Haapajärvi is a small town and municipality in Finland, known for its serene lakeside setting, rich natural surroundings, and a blend of traditional Finnish culture with modern developments. Located in the Northern Ostrobothnia region, it offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for outdoor activities, making it an appealing destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking an authentic Finnish experience.
Haapajärvi offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural
attractions. Key sites include:
Haapajärvi Church: A beautiful
18th-century wooden structure in the town center, featuring intricate
woodwork and stained glass windows, exemplifying traditional Finnish
architecture.
Haapajärvi Local History Museum: Displays exhibits on
the town's history, early settlers, and traditional crafts.
Haapajärvi Central Park: Includes walking paths, playgrounds, picnic
areas, and a small lake for fishing and boating.
Market Square: A
bustling spot for local goods and experiences, especially on market
days.
Haapajärven Speedway Track: A motorcycle speedway venue that
has hosted the Finnish Individual Speedway Championship multiple times
(2008-2023).
Outdoor Activities: Hiking, fishing, and boating on
Haapajärvi Lake, exploring forests, and enjoying the natural beauty.
The best time to visit is summer for festivals and outdoor pursuits,
though winter offers activities like ice fishing. Accommodations range
from lakeside hotels like Hotel Kalevala to budget hostels and rustic
cottages. Public transport via buses is reliable, and the town scores
high in quality of life due to low crime, clean environment, and access
to nature.
Haapajärvi has been inhabited since the early Stone
Age, as the area was located along a large watercourse during the
Litorina period. The waters of Päijänne flowed through the
Hinkuanjoki River into the Gulf of Bothnia until about 4100 BC, when
they broke a new stream south of the Kymijoki River. Stone Age
settlements have been found e.g. from the area of dried
Settijärvi, Haapajärvi, Hinkuanjoki and Nuottijärvi.
In the
Middle Ages, wilderness people from Häme and Upper Saxony arrived in
the area. The area was permanently inhabited in the 1540s, when
settlers arrived from Savo. The village of Haapajärvi was first
mentioned in documents in 1547. At that time, the village was part
of the parish of Kalajoki, which covered the entire Kalajoki Valley.
In 1560, Haapajärvi had 4 houses inhabited by Juho Rautia, Lauri
Ronkainen and Peter and Paavo Herrainen. The number of houses grew
quite rapidly and at the beginning of the 17th century there were
about twenty houses. After that, however, population development
slowed down and after the Great Hate in 1730, the number of houses
was only 17. At that time, the population began to grow rapidly. In
1750 there were 604 inhabitants and a hundred years later there were
already 3,100.
The first inhabitants of Haapajärvi earned
their living from birch burning, hunting and fishing. Tar burning
was an important industry from the 17th century to the mid-19th
century. Especially in the 18th century, a lot of tar was burned in
Haapajärvi, although the transport connections to the coast were
long and difficult. The tar was transported by horses along frozen
bogs and waterways to the mouth of the Kalajoki River, where it was
sold.
The first church in Haapajärvi was completed in 1650.
Haapajärvi was founded as a prayer room in Kalajoki in 1647 and
received the rights of a chapel congregation in 1698. When the
extensive parish of Kalajoki was divided in 1838, Haapajärvi became
an independent congregation. Reisjärvi and Nivala remained
Haapajärvi chapels until 1868. The current church in Haapajärvi was
completed in 1802 next to the former church. The church was
thoroughly renovated in 1880.
The opening of the Ylivieska –
Iisalmi line in 1925 marked a revival for the local business
community. In 1924–1956, Haapajärvi was a densely populated
community. The traffic significance of Haapajärvi continued to grow
when the railway between Haapajärvi and Suolahti was opened to
traffic in 1960. Thanks to its good traffic location, Haapajärvi
developed rapidly. Kauppala Haapajärvi became in 1967 and it
received city rights in 1977.
Haapajärvi is situated at coordinates 63°45′N 25°19′E in the province of Oulu, part of the Northern Ostrobothnia region and the Nivala–Haapajärvi sub-region. The municipality spans a total area of 789.11 square kilometers (304.68 square miles), with 766.45 km² being land and 23.44 km² consisting of water bodies. This places it as the 109th largest municipality in Finland by area. The landscape is characterized by Haapajärvi Lake, surrounding forests, and rolling hills, contributing to its reputation as a charming lakeside town. Neighboring municipalities include Haapavesi, Kärsämäki, Nivala, Pihtipudas, Pyhäjärvi, Reisjärvi, and Sievi. The area features a humid continental climate with cold winters and mild summers, typical of central Finland, influencing outdoor activities and agriculture.
As of June 30, 2025, Haapajärvi has a population of 6,482, making it the 141st largest municipality in Finland. The population density is low at 8.46 inhabitants per square kilometer (21.9 per square mile). The age distribution shows 18.3% aged 0-14, 56.3% aged 15-64, and 25.4% aged 65 or older. Linguistically, 97.9% speak Finnish as their native language, with 2.1% speaking other languages. The municipality is unilingually Finnish. Ethnically, it is diverse but predominantly Finnish (around 90%), with small communities of Swedish, Russian, and others. The population has experienced slow growth, reflecting a stable, community-oriented lifestyle.
Haapajärvi's economy is diverse and growing, with key sectors including technology and innovation, tourism and hospitality, and renewable energy. The town boasts a high employment rate above the national average, supported by research centers focusing on technology, engineering, environmental sustainability, and healthcare. Traditional industries like agriculture and forestry remain important, influenced by the region's natural resources. The area is positioned as a hub for green energy initiatives, aligning with Finland's broader sustainability goals. Transportation infrastructure, including good road and rail connections, facilitates business activities, with the nearest major airport in Oulu (about 130 km away).
The culture in Haapajärvi is vibrant and rooted in Finnish traditions, with a strong community focus. Savonian influences persist in the local Central Ostrobothnian dialect. The town has a lively arts scene, including museums, theaters, and cultural performances, alongside a music community and annual festivals that draw both locals and visitors. Local cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients like fish and game meats, featuring dishes such as Lohikeitto (salmon soup), Kalakukko (fish pie), Ruisleipä (rye bread), Mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie), and Poronkäristys (sautéed reindeer). These hearty meals suit the cold climate but may require adaptation for vegetarians. Sports play a significant role, with teams like Haapajoen Urheilijat (football, ice hockey, athletics), Haapajärven Kiilat (ice hockey), and Haapajärven Pallo (football). The Haapajärvi Market Square is a cultural hub, offering fresh produce, crafts, and local foods.
Haapajärvi has produced several prominent figures, including:
Kaarlo Juho Ståhlberg (1865–1952): The first President of Finland, born
in Haapajärvi.
Mika Myllylä (1969–2011): Olympic medalist in Nordic
skiing.
Anssi Tikanmäki (born 1955): Composer and actor, known for
works in film.
Petri Tapio Mattson (born 1973): Finnish violinist and
ensemble leader.