Eino Leino House

The greatest national poet of Finland, Eino Leino was born in Paltaniemi. His original home no longer exists beside Lake Oulujärvi, but the Eino Leino Society built an identical copy beside the village road. The original building was named “Hövelö” and was once owned also by the folklorist Elias Lönnrot. It was here that he wrote some of the Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. The cultural value of Hövelö was recognised too late, however, and the building was torn down after it fell into disrepair.

Eino Leino House presents the life and work of the poet. It also houses a summer café, a photography exhibition, and a shop selling books and recordings of Leino’s poetry. In summertime there is also a café, where you can also buy a picnic basket and rent a bicycle to explore the village on your own. In the yard next to the lake there is a fun play area for children. Poetry readings, group singing and dancing events are held on summer evenings. The house is also a popular venue for family parties.