildings date back to the 17th century.

Can spaces in the market square be reserved for events?

Yes. According to the municipal booking information as of September 2026, spaces in the market square can be reserved for various purposes, including events.

For the wider travel overview: Lapland.