Petäjävesi Old Church
Petäjävesi, Finland
An 18th-century log church with a shingle roof and a separate bell tower, listed as a World Heritage site. The simple interior and the lakeside setting make a quiet stop in central Finland; it is open mainly in summer.
The Old Church of Petäjävesi was built between 1763 and 1765 by Jaakko Klemetinpoika Leppänen from Vesanka. His grandson Erkki Leppänen added the bell tower in 1821. The plan is cruciform with arms of equal length, and the forms show Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences. The church is built entirely of pine; the pulpit, pews, galleries and chandeliers were made by local craftsmen and are exceptionally well preserved. The church has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994.
The church lies about 1 km west of the centre of Petäjävesi. Since 1879, when a new parish church was built, it has no longer been the parish church; since its restoration from 1929 it has been a protected monument. Weddings are popular here in summer. Allow about an hour for a visit. Find out beforehand about visiting hours for the interior.
- Nearest town
- Petäjävesi, Finland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 62.2593, 25.1851
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Finland: No motorway tolls for cars. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Petäjäveden matkaparkkiMotorhome stopover0 km from Petäjävesi Old ChurchMotorhomes
- Metsäranta CampingCampsite15 km from Petäjävesi Old Church
- Ison Kirjan leirintäCampsite21 km from Petäjävesi Old ChurchTentsCaravansToiletsWaste disposal
- Hietasaaren leirintäalueCampsite24 km from Petäjävesi Old Church
- Nyyssänniemen leirintäalueCampsite25 km from Petäjävesi Old Church
All campsites in Finland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Petäjävesi Old Church?
Petäjävesi Old Church is in Petäjävesi, Finland, at GPS 62.2593, 25.1851. It is about 146 km from Kuopio.
Can you camp near Petäjävesi Old Church?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Petäjäveden matkaparkki, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Petäjävesi Old Church?
Places worth a stop nearby: Puijo Tower (146 km) and Repovesi National Park (148 km).
When is the best time to visit Petäjävesi Old Church?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)