IFYE weekend at Hailuoto island on Gulf of Bothnia

We were altogether 22 IFYE exchangees taking part in the unforgettable weekend at Hailuoto island near Oulu. Most of us were Finnish IFYE's, but there were also delegates from Switzerland, Wales, USA and Poland. Liisa Virtanen had planned the full program for Saturday and we arrived at the island during the Friday evening. Liisa is working for the EU project promoting the tourism at Hailuoto. Already the 25-minutes ferry trip from the main land to Hailuoto was a great experience. Hailuoto is a mysterious island, because first parts of it have risen from the see about 1700 years ago. The island is still growing and is going to be part of the main land after 700 years. This is due to the continental shell moving back to it's original state after the Ice Age. The island is very sandy, there is quite a lot of marshland and the landscape is shaped by see wind and water. There are about 1000 inhabitants and main sources of income are agriculture and tourism.

Before the weekend we all thought that it wouldn't be possible to spend the whole day at sightseeing on the island that was not bigger than 200 km2. On Sunday morning we thought that it was too early to leave after that short visit. There was still so much to see and to experience not to mention dipping the toes into sand and water of lovely beaches. It was like a small scale IFYE Conference abroad visiting interesting historical, cultural and business-related sights and meeting international friends. We saw the ruins of old church and the most beautiful grave yard in the middle of a little forest. In Local Heritage Museum we were surprised of the various agricultural tools and machines and the handicraft made by the handy Hailuoto inhabitants, that were not able to buy every equipment from the stores, but were forced to create them by themselves. We visited the Polar Moos, the firm picking the moss from the forests and selling it abroad for florists. We had the opportunity to tap the reindeer which were working as conservationist in the forest of Natura area. We also got the enjoyable lunch made with the local ingredients, reindeer and fish. And during the whole weekend the sun was indulging us with the best of shine and warmth.

So when you are coming to visit Finland next time, you already know one destination for sure! Welcome to see our mysterious Hailuoto island!

Heli Toivonen
Finland

More information about Hailuoto at web-site www.hailuoto.fi or www.matkallamarjaniemeen.fi or contact Ifye Liisa, e-mail: liisa dot virtanen@ouka dot fi. For tourist information, please contact +359 8 (0)40 576 9800

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