Not all places we write about are about the solitude of nature. No, definitely not. One important aspect of being out in the nature is to see how nature is incorporated into our society. Well, I can tell you that the sculpture park at Parikkala known as Parikkalan patsaspuisto is definitely a place where nature and human expression collide.
Located in a small town of Parikkala less than 10kms (6mi) from the Russian border, an artist called Reijo Rönkkönen built his sculpture park. For nearly 50 years, he toiled to create a truly unique expression of his inner imaginings. For instance, there is a sculpture of tree-huggers!
Sculpture fantasy garden
There are about 560 concrete sculptures surrounded by lush gardens, walkways, and buildings. Some are adorable, joyous, and full of energy. Then, some are whimsical, slightly scary, and even downright odd. The area is almost a caricature of an amusement park or a yoga retreat. But then, you turn a corner and are face to face with an alien!
Many visitors wonder at the surprisingly real-looking teeth sported by many sculptures. Not to worry, they are not real teeth but molds ordered by the artist Rönkkönen. The teeth are not the only things that spark a lot of questions. The splendour of the sculpture, their poses, their facial expressions – if you stop to experience them, I guarantee they will make you think.
Everyone will find a sculpture that strikes a chord within them in the Parikkala sculpture park. I have visited the park twice and both times I have been struck by how much the area affects me. I have been there in the summer when the green nature is lush, flowers bloom, and bugs buzz around. Next time I’ll need to visit when it’s cold and dark because I know the experience will be completely different.
Directions to Parikkala sculpture park
Address: You can type Parikkalan patsaspuisto in your navigator. Alternatively, you can also type in Kuutostie 611, 59130 Koitsanlahti.
How to get there:
- Car: There is space for cars next to the sculpture park.
- Bicycle: Cyclists have to cycle next to the Number 6 high way. There is no special space allowance for pedestrians or cyclists on the high way.
- Public transport: You can get to nearby Parikkala town by public transport. The closest bus stop that buses run year-round is Lamminkylä. Check the Route Planner for timetables.
Accessibility: The Parikkala sculpture park is accessible. However, some areas have some stairs but the walkways are generally maintained by the shopkeepers in the area.
When to go: You can visit at any time of the year. The park is open 24/7 but visiting the sculpture park is always done at your own responsibility.
Facilities: There are no official facilities in the area. However, there is a boutique in the park that sells souvenirs and some snacks. There is also a roadside cafe in the carpark area.
Entrance fee: The artist Mr Rönkkönen didn’t want to collect entrance fees but the sculpture park doesn’t get any maintenance fees from the Finnish state or the municipality. The recommended entrance fee per person is 7eur for adults, 3eur for children. You can pay the entrance fee in cash to a box next to the entrance gate, by MobilePay to the number 56743, or by card at park’s boutique (open in June, July, August). We highly recommend each visitor contributes to the upkeep of the sculpture park. You can check out more from the Parikkala sculpture park’s official website.
Special notice: The border zone between Finland and Russia is very close to the sculpture park. Do not enter the border zone. The border zone is clearly marked in the nature with yellow signs. If you go to the border zone, you must have a special permit.
Make sure you also check out
If you want to experience a similar art installation, check out Hiljainen kansa (The Silent People) at Suomussalmi. For nearby sights, try out the Malonsaari island at Imatra.
