Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church
Pielpajarvi Wilderness Church
4.5
About
6 km airline dist. NE of Siida, the Sami museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre Lat 68.95 Lon 27.11
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4.5
89 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
34
Average
4
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0
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Richardt1008
Walkhampton, UK300 contributions
Jan 2020
You have to mean to go here! We were brought by our guide on snowmobiles as there is no road or quay nearby. It is an ancient church, I think 18th century and is rare as the retreating German forces destroyed everything as they retreated during WWII. They missed this building due to its remoteness. It is still equipped with pews and, apparently, still used on rare occasions for weddings etc. Worth a visit if you've got the time/energy.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline R
2 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
The path is easy, very well marked and accessible even if it had snowed the day before and much of the night. From the sarviniementie car park (nearest) we took, walking with a good step, 1h20 on the way and 1h5 on the return (return without stopping) The church is very beautiful. A small stick blocks the door but do not hesitate to enter.
Automatically translated
Written 6 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meglena K
Helsinki, Finland29 contributions
Sept 2020 • Family
This old church from 18th century is worth visiting if you don't mind walking 5 km per one direction. But once you get there it's magic.
It is easy to find but make sure to have comfortable shoes because the path is covered with stones and tree roots.
Strongly recommend.
It is easy to find but make sure to have comfortable shoes because the path is covered with stones and tree roots.
Strongly recommend.
Written 9 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gagardener03
28 contributions
Feb 2020
I was incredibly fortunate to have my snowmobile training guide (from Wilderness Hotel Inari) take me to this beautiful old chuch. This is the only wooden church, which was bulit in 1750, that remains in northern Finland (the remainder were destroyed during WW II). It is in a beautiful setting and would be worth a visit anytime you are in this area!
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindakri
Tromso, Norway16 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
I came here looking for information about the hike, but I didn't find much so I decided to submit my own experience. This is a lovely little walk in nice easy terrain, and the entire trip took exactly 2 hours and 50 minutes (including a lunch break). A previous review said to estimate at least 5-6 hours, which really is not necessary in my opinion unless you plan on taking a nap in the church ;) The hike itself was just over 1 hour each way at what I would consider a fairly average pace (my tiny old dog with hip problems and a heart condition certainly didn't have any problems keeping up). 4 hours is more than enough time for a comfortable walk and a proper visit to the church.
I didn't spend as much time in the church as I would have liked to, and if you're the slightest bit superstitious definitely don't go there alone. I did, and stepping inside the church was really creepy (it certainly didn't help that my dog freaked out when I opened the door and refused to go inside).
Also, if you're hiking with a dog make sure to keep it on a leash at all times. You are in a reindeer area, and me and my dog were stalked by three of them for a while. I'm sure they are friendly, but it was a bit uncomfortable. Eventually a jogger came along, and they decided to follow him instead.
This was still a fantastic experience which you definitely should make time for if you're visiting Inari. I would suggest going either in the early summer or late fall to get the full experience from the amazing nature in the area. I visited on June 30th and hardly saw any mosquitoes, but I don't know if that's normal for that time of the year.
I didn't spend as much time in the church as I would have liked to, and if you're the slightest bit superstitious definitely don't go there alone. I did, and stepping inside the church was really creepy (it certainly didn't help that my dog freaked out when I opened the door and refused to go inside).
Also, if you're hiking with a dog make sure to keep it on a leash at all times. You are in a reindeer area, and me and my dog were stalked by three of them for a while. I'm sure they are friendly, but it was a bit uncomfortable. Eventually a jogger came along, and they decided to follow him instead.
This was still a fantastic experience which you definitely should make time for if you're visiting Inari. I would suggest going either in the early summer or late fall to get the full experience from the amazing nature in the area. I visited on June 30th and hardly saw any mosquitoes, but I don't know if that's normal for that time of the year.
Written 1 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K D H
Manlius, NY117 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
This remote chapel is a wonder. It is as though time stopped in 1895, and still in use we were told, but only for certain holidays and occasions.
Written 15 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rh8400
Winterthur, Switzerland73 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
it's a really lovely walk to the church (4.5km one way). turn left at the crossroad, this is a little confusing, but just follow the red sticks.
Written 4 October 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline S
Nottingham, UK48 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
The Wilderness church, where reindeer herders used to gather together, is 5km from the road; it’s easy to find but walking boots are recommended as the trail, though beautiful , is covered with tree roots and boulders. In the same area, there is a laavu (fire pit) where you can cook your own food, toilets, and a sauna(of course!)
Written 3 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy v
Aarhus, Denmark73 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
Nice hike in old forest. Route is well marked and not too heavy. The church is a treat. Good picknick spot present close to the church.
Written 19 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheContinentalCouple
London, UK97 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
A very special church which is both beautiful and intersting. The location itself is special but it feels like a truly important place once you step in. The sourrounding landscape and wilderness is fantastic. Well worth a visit!
Written 13 February 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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