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CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

ALAPIHAN ARBORETUM

The botanical garden Alapihan Arboretum covers an area of two hectares and displays about 250 diffe­rent species of trees and bushes growing in the Northern Hemisp­here, from Japan to the western coast of America. The arboretum is open by appoint­ment and on the following days: 16 June 2024, 12–17 National day of open gardens, 30 June and 28 July 2024, 12–16 Summer day at Alapihan Arboretum, presen­ta­tion of the park, and a nice little cafe. Kallio­vaa­rantie 19 | tel. +358 44 032 5354. avoimetpuutarhat.fi/puutarhat/ alapihan_arboretum/(in Finnish and Swedish)

LOCAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The museum is housed in a granary built in 1871 and tells stories about the daily life in Kontio­lahti in the early part of the 20th century. The local history museum is open on weekdays 17 June–26 July, at 12–16:30. Keskus­katu 34 | tel. +358 50 441 7384. kontiolahtiseura.fi/museo (in Finnish)

KOTISEUTUKESKUS

Kotiseu­tu­keskus (Local heritage centre) comprises an 18-century farmhouse with a courtyard. The main building, which has been restored using tradi­tional methods, provides a cosy venue for festi­vi­ties and other gathe­rings all year round. The stone barn is a popular place for wedding parties and other events, such as concerts. Our summer season is full of events. Barn concerts, Wednes­days at 18:00. On 12 June, 19 June, 10 July and 14 August. Concert of the Mönni village associa­tion on 14 July at 16:00. Family event of the Kontio­lahti entrepre­neurs’ associa­tion and heritage event of the Kontio­lahti local heritage associa­tion on 7 September. Viere­vän­nie­mentie 5 | tel. +358 400 275 599. kontiolahtiseura.fi (in Finnish)

VENEJOEN MYLLY

The old water mill in the village of Venejoki has again become a meeting place. Between June and September, you can book the two-storey mill building for events and gathe­rings for a maximum of 40 persons. We also arrange guided tours, and serving and a programme for your event. Open by appoint­ment only. Romppa­lantie 2 | tel. +358 44 320 4968 www.venejoenmylly.com (in Finnish)

GENERATOR MUSEUM

The diesel engine on display is about 100 years old and in working condi­tion. Cylinder capacity is 42.6 litres and engine speed 230 rpm. The museum is located at Jouhte­ni­sentie road in Kontio­niemi, 150 metres from the gate of the former hospital. In summer 2024, the museum is open as follows: 16 June at 12–15; 6 July at 10–14; 28 July at 12–15; and 17 August at 10–14. Free entry, coffee is served. Welcome! Jouhte­ni­sentie | tel. +358 50 563 3544

WANHAN MESTAN MUSEUM

In the museum, located in the Wanha Mesta guest­house you can take a walk down the memory lane. The museum is centred around the theme of old village shops and wartime items. Entrance fee: 4 euros (adults), 2 euros (children). During the summer, the museum is open on weekdays and at other times by appoint­ment. Our exhibits also include a tank, in which you can test your tank driving skills by appoint­ment. Kontio­nie­mentie 26 b | tel. +358 40 730 4647. wanhamesta.fi (in Finnish)

BORDER OF MEMORIES MUSEUM

The museum ‘Muistojen raja’ (Border of memories) presents the history of the wars fought by Finland, using the latest techno­logy and tradi­tional infor­ma­tion boards. Jääkä­rintie 21 and Jääkä­rintie 88. muistojenraja.fi (in Finnish)

KONTIOLAHDEN KANAVATEATTERI

Kesäteat­te­rintie 17 | tel. +358 50 330 9250 kontiolahdenkanavateatteri.fi (in Finnish)

TÄHTIKALLIO

Partially dug in rock, Tähti­kallio is located in an ammuni­tion depot built for the Salpa­linja defen­sive line during the Second World War. The impres­sive facili­ties can be booked for diffe­rent events. On the Plane­tary Path starting in front of Tähti­kallio, you can learn more about the planets of our solar system. The Uilo-Jakokoski nature trail and Alapihan Arboretum are also located in the area. Tähti­tor­nintie. tel. +358 44 517 9539 (evenings and weekends) jakokoski.net/html/tahtikallio.html (in Finnish)