Kerimäki Church

Kerimäki Church is a wooden Lutheran place of worship near Savonlinna, notable for its neoclassical and eclectic design. The construction features a central domed roof supported by a massive timber frame, along with two symmetrical side aisles flanking the main hall.

Anders Fredrik Granstedt designed the building, completed between 1844 and 1847 to accommodate the growing Lutheran congregation of the region. The choice of timber as the primary material reflected local building traditions and the availability of resources at the time.

The interior was designed for communal singing and Lutheran liturgy, with benches arranged radially toward the central pulpit. On Sundays, members of the congregation gather here from across the region to attend services and church festivals.

During winter, religious services take place in a separate smaller building from 1953 because the main structure cannot be heated. In summer, the large hall is accessible and used for services, concerts, and special events.

The building is recognized as the largest wooden church in the world by interior volume and can hold up to 5000 people for special occasions. The acoustics allow choral singing and organ music to reach every corner of the space without electronic amplification.

Location: Savonlinna

Inception: 1847

Architects: Anders Fredrik Granstedt, National Board of Public Building

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture, eclectic architecture

Elevation above the sea: 91 m

Made from material: wood

Part of: Kerimäen kirkko ja kirkkoranta

Address: Hälväntie 1, 58200 Kerimäki

Website: https://savonlinnanseurakunta.fi/kerimaen-kirkko

GPS coordinates: 61.91278,29.28500

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:29