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In 1995 Tapio Autio, a policeman, decided to build a church on his own, without any help, with his own money and hands and with the support of his wife. This church is open for the public. There is a chapel, an angels’ room, a fire place and a great view from the top of the hill where the buildings are situated. Autio says that his eccentric work was inspired by the Bible. The magnificent sculptures on the outside in the garden and decorating the outside of their house and church demonstrate his enthusiasm for nature. Outside the building there is a tower built by Autio. On the top there is a captivating view of the area, the forests and the Lappajärvi Lake.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
It is quite magical driving through Finland’s nature and suddenly arriving at Lappajärvi Lake, which gives the name to the municipality. This is definitely the main attraction of the area and has a very particular reason of existence. It was created by a meteorite impact 77 million years ago. This asteroid of 1.6 km left a crater with a 23-km diameter – nowadays the largest lake of the region. Its deepest point is 38 m. It is possible to feel the space atmosphere once in the area, because many places are decorated with meteorite rocks and space images, especially the Kivitippu Hotel. People can learn about meteorites, and space. It is possible to find pieces of Kärnäiitti, a unique type of rock formed in the impact from the meteorite. Lappajärvi is the only place in the world where this rock can be found. There is a captivating view from all the different points around the lake. You can drive around it by car or bike, an 80-km drive. Many water sports tournaments take place here every year. The Lappajärven Lohisoutu trolling competition captivates about 150 boats every summer.
Wooden cruciform church, built in 1765.