Located in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Finland, the Kierikki Stone Age Centre offers a unique opportunity to explore the daily lives, culture, and environment of Stone Age communities. Originally situated on the shores of an ancient sea, Kierikki and its prehistoric villages were later left inland due to post-glacial land uplift, along the Iijoki River. These settlements flourished in a remarkable northern environment where long, light-filled summers and dark winters influenced both daily life and cultural practices. Kierikki was also part of a vibrant network connecting the Baltic Sea, White Sea, and Karelia.

Centre for Ancient Times and Stone Age Village Centre displays the most significant stone age discoveries from the area, including pottery, tools, and Finland's largest collection of amber jewelry. These amber pieces, originating from over 1,000 kilometers away in the Baltic region, highlight the extensive networks of the time.

Other important finds near museum include the remains of Stone Age houses and a red ochre burial, offering valuable insights into ancient daily life and rituals.

Just 500 meters from the Centre, the Stone Age Village can be reached via a wooden pathway. The village features reconstructed dwellings based on archaeological evidence, providing a vivid glimpse into prehistoric life. Visitors can take part in hands-on activities such as crafting stone tools, practicing archery, or paddling a dugout canoe. The village also serves as a stage for experimental archaeology, reviving ancient techniques and crafts to help visitors understand the skills and traditions of Stone Age communities. Kierikki hosts numerous events and workshops throughout the summer, with the highlight being the Ancient Fair Festival, held in early August.

Oulu is European Capital of Culture 2026
Kierikki is at the forefront of creating new cultural experiences as part of the Oulu 2026 European Capital of Culture program.

• Stone Age Skills Workshops: Highlighting survival techniques, craft-making, and spiritual practices that defined the era.
• Interactive Stone Age Burial Exhibit: A groundbreaking AR/VR project that immerses visitors in ancient burial rituals and beliefs.
• International Collaborations: Kierikki will host numerous Stone Age craftsmen and performers from across Europe, showcasing the diversity of ancient traditions.
• Ancient survival skills: Kierikki is participating in the Oulu2026 program with the Ancient Survival Skills Initiative, a project carried out in Kierikki that aims to introduce and teach prehistoric skills to modern people, emphasize community, build and support a more sustainable connection with nature, and bring ancient people closer to modern times.

Work is already underway, and the themes have been selected to guide the work and audience engagement in 2025 and 2026.