Kierikkikeskus

About the museum

Kierikki is a science centre on the north bank of the Ii River at Pahkakoski, about 60 kilometres from the centre of Oulu, which tells of the Stone Age. Its activities are based on archaeological research, and the complex includes the Muinaiskeskus (Ancient Centre) and the Stone Age village.

In the Stone Age a large, year-round village community lived at Kierikki. The oldest settlements date from around 5000 BC, and by about 4000 BC at the latest the area was inhabited all year round. The residents traded in seal skins and train oil and carried out planned building projects, such as row-house-like dwellings tens of metres long and stone structures known as jätinkirkko (giants' churches).

The Muinaiskeskus is one of the largest modern log buildings in the Nordic countries. Its archaeological exhibition brings the Stone Age to life through videos and objects made by craftspeople practising prehistoric skills. In the Stone Age village, reconstructions of Stone Age houses are based on excavation findings, and there visitors can try out ancient skills such as archery, stone grinding and red ochre painting.

Highlights

• Muinaiskeskus, one of the largest modern log buildings in the Nordic countries
• Archaeological exhibition on Stone Age life
• Stone Age village and reconstructions of Stone Age houses
• Ancient skills: archery, stone grinding, red ochre painting
• One ticket for the Muinaiskeskus and the Stone Age village

Permanent exhibitions

• Arkeologinen näyttely – The exhibition tells of the worldview and relationship with nature of Stone Age people through videos and objects made by craftspeople.
• Kivikauden kylä – The village has reconstructions of Stone Age houses based on excavation findings, as well as ancient guides and points where ancient skills can be tried out.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Oulun kaupunki (Oulun museo- ja tiedekeskus)

Admission & discounts

One ticket covers visits to the Muinaiskeskus and the Stone Age village. Museokortti and Kaikukortti give free admission; events may have restrictions. Bank and credit cards, cash, as well as Epassi and Edenred's Virike card are accepted as payment. Tickets can also be bought from the online shop.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Admission to the Muinaiskeskus is step-free: a ramp leads to the main door, and the door is electrically operated. The exhibition areas are step-free, except for the exhibition on the building of the Iijoki hydropower plant, which is in the restaurant's gallery behind steep stairs; the building has no lift. The auditorium has an induction loop, and an accessible toilet with a baby-changing area is in the entrance hall. A wheelchair can be borrowed from the Muinaiskeskus and can also be used in the Stone Age village. The village is 500 metres away, and the route is mainly a plank path with one short steep hill; the village is partly step-free and guides help if needed. Disabled parking spaces are next to the main entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Children can try ancient skills such as archery, stone grinding and red ochre painting, and get to know the trap trail (ansapolku). Prams can be borrowed from the info point; the pram park is in the entrance hall, and the changing table is in the accessible toilet.

Getting there & parking

Kierikki is on the north bank of the Ii River, about 60 kilometres from central Oulu, in Yli-Ii along road 8540, towards Kipinä and Kollaja from Yli-Ii village. It is under an hour from central Oulu. Bicycle racks are next to the entrance of the Muinaiskeskus.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The Pihka-puoti shop is in the Muinaiskeskus. The entrance hall has coat hooks, lockable storage cabinets and toilets. A campfire burns in the Stone Age village, where you can cook your own packed food; there are no regular café services.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit