Rääkkylä: Kantele Tradition and an Archipelago of Islands

Rääkkylä brings together North Karelia’s folk music and kantele tradition with the archipelago of northern Lake Saimaa. A church dating from 1851, a festival on the shore of Lake Saimaa and cycling routes of varying lengths give the area many distinctive facets. You can shape your stay around culture, scenery or activity.

Rääkkylä at a glance

• Rääkkylä is a cultural village in North Karelia, in the archipelago of northern Lake Saimaa.
• Rääkkylä Church was built in 1851 at the highest point of the church village.
• The area is known for its folk music and kantele tradition.
• The approximately 4-kilometre round trip to Paksuniemi Harbour follows paved paths; Paksuniemen polkaisu is a 13-kilometre cycling route through the rural landscape.
• From the Lintulinna birdwatching tower near Oravilahti, you can look out over extensive fields and wetlands.

Kantele, the church and local stories

The church stands at the highest point of the church village and was built in 1851. Its year of construction makes it a tangible historical landmark on a walk through the area’s history. The church is not in use during winter; a presentation in summer is possible by booking.

A stone monument to Esa Pakarinen stands in the church village. The relief on it was designed by artist Kauko Kortelainen. The landscape is also connected with film history: director Markku Pölönen filmed “Onnen maa” and “Oma maa” in the archipelago landscapes of Rääkkylä. Together with its strong folk music and kantele tradition, this creates a cultural picture with a place of its own alongside the lakes and islands.

Experience folk music and culture

Kihaus Folk is a folk music festival for the whole family. It takes place on the shore of northern Lake Saimaa in Rääkkylä. Dates and programme may change. For music lovers, the festival is a highlight, while the kantele tradition can also be experienced in a smaller, hands-on setting.

The guided day tour “Kyläretki Rääkkylän kulttuurikylään” introduces the area’s cultural heritage, music and local way of life. The programme includes a kantele workshop and a Karelian lunch. The tour’s availability and itinerary may vary. Unlike the festival, it brings several cultural themes together in a day-long programme; the festival focuses on folk music.

Cycling routes between the village, fields and islands

For a shorter ride, try the approximately 4-kilometre round trip from central Rääkkylä to Paksuniemi Harbour. The route follows paved paths intended for pedestrians and cyclists. At 13 kilometres, Paksuniemen polkaisu is considerably longer and follows gravel roads and paved sections, passing fields, pastures and the church village. The difference is clear: a shorter, paved connection to the harbour versus a longer route through the rural landscape.

The Saimaa by Cycle route network also includes short loops and longer cycling tours through villages, across fields and through lake scenery. The Saaristo Trail takes cyclists to the islands of Rääkkylä and historical sights. If you prefer a trail, the Savilahti Trail, part of Karelianpolut, is suitable for mountain biking and jogging. Route conditions may change.

Fields, wetlands and the Saimaa archipelago

The Lintulinna birdwatching tower near Oravilahti offers views over extensive fields and wetlands. This reveals a different side of the landscape from the archipelago, whose character is shaped by lakes, islands and lively villages. Visitors to the archipelago of northern Lake Saimaa can also join guided canoe tours; the availability of individual providers may vary.

You can choose a hotel in Rääkkylä based on the activities you want to shape your stay around.

Discover more destinations: Elomäki, Tolosenmäki, Kitee, Ahmovaara, Valtimo, Mannervaara, Karhunmäki and Vanhahovi.

Frequently asked questions about Rääkkylä

What makes Rääkkylä’s music tradition distinctive?

Rääkkylä is known for its folk music and kantele tradition. Kihaus Folk celebrates folk music; the guided day tour combines music with cultural heritage and local ways of life.

Which cycling route is shorter?

The approximately 4-kilometre round trip goes from the centre to Paksuniemi Harbour and back. At 13 kilometres, Paksuniemen polkaisu is longer and runs along gravel and paved sections through the rural surroundings.

What is included in the “Kyläretki Rääkkylän kulttuurikylään” day tour?

The guided tour introduces cultural heritage, music and local ways of life. The programme includes a kantele workshop and a Karelian lunch; availability and itinerary may vary.

What should I know about presentations at the church?

The church is not in use during winter. A presentation in summer is possible by booking.

For the broader travel overview: North Karelia.