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Jylhämä
ℹ️Practical info — Jylhämä
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Best time for photography is during the "white nights" of midsummer when the river is illuminated by the midnight sun.
- Be prepared for mosquitoes if visiting in July; bring local repellent from a pharmacy or supermarket in nearby Vaala.
- Keep in mind that there are no major supermarkets in the settlement itself; stock up in Vaala before arriving.
- Dress in layers even in summer, as the breeze from the Oulujoki river can be quite cool.
🍽 Food
Try local fish dishes like vendace or pikeperch at traditional restaurants in the surrounding Oulujärvi region.
A classic Finnish snack. Pick them up fresh from a bakery in the nearby municipal center.
In late summer, look for fresh cloudberries and blueberries at local farm stands along the regional roads.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Check out small roadside craft shops in the Kainuu region for authentic carved wooden items.
A great souvenir. Available in jars at regional grocery stores in nearby towns.
Stroll along the river to watch the flowing water and the impressive architecture of the hydro plant in absolute peace.
Step just off the main roads into the pine forests for a serene walk and some foraging in the late summer.
Water temperature…
The Jylhämä hydroelectric power plant is situated at the source of the Oulujoki River in the municipality of Vaala and serves as a critical component of Northern Finland's energy infrastructure. Built between 1946 and 1951, the facility was designed to regulate the water level of Lake Oulujärvi while generating electricity for post-war reconstruction needs. With an installed capacity of 55 megawatts, the plant utilizes a head of 11 to 14 meters at the river's upper reaches. The architecture of the power station and its surrounding residential area was designed by the renowned architect Aarne Ervi, showcasing Finnish functionalist design from the mid-20th century. Jylhämä acts as the primary control point for the entire chain of power plants along the Oulujoki River, managing the water flow for all downstream units. The historical significance of the site is tied to the industrial expansion of the Kainuu region, providing the necessary power for local manufacturing. Today, the plant is operated by Fortum and continues to contribute significantly to the national renewable energy grid and hydraulic management.
- Location: Finland
- Nearby: Rokua (26 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -11 | -10 | -6 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 2 | -3 | -8 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 39 | 44 | 47 | 78 | 81 | 101 | 93 | 80 | 71 | 65 | 62 |
Geography
Facts
- The power plant was fully commissioned in the year 1951.
- It has an installed electrical capacity of 55 megawatts.
- The facility operates with a water head of 11 to 14 meters.
- Architect Aarne Ervi designed the entire functionalist complex.
- It regulates the water level of Lake Oulujärvi, Finland's fourth largest lake.
- The plant is currently owned and operated by Fortum Oyj.
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Frequently asked questions
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