Suomen vapaa-ajankalastusmuseo

About the museum

The museum opened to the public in 2001 in a former dairy building, now known as the Päijännetalo. The dairy began operating in December 1927 and served until 1987; the building then served as a fire station from 1989 to 1997 and was afterwards thoroughly renovated. The museum is run by the municipality of Asikkala, and its activities are supported by the Suomen vapaa-ajankalastusmuseon säätiö (Finnish Recreational Fishing Museum Foundation), which Ensio Rapala founded in 2001.

The permanent exhibition presents the traditional fishing culture of Päijät-Häme and the development of hooks and lures. It moves on to the success story of the local lure industry, whose well-known names include Rapala, Nils Master and LGH. The Kunniagalleria (Honour Gallery) presents figures from the fishing tackle industry, and visitors can also get to know the fish of the Päijänne lake system.

Highlights

• Lure makers of the Kalkkinen lure valley
• Fish of Lake Päijänne and dioramas of Päijänne trout
• Kunniagalleria (Honour Gallery)
• Rapala lures 90th anniversary exhibition, 2026

Permanent exhibition

• Perusnäyttely – The exhibition tells of the fishing culture of Päijät-Häme, the development of rod and lure fishing, local fish and the success story of lure manufacturing.

Founded

2001

Operated by

Asikkalan kunta

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the museum is free.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The Päijännetalo is next to the Vääksy canal.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit