Parikkala, municipality in the region of South Karelia in Finland
Parikkala is a small municipality in southeastern Finland, surrounded by forests and lakes. The town has a yellow and white wooden church built in the early 1800s, a few shops, and sits near the Siikalahti Wetland, which is important for birdwatching.
The town was long a border area, becoming part of the Russian Empire after a 1721 treaty before later coming under Russian-ruled Finland. In World War II, the region lost territory to the Soviet Union, redrawing its borders again.
The town shows how rural Finnish communities live closely with nature and maintain a slower pace of life. Traditional houses and small shops along the streets reflect local values of simplicity and connection to the land.
You can reach Parikkala by train from Helsinki or Joensuu, or drive via Highway 6 from other towns. The Siikalahti Wetland has marked trails and birdwatching towers that make exploring easy and safe.
The town is home to an impressive sculpture park with more than 500 concrete sculptures created by Finnish artist Veijo Rönkkönen, accessible year-round. This remarkable collection represents a notable private art initiative that sets the place apart.
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