World's largest wooden church

Kerimäki is a small village in Eastern Finland. Since 2013, it has been a suburb of Savonlinna as Kerimäki municipality merged with the city.

Get in

Buses for Kerimäki leave about once per hour from Savonlinna city center (30-40 minutes).

See

• The Wooden Church. The wooden church of the village is said to be the world's largest - built in the mid-19th century to hold 3000 seats or take 5000 to standing. Apparently the pastor thought that it ought to be capable of accommodating half the population at any one time. It now appears inordinately large for the village but, its proportions being immensely pleasing, it's an object of great beauty. 

Do

Festivals

• Puruvesi Pop: 20 July – 22 August 2018. Puruvesi Pop is the biggest happening in Kerimäki and it is organized by a local nonprofit organization. A family-oriented "Children's Pop" is held on the 22nd. (date needs updating)

Sleep

• Hotel Herttua, Veneenniementie 64, ☏ +358 15 769 900. Wide range of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Marked fitness paths and cross-country skiing trails start outside the hotel. Rowing boats, canoes and bicycles are available for rent in the summer. Tour skates, kick sleds and snowshoes can be rented in the winter. 17m swimming pool and a gym. Massages and cosmetic treatments are available by reservation. Dancing in the restaurant on Wednesdays and Fridays. Karaoke on Thursdays. 

Go next

• Savonlinna