The Petäjävesi Old Church is located in Finland, in the municipality of Petäjävesi and about 30 kilometers from Jyväskylä. The church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Approximately 12,000 visitors visit the Petäjävesi Old Church during the summer season, and about 14,000 visitors annually. The building still hosts traditional church services and beautiful concerts. The church is open for visits daily during the summer season, from June to August. In winter, the church is opened only by prior reservation.
Welcome to the Petäjävesi Old Church!
Opening hours
We are open daily from 1st June to 31st August, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed during Midsummer). In the winter season, from 1st September to 31st May, visits are by prior reservation. You can find up-to-date information about admission fees, guided tours, and the Old Church on the subpage.
Guided tours and pre-arranged trips for groups
Planning a group trip to the Petäjävesi Old Church? The Petäjävesi Old Church can accommodate up to 250 visitors at a time. Groups from around the world visit the UNESCO church annually. Read more about the packages available for groups and other services in the area.
Experience a paradise for culture and nature lovers
In Petäjävesi, you can stay in high-quality suites, cabins, or rustic countryside barns. Combine your visit to the Old Church with enjoying the Finnish nature by hiking on stunning nature trails, swimming in crystal-clear lakes, and savoring delicious local food.
The Story of the Petäjävesi Old Church
The UNESCO World Heritage site, the Petäjävesi Old Church, tells the everyday story of the Finnish people over four centuries. Built by Central Finnish peasants between 1763 and 1765, the old church was masterfully crafted and holds within its walls the greatest emotions of life.
The Petäjävesi Old Church – a UNESCO site since 1994
What does World Heritage mean? The UNESCO World Heritage Convention is a global agreement to promote the preservation and safeguarding of humanity’s unique cultural and natural heritage for future generations. Learn more about UNESCO’s activities.