Yli-Ii: Church, Kierikki and Stone Age history

In Yli-Ii, cultural attractions range from a church visible from afar to Kierikki’s insights into the Stone Age. On the north bank of the Iijoki, reconstructed houses tell the story of archaeological finds; the exhibition spans the early prehistory of Northern Ostrobothnia. Architecture, exhibitions and hands-on activities each offer a different focus—helpful when planning your time in the area.

Discover more destinations: Möttönen, Fiskars, Kasnäs, Arvaja, Veteli, Hailuoto, Kronoby and Kärkölä.

Yli-Ii at a glance

• Yli-Ii Church was completed in 1932 to a design by Yrjö Sadeniemi and is associated with the classicism of the 1920s.
• The main building of the Kierikki Stone Age Centre was completed in 2001 and is one of the largest modern wooden buildings in the Nordic countries.
• The archaeological exhibition spans the period from the Ice Age to the end of the Stone Age, with a particular focus on Kierikki.
• The Stone Age Village is on the north bank of the Iijoki; its reconstructed houses are based on excavated dwellings.
• The standard guided tour follows an easy boardwalk about one kilometre long; Trapper’s Path runs for 0.5 kilometres around the village.

Church and wooden architecture

Yli-Ii Church is a notable landmark, visible across the landscape. Designed by Yrjö Sadeniemi, it is associated with the classicism of the 1920s, and the building was completed in 1932. Visitors interested in architecture will find a tangible point of reference for the local history here—not just a date, but a distinctive building with a clearly identified architectural style.

Kierikki’s main building offers a different architectural accent: this modern wooden structure was completed in 2001 and is among the largest of its kind in the Nordic countries. Comparing it with the church brings together two different eras and building traditions. Yli-Ii’s cultural attractions can thus be explored through both a classical church building and contemporary wooden architecture.

Kierikki: from exhibition to reconstructed village

The archaeological exhibition at the Kierikki Stone Age Centre explores the Stone Age in Finland, with a particular focus on the Kierikki area. Its timeline also reaches back into the early prehistory of Northern Ostrobothnia, from the Ice Age to the end of the Stone Age. The centre introduces visitors to the Nordic past and the study of this period. Those interested in a broad historical overview will find a different approach here from that of the Stone Age Village, where archaeological traces can be experienced through reconstructed houses.

The village is on the north bank of the Iijoki. The reconstructed Stone Age houses are based in size and shape on dwellings discovered during excavations. This is important context: these are reconstructions designed with reference to archaeological finds. In the restored houses, guided tours tell visitors about life in the past and introduce practical skills. Visits to the houses are available during Kierikki’s opening hours or by request.

Trails, tours and activities

The standard guided tour of the Stone Age Village follows an easy boardwalk about one kilometre long. The tour also includes a visit to the dwellings and a break by the campfire. Trapper’s Path is shorter, at 0.5 kilometres, and loops around the village; the traps along the way illustrate the ingenuity of Stone Age people. The options differ in both length and focus: guided insights into the houses on the one hand, and a circular route with interpretive stops on the other.

In the village, visitors can try typical Stone Age activities, including archery and making objects from stone. Archery uses a deer-shaped target. Visitors can also paddle a canoe carved from a tree trunk at the village beach. These activities suit different interests: those who prefer to observe and learn can focus on the exhibition and guided tour, while those who want to try something themselves can choose hands-on activities. Tours and activities are subject to opening hours and current availability; availability of the standard guided tour is confirmed at the time of booking.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

Travelling to Kierikki is easiest by car; public transport connections are currently limited (as of 14 September 2026). This is an important planning factor if Kierikki is the focus of your stay. Choose your accommodation base with your preferred way of getting around in mind. When looking for hotels in Yli-Ii, you can also decide whether architecture, the archaeological exhibition, a visit to the village or hands-on activities will shape your stay.

Frequently asked questions about Yli-Ii and Kierikki

What does the archaeological exhibition at Kierikki cover?

It explores the Stone Age in Finland, particularly the Kierikki area. Its historical timeline spans the early prehistory of Northern Ostrobothnia, from the Ice Age to the end of the Stone Age.

What are the houses in the Stone Age Village based on?

The size and shape of the reconstructed houses are based on dwellings discovered during excavations. The village is on the north bank of the Iijoki.

How do the trail options differ?

The standard guided tour follows an easy boardwalk about one kilometre long. Trapper’s Path is 0.5 kilometres long and loops around the village; its traps illustrate Stone Age ingenuity.

What activities can visitors try?

Activities include archery at a deer-shaped target, making objects from stone, and paddling a canoe carved from a tree trunk at the village beach. Current operation depends on operating conditions.

What is the easiest way to get to Kierikki?

As of 14 September 2026, travelling by car is easiest; public transport connections are currently limited.

For the regional travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.