Simo: Cultural Landscape, River and Mire

Simo brings together a distinctive coastal landscape and a history visible in its buildings, old village structures and river environment. At Simon maankohoumapuisto, ten information points show how the coastline has shifted over 500 years. The municipality’s mires, trails, museums and lamprey tradition add to the picture. When choosing accommodation, you can consider whether culture, nature or a seasonal experience will shape your stay.

Simo at a glance

• Simon maankohoumapuisto has ten information points about the coastline’s movement over the past 500 years.
• On the Hangassalmenaho side of Martimoaapa, there is a 2.5-kilometre circular trail and two birdwatching towers.
• A 2.9-kilometre section of a local road in Simonkylä has been designated a museum road since 1982.
• Simon Church in Simoniemi was completed in 1846 and measures 28.5 metres long and 15.5 metres wide.
• Lamprey is a local speciality. Visitors can try it at the Nahkiaismarkkinat, held annually in mid-September. The exact date may vary.

Building history and old village structures

In Simoniemi, in the municipality of Simo, stands Simon Church, which has no tower. Designed by Ernst Bernhard Lohrmann, it was completed in 1846. The rectangular building is a longitudinal church in the Late Empire style. Its dimensions—28.5 metres long and 15.5 metres wide—make its elongated form easy to picture. The description “without a tower” helps distinguish the church from another architectural landmark: the bell tower of Simo.

Heikki Väänänen built the bell tower in 1773. Its wooden structure is a simple example of Ostrobothnian Renaissance architecture, with baroque-shaped roof surfaces. The roof is covered with triangular wooden shingles. The dates 1773 and 1846 mark two distinct historical points: the bell tower dates from the 18th century, and Simon Church from the 19th century.

The village structure is also part of the municipality’s cultural character. Simoniemi and Simonkylä have an unusually well-preserved stock of buildings from before the Second World War for Lapland. Both are part of the nationally significant cultural landscape, “Simojoen suun kulttuurimaisemat.” The landscape management area of Simonkylä and Simoniemi is Finland’s fourth nationally designated landscape management area.

A 2.9-kilometre section of a local road in Simonkylä has been designated a museum road since 1982. The cultural landscape along this museum road is part of the nationally valued Simojoki cultural landscape area. In Simonkylä, tangible road and village history meets a broader tradition shaped by the landscape.

Museums and stories from the municipality

The Pahnila Museum displays original objects that tell of local history and culture, local traditions and life in different eras. The Simoniemi Local Heritage Museum also conveys cultural heritage through stories and traditions. It is housed in a former church granary—a building whose previous use already tells part of its story.

The museums have different focuses: the Pahnila Museum centres on original objects and life through the ages, while the Simoniemi Local Heritage Museum is housed in a former church granary. Opening arrangements may vary, so do not assume a museum visit will always be possible.

Mire, coastline and trails along the Simojoki

At Simon maankohoumapuisto, you can follow the gradual transformation of the coastal landscape: ongoing land uplift is pushing the sea farther away from the mainland. The ten information points focus on the coastline’s movement over the past 500 years. Anyone interested in landscape change will find a specific timeframe and a clear trail to follow, point by point.

Martimoaapa is a 124-square-kilometre mire conservation area. Established in 1982, it protects valuable mire landscapes, plants and animals. On the Hangassalmenaho side, there is a 2.5-kilometre circular trail, as well as two birdwatching towers. The Martimoaapa-Lumiaapa-Penikat mire conservation area is particularly important for endangered birds and is one of the most important mire landscape conservation areas in northern Finland.

The trails along the Simojoki also have different focuses. The Simonkylä nature trail starts at Nikkilänsuvanto and runs along the riverbank for part of its route. The Wanha Simo route passes through the traditional Peräpohjola cultural landscape around the mouth of the Simojoki. The nature trail is notable for following the riverbank along some sections; Wanha Simo is defined by the cultural landscape around the river mouth.

The Simojoki also offers fishing opportunities in rapids and still-water areas. On the lower river, traditional fishing methods include bank fishing with lures and fishing from a rowing boat. If you plan to fish, remember to take applicable rules and seasonal conditions into account.

Lamprey as a seasonal treat

Lamprey is considered a local speciality of Simo. Visitors can try it at the Nahkiaismarkkinat, held annually in mid-September. The market gives this culinary tradition a specific seasonal focus: rather than being available year-round, it is centred on a recurring event in September.

The exact event date may vary. If the market is a reason for your trip, mid-September can serve as a guide, but the specific date is what matters for planning. Local food culture thus complements the architectural and nature themes with an occasion closely tied to the season.

Choosing the right focus for your accommodation

If you are looking for a hotel in Simo, your plans can help guide your choice: building history leads to Simon Church and the bell tower; village and museum history to the municipality’s sites and collections; and nature experiences to Martimoaapa, the coastal park and the trails along the Simojoki. Bear in mind that museum opening arrangements may vary. A stay centred on the Nahkiaismarkkinat should take into account the annual event in mid-September, whose exact date may vary.

Discover more destinations: Posio, Naruska, Keminmaa, Pello, Tervola, Nuorgam, Savukoski and Sirkkakoski.

Frequently asked questions about Simo

What can you learn at Simon maankohoumapuisto?

Ten information points explain how the coastline has shifted over the past 500 years. Ongoing land uplift is pushing the sea farther away from the mainland.

How long is the circular trail at Martimoaapa?

On the Hangassalmenaho side, there is a 2.5-kilometre circular trail. There are also two birdwatching towers.

What makes Simon Church distinctive?

The towerless, rectangular longitudinal church in Simoniemi was designed by Ernst Bernhard Lohrmann and completed in 1846. It is 28.5 metres long, 15.5 metres wide and built in the Late Empire style.

When is the Nahkiaismarkkinat held?

The market is held annually in mid-September. Visitors can try lamprey, a local speciality; the exact event date may vary.

Which trails run along the Simojoki?

The Simonkylä nature trail starts at Nikkilänsuvanto and runs along the riverbank for part of its route. Wanha Simo passes through the traditional Peräpohjola cultural landscape around the river mouth.

For the broader travel overview: Lapland.