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Nature of Pylkönmäki

The hilly forest scenery of Pylkönmäki is coloured by about 60 lakes and ponds surrounded by farmhouses and pastures. The wild nature is always near you as wolves, bears, lynxes and other wild animals roam in the neighbouring forests. Especially fishermen are enthusiastic about the area due to the many rapids full of fish.

For a quick look, some of the best scenery of the area can be seen by driving around the Lake Karanka.

Architecture of Pylkönmäki

There are several regionally important building sites in Pylkönmäki.

The road of Mulikka-Laatokka shows typical local architecture and sceneries. The route starts from the small River Karajoki with the mill to the Kouheroisensalmi bridge of Lake Pääjärvi. Along the route there are six small farms built during 1900-1920 for poor people and small farmers and a small chapel. At the north end of the area one can see that the Hokkala farm, standing strategically on the highest hill, was a prominent factor in the village. The scenic tour ends at the Kouheroisensalmi bridge built in 1911.

The Church

The simple but beautiful wooden Church of Pylkönmäki was planned by a famous church builder Jaakko Kuorikoski in 1860. The building was done as much as possible by local work and donations. The wooden pulpit and the wooden ’poor-house man,’ both sculpted by a local farmer Taavetti Pajunen, are original. The poor-house man stands in the entryway of the church and was used as a depository for monetary offerings for the needy.

The original architecture was changed in 1926-1927 by a 28 year-old architecture student, Alvar Aalto,  who later became world famous for his pure Nordic style. He redesigned many features of the church: the sharp tower was cut shorter, the outer walls were changed, the tall windows were cut into two, and a round entryway was added on the side. The villagers disliked many of the outer changes but loved the changes inside the church (the best of the changes was the heating!). The latest remodeling dates from 1967-1968 when architects Erkki Kantonen and Niilo Hartikainen planned new panelling, new benches, and a new dropped ceiling which has imbedded light fixtures.  The church’s first pipe organ, which is located in the organ loft, was built by the Kangasala Organ Company in 1952. In 1989 the Tuomi Organ Company built a new organ next to the altar. The church can seat about 300 people.  Church services are held about three times a month on Sunday at 1:00 pm.

The Parsonage

The old parsonage by the church was built in 1907. It used to be one of the central buildings in the village, but for the past few years it has been a private home.

The Parish Hall

When the parish was built in 1971, it had a small indoor swimming pool and sauna. During the first twenty years it was in active use by not only the local parishoners, but also by people from Saarijärvi and Karstula. When Saarijärvi built a bigger swimming facility, the pool in Pylkönmäki was converted into a parish office. The Parish of Pylkönmäki joined the the Parish of Saarijärvi in 2007.

Tourism

ylkönmäki is naturally wild and beautiful. The villages are surrounded by rivers and rapids, lakes and ponds. Fishing www.fishing.fi and canoeing https://www.saarijarviregion.fi/activities/excursions_on_water   are among the most popular hobbies in the area!

Canoe rental https://www.saarijarvenlatu.fi/valinevuokrausta.html

There are several possibilities for accommodation in Pylkönmäki, please see https://www.pylkonmaki.fi/yritykset-ja-palvelut/matkailuyritykset/.

Jakola Farm www.jakola.fi is located in the village of Pääjärvi. In addition to cosy accommodation their special feature is one of Finland’s largest private car museums. All cars can be rented!

Perfect day trips can be made to Saarijärvi and to Ähtäri. In Ähtäri the Ähtäri Zoo www.ahtarinelainpuisto.fi presents Finnish wild life. In Saarijärvi there are plenty to see www.saarijarviregion.fi – try e.g.  the Stone Age Village, a reconstruction of a late Stone Age village based on archaeological research. En route to Saarijärvi, one can stop in Mahlu village to admire the triptych “Maapallopatsas” (Globe Monument) built in 1950-55 in divine inspiration by the local gunsmith Matti Rutanen. He had a vision of God who told him to build a monument for all the people on earth – for the living, the dead, and the unborn. The statue is considered to be one of the most important naivistic works of art in Finland. (And, by the way, there is a geocache at the statue)

For nature lovers the best targets are the two national parks, Pyhä-Häkki  and Salamajärvi, see photos. Pyhä-Häkki contains some of the most pristine old-growth forests and peatland in Finland. Walk the 3 or 6 km long trail among the 500 year old pines in summer or take snow-shoes or skis with you in winter. In summer season an English-speaking guide is available. Other recommendable nature trips can be made to Kulhanvuori and Julmatlammet, see https://www.saarijarviregion.fi/activities/hiking_areas