Culture & Sights in Lapinlahti - Museums, Art & National Landscapes

The Museum of Fine Arts Eemil is a year-round cultural destination for art lovers and the whole family, located just a few kilometers from Highway 5 along the Kuopio–Iisalmi route. The museum, dedicated to sculptor Eemil Halonen (1875–1950), features works by members of the Halonen family of artists as well as several rotating exhibitions each year. The museum focuses on art from North Savo.

Step back in time to the post-war era at the Finnish Settlement Museum in the village of Alapitkä. This unique museum preserves the authentic home and lifestyle of the Mure family, who were resettled here from Karelia after WWII.

Väärni Vicarage is a carefully and lovingly restored parsonage environment and the birthplace of the writer Juhani Aho. The Vicarage is open year-round by appointment. More detailed information in English can be found at the bottom of the Väärni Parsonage website.

Luova Puu Atelier Gallery Café is an inspiring creative haven with a warm, old-world atmosphere. It hosts rotating exhibitions as well as cultural and wellbeing events and workshops throughout the year. All group visits are warmly welcome too – from small gatherings to larger excursions.

Architecture and Environmental Culture School LASTU is a centre for art and construction-related activities. Our target groups include children, young people and adults – from building professionals to home renovators and self-builders. More information on our website. For more information in English, please select your language at the top of the site.

Follow in the footsteps of artists along the cultural and nature trail of North Savo’s national landscape. The scenery of Väisälänmäki has been captured in the works of many famous Finnish artists, including Pekka Halonen, Antti Halonen and Eero Järnefelt. The most well-known painting of Väisälänmäki is Järnefelt’s Under the Yoke (Burning the Brushwood).

The round, domed art chapel in the village of Tölvä, built by Pentti Koistinen, is always open and free to visit.

The realm of Marjut Kauppinen, also known as the Junk Princess, features a riot of paintings, mosaic art and works made from scrap and recycled materials in a cosy garden setting, where domestic animals are part of the daily surroundings.

Discover the churches of Upper Savo and the stories they tell about local history, culture, nature and architecture. This self-drive route, stretching over 300 kilometres, also takes you through Lapinlahti.