Olavi Paavolainen’s villa in Keuruu – Pekanniemi
Welcome to Pekanniemi!
The villa, completed in 1949 on the shores of Mustasalmi in Kiviselkä, was designed by architect Laila Niemioja. The hallmarks of this classically elegant building include a hipped roof, a beautiful porch supported by pillars and clad in slate, and a round bedroom window. The interior of the villa represents the interior design style of the 1940s and 1950s at its best.
The spirit of the house built into the rock is preserved by an exceptionally varied garden. Discover the place where Olavi Paavolainen – the most renowned member of the Tulenkantajat group, a poet and early cosmopolitan, author of travelogues that have become classics, director of radio theatre, a man of style and a charmer – used to relax, enjoying nature and gardening. Whilst in Keuruu, Paavolainen also completed his war diary, Synkkä yksinpuhelu. During the summers he spent at Pekanniemi (1949–1964), Paavolainen’s guests included numerous figures from the cultural circles of the time.
The villa and garden are open by appointment.
Signposting, Olavi Paavolainen’s villa, Pekanniemi
General guided tours on Sundays in 2025
Summer season open guided tours
on Sundays 27 July 2025 at 3.00 pm
Tickets €12, payable in cash at the gate, incl. VAT.
Groups: Guided tour of Olavi Paavolainen’s villa: €75 per group + €5 per person
Guide Eila Luopakka will talk about the history of the villa and the garden, as well as Olavi Paavolainen’s time in Keuruu.
Duration: approx. one hour.
Book a guided tour of Pekanniemi for your group
€75 + €5 per person (incl. VAT), (guided tour in two parts if required)
Bookings and enquiries: Eila Luopakka, tel. 050 366 3029
Pekanniemi
Photos of the location
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