Lappajärvi offers a great array of activities for those interested in Southern Ostrobothnian history and traditions. Kirkkoniemi, built in the late 18th century in Ostrobothnia's lake district, is an impressive sight to behold. Renowned church builder, Matti Honka, built the local church and bell tower. A large cemetery surrounds the church, and a church path leads to the shore, where parishioners used to arrive in their traditional long church boats.
The Lappajärvi Museum is located in the former courthouse that was originally the main building of a farm between 1790 and 1800. The building was moved to its present location in the 1840s, and the local museum presents the history of the area and Southern Ostrobothnian traditions.
Taavintupa House Museum also features the Lappajärvi Fishing Shed Museum, which opens on prior booking.
If you're music fan, come to Lappajärvi in July, and see the second oldest rock festival in Finland, Tulivuorirock, with its wide range of Finnish performers.
A weekend trip to Lappajärvi can also mean enjoying the local art on offer. The quirky Studio Autio is open in the summer, predominately during holiday weeks, but the artist offers tours upon booking as well. The spacious studio features amazing rock paintings, concrete statues and stone buildings that exude mystique and spirituality. See the rock-painting church, the lamb altar, the angel's room, the Troll's Castle, the Kalevala-themed rock painting cave and the watchtower, and enjoy the soaring sights of Lake Lappajärvi from Tapolanvuori in Ylipää.
One of the best sporting activities in Lappajärvi is golf at the Järviseudun Golfseura golf course. The multi-faceted course features undulating holes with forest landscapes and park-like holes on a cape by the water. The course also features a paddle ferry across the lake. The club house and its rooftop greenery are also worth visiting, the course also has a Pro Shop and restaurant. You’ll need to take the ferry to access the course, but there are several places to stay available on the cape.
For those who enjoying horse riding, the Lantelan Ratsastustalli is a must-see, as it offers riding lessons, camps and horse trekking for all ages and skill levels. There is an indoor riding area available during the winter months. The stable has 16 horses, and cats, ducks and Eastern Finncattle cows.
Lappajärvi has five public beaches and a place for ice swimming in the winter.
A trip to Lappajärvi is also an opportunity to treat yourself and get pampered, especially at the Onnentupa spa situated in an atmospheric log house in Nykälänniemi. There is also a cosy café at the wonderful takkatupa, or fireplace small cottage, with a wide array of board games and comfortable couches on offer. There is also a thrift shop nearby where you can find amazing items. Situated upstairs is the wellness spa offering beauty treatments, energy healing and mental wellness coaching.
The Volcano Centre was inspired by the meteorite impact that gave birth to Lappajärvi, and serves groups and individuals with information about the local area. Take part in the volcano tour to learn more about earthquakes and volcanic activity. The centre boats a fantastic gift shop with a wide selection of stone ornaments and gift items, and also a cafeteria.
