Paateri
The forest home of sculptor Eva Ryynänen, featuring a wooden church she built with distinctive character.
Paateri lies on a forest lake in Viekki, southern Lieksa, and was the home and studio of Finnish wood sculptor Eva Ryynänen (1915-2001). The most striking feature is the Paateri Wooden Church, which she designed and built in her later years and completed in 1991. A huge tree root serves as the door, whole tree trunks form the beams, and the floor is made of tree stumps. Inside are numerous wooden carvings of animals and people, blending into the forest. The house and studio are also open to visitors and display many of her works. It is open in summer, admission is charged, and it is about a 20-minute drive north of Koli.
Opening hours
Usually open June–August; check the official website
Nearby sights
- Pielinen Museum
- Koli Ski
- Lake Pielinen cruise & ice road
- Paha-Koli & Akka-Koli trails
- Ukko-Koli
- Ruunaa Hiking Area
- St Nicholas Orthodox Church, Joensuu
- Ilosaari & Ilosaarirock