Nurmes Finland

Travelled : 350km
Stay : Numers free parking at the marina with pier, beach, summer kiosk and toilets.  Easy walk to quiet town. N63.5422 E29.1318
Visited : Petajavesi UNESCO church    62.25008 25.18778

Kuopio  Puijon tower and harbour.

Our first stop today was at the unesco listed wooden church in Petajavesi. It was built in 1765 and later renovated in 1950. Although it is open only from June to August,  we were able to appreciate it's architectural and structural value in its beautiful setting on the lake.

Fascinating external corner construction joints.

We the continued on the road to Kuopio and stopped at the foot of the tower on Puijo hill, offering great views of the surrounding lakes and forests. 

The ski jumps...not for us! But maybe for Eddie the Eagle.

First bit of snow we have seen.

We then drove through town down to the harbour for lunch before deciding to keep driving as most things were closed due to it being a public holiday. 

Along the way we passed many lakes, picturesque farms and plenty of forest which make up 70% of Finland. We still have not seen any wildlife. 

This log truck has its own little crane.

The road sign indicates how far the turn off is and then how far the poi is.

A lovely wooden windmill.

Once settled in the Nurmes Marina parking we went for a stroll through the village which has a modern area and a old town with historical wooden buildings. 

We also admired it's red brick church. 

The wooden school 

The wooden church