Alighting from the Helsinki to Oulu bound train at Kannus, I arrived at my base for most of my stay in Finland. This sleepy Finnish town can be found in the Central Ostrobothnia region, 510 km north of Helsinki (a 4 hour 35 minute train ride) and 42 km east of Kokkola.
Finland as a whole is much quieter and very much less populated than the UK. It’s a refreshing change, and this is coming from someone who lives in rural Wales! While out and about, we did see a few people out walking, running, cycling and even a guy on roller skis (I guess he was keeping in practice for the winter months).
Kannuksen Kirkko (Kannus Church) is the focal point of the town. Stood slightly elevated, the current wooden church dates from 1817. It survived the Kannus fire of 1934 despite a large part of the parish being razed to the ground. The building it replaced was not so lucky as the previous church burned down in 1813 after being hit by lightning!
A short walk from the church is Kannuksen Hautausmaa (Kannus Cemetery). It was interesting to see how different the gravestones and memorials are compared to here in the UK. They range from simple wooden crosses to huge gravestones. What intrigued me the most wasn’t the gravestones themselves but the dates on them. I’ve never seen dates written like that before.
In the cemetery stands a large rock with a plaque dedicated to the victims of the 1867 – 1868 famine. The inscription reads:
“In memory of the people of Kannus from the Great Famine Years of 1867-1868.
(Placed on behalf of) Descendents.
1 Moses 47:13”
Kannus also has a museum – Mäkiraonmäki museokeskus. The buildings of the museum and culture centre are important to the area, both culturally and historically. Most of the buildings are in their original place, but a couple, such as the windmill and the Workers’ Hall (originally a dyer’s hut) have been moved from elsewhere. We didn’t go inside any of the buildings during our visit there as we visited in the evening so they weren’t open.
Following the River Lestijoki north-west, just a few kilometres outside of Kannus, are the river rapids at Niskankoski. It’s a beautiful, peaceful spot, just off the road, with an accessible pier for fishing, as well as a campfire place and outhouse toilet. I could have sat there all day listening to the river babbling by.
It was great to catch up with my friend and visit a part of the world I’d never been to before. I can’t wait to return!
28 Comments
Karen
The sails on that windmill! Have you ever seen anything like it?!
Nikki
You wouldn’t want to be standing too close with those going around, would you?!
somewhereinireland
Great photos! I love the old windmill, very impressive. The door handle and all its details looks beautiful with the faded wood behind it. The last two photos are absolutely beautiful. What a wonderful place to visit.
Nikki
Thank you! I already can’t wait to go back!
Eastside Cats
Fascinating!
Thanks for sharing with us.
Kelly
All the wooden structures are lovely and, wow, what a windmill!! The cemetery looks interesting. I like the lichens growing on the headstone, though I’m sure they’re not doing it any good.
Nikki
Some of the headstones were huge compared to what you’d find the in the average cemetery here in the UK.
Kris P
Beautiful scenery and interesting buildings, Nikki. I was surprised to see the windmill, although why I’d expect those to be limited to the Netherlands, I don’t know!
lisl
Everywhere looks clean and neat. I like that door-knocker, Nikki
Ginnie Hart
Even though I spent only a day or two in Finland while on our Baltic Cruise, Nikki, I can remember from your images what the architecture was like…and the colors. But I don’t recall ever seeing a windmill like that!
Nikki
Yes, the windmill seems quite unique!
Judy@NewEnglandGardenAndThread
I’ve never visited Finland so it was very interesting to see the local architecture. The windmill is a work of art.
Lisa's Notebook
I love how much wood there is in everything – windmill and houses. I read recently that wood cladding helps insulation, so keeping houses warmer in Winter and cooler in Summer – maybe we should take notes from Finland!
Nikki
Roughly 75% of Finland is covered in woodland. They use wood in a lot of things!
Astrid
I am impressed with your photography on Finnland. I have never been there but have been in Norway, the houses have the same colour. That windmill is something else. That door handle is a treasure to find. (I am the wife of Ginnie and a friend of Alan both Shutterchance)
Nikki
Thank you! I would love to visit Norway some day. Thanks for dropping by!
Marty
Good lord, the size of that windmill! I agree, the dates on the gravestones are really interesting and unique looking. Finland looks so intriguing. Thanks for sharing.
Anca
The pictures and the stories relating to these places are so interesting. I love the feel of the place, it looks so beautiful and peaceful.
Ann
How utterly beautiful Finland is, Nikki, it looks like a totally different world! That windmill is looking particularly magical! xxx
Anabel @ The Glasgow Gallivanter
Looks lovely.
Yvonne (@Fiction_Books)
I love the wooden buildings, especially the church and that amazing windmill. Did you manage to get a look in either of them, or is there not the same ‘open door’ policy as here in the UK?
I too, love the sound of running water and in the absence of a coastline where I can hear the waves crashing on the shore or rocks, a peaceful riverside will do every bit as well.
Your pictures really do set the scene for us ‘armchair travellers’ 🙂
Nikki
We didn’t go inside any of the buildings during our visit to the museum as we visited in the evening so they weren’t open. I seem to recall there also being a sign not to climb the steps into the windmill.
We had the dog with us when we walked around the church, so didn’t go in. I believe it’s open during daylight hours during the summer, but I could be wrong.
Sharon
What a beautiful little town, especially that old windmill. 🙂
CherryPie
It looks wonderful 🙂
Allie Mackin
This looks like a lovely place to visit. The windmill is so cool as is the natural landscape.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Johanna Bradley
It looks so beautiful and peaceful, Nikki, especially by the water. That’s a lovely shot. The houses are so distinctive and I love that door handle.
tomthebackroadstraveller
…I love architecture and this is an amazing spot. Thanks.
Tanja
Thank you for showing me this remote part of Finland. It looks great.I visitefld Helsinki, also in June.