Plizio Visual Lab
Old Kempele Church
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
church
The Old Kempele Church, built between 1688 and 1691, is one of Finland's oldest surviving wooden churches and a remarkable monument to national architecture. Constructed by master builder Matti Härmä, the building is renowned for its original log construction and its distinct cruciform shape without internal corners. A particular art-historical treasure is the interior decoration, specifically the wall and ceiling paintings created by Emanuel Granberg between 1785 and 1786. These paintings depict biblical scenes and have been preserved in remarkably good condition. The church also features a separate bell tower, which was completed in 1769. Despite the construction of a larger, modern church nearby in 1993, the old church continues to be used for summer services and weddings. The building is surrounded by a historical cemetery that documents the long settlement history of the Oulu region. Today, the Old Kempele Church is strictly protected as a heritage site and is a significant destination for cultural tourism.
- Location: Finland
- Top sights: Ouluntullin uimapaikka · Kempele Local Museum · Kempeleenlahden eteläinen lintutorni
- Nearby: Kylänpuoli (5 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 | -10 | -10 | -6 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 10 | 3 | -2 | -6 |
| Rain mm | 49 | 39 | 41 | 44 | 66 | 64 | 83 | 76 | 77 | 67 | 64 | 60 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
This historic structure is usually visible from the outside year-round, showcasing its medieval origins. Access to the preserved wooden interior is generally restricted to the summer months or special guided tours.
Typical hours
During the summer holiday season, it may operate as a roadside church with regular afternoon visiting hours. In the off-season, you will likely need to pre-arrange a viewing or visit during a scheduled service.
Photography
The ancient wooden exterior walls provide a spectacular backdrop for historical photography. Indoor photography might be strictly regulated to preserve the delicate medieval artifacts and painted details.
Time needed
Allocate about thirty to forty-five minutes to walk around the historic graveyard and admire the architectural details. If you secure an interior tour, you might easily spend over an hour exploring the site.
Combine with
Pair this historical visit with a trip to nearby Oulu to explore more of Northern Finland's urban culture and coastal sights. The surrounding municipality also provides several local heritage museums to discover.
Getting there
Located just off the main transportation routes near Oulu, it is very convenient to reach by personal vehicle. Parking is typically available right next to the churchyard for easy and straightforward access.
Insider tip
Examine the craftsmanship of the traditional block-pillar structure, a rarity in modern times. The old graveyard surrounding the building also holds fascinating insights into the region's long local history.
Geography
Facts
- The church was constructed between 1688 and 1691.
- Master builder Matti Härmä led the construction.
- Wall and ceiling paintings were created by Emanuel Granberg in 1785-1786.
- The separate bell tower was completed in 1769.
- It is one of the oldest wooden cruciform churches in Finland.
- Since 1993, it has been used primarily as a summer church.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Old Kempele Church (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Old Church of Kempele famous?
It is known for its valuable ceiling paintings by Emanuel Granberg from the 18th century.
When was the wooden church built?
The church was built between 1688 and 1691 without the use of metal nails.
Is the church still actively used?
Today it is mainly used for summer services, weddings, and concerts.
Is entrance free?
Yes, visiting the church is free, but donations are welcome.
Is there information available in foreign languages?
Brochures in English and Swedish are often available.
Old Kempele Church: where is it located?
Old Kempele Church is located in Finland.
Old Kempele Church: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ouluntullin uimapaikka, Kempele Local Museum, Kempeleenlahden eteläinen lintutorni.
Old Kempele Church: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Old Kempele Church: why is it worth visiting?
The Old Kempele Church, built between 1688 and 1691, is one of Finland's oldest surviving wooden churches and a remarkable monument to national architecture.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Finland →
Nearby cities
Jyväskylä
Jyväskylä lies in the heart of Finland and is an important educational and administrative center.
Jyväskylä surroundings
The rural surroundings of Jyväskylä are in central Finland.
Kuopio
Kuopio is a major city in eastern Finland on Lake Kallavesi and a central meeting point in the Savo region.
Västervik
An idyllic coastal area near Vaasa on the Gulf of Bothnia, characterized by its archipelago and Nordic tranquility.
Länsimetsä
Länsimetsä is a peaceful residential and coastal area near Vaasa, offering a harmonious blend of Finnish forest nature and the Baltic Sea.
Vaasa
Vaasa is a coastal city on the Gulf of Bothnia and an important meeting point for energy and trade.
Seinäjoki
Seinäjoki is a city in western Finland with about 65,000 inhabitants.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and one of the best-known cities in northern Finland.
Neristan District Kokkola
Neristan is the historic wooden town core of Kokkola.
Kokkola
Kokkola is a port city on the Baltic Sea in western Finland.
Lahdenperä
Lahdenperä is a scenic coastal destination in Finland, offering tranquil nature trails and beautiful sandy beaches along the sea.
Kajaani
Kajaani is the center of the Kainuu region.
Raahe
Raahe is a port city on the Gulf of Bothnia.
Tornio
Tornio is located on the border with Sweden in Lapland.
Vikarholmen
A quiet coastal settlement near Pietarsaari, known for its shallow waters and relaxed atmosphere along the Gulf of Bothnia.
