Experience a place where history and the present meet in a rural idyll by the coast in Närpes. Strandhem in Nämpnäs has a fascinating background dating back to the 19th century, attracting visitors with both historical stories and a vibrant community.

In 1860, Police Chief Packalén developed the area to create his summer residence, complete with an impressive villa, a servant’s house, a lush garden, and even a tennis court. The road leading here, now called Äggrundsvägen, was built by the locals and carries traces of the area’s rich history.

In the early 20th century, Josef Strand took over the property, then known as Grånnranda, and his daughter Selma, also known as "Grånnrads Selma," became a well-known figure in the village. Her life was filled with many stories and tales that remained in Närpes long after her passing. She lived at Grånnranda as long as she could but eventually had to move to an apartment in the town center.

After Selma’s death in the 1970s, the area was purchased by the Filadelfia Congregation in Närpes, which used it as a campsite for many years. When the activities ended in 2006, Strandhem stood still—until a new vision was born in 2019.

A pilot project was started on a voluntary basis, with the goal of creating an open and welcoming meeting place for everyone. The success was immediate, and already in the first year, thousands of visitors came to enjoy the café, animals, and nature. The project grew into a social innovation, where visitors, clients, and volunteers together created a vibrant community.

On February 24, 2024, the association Strandhem rf was founded, which today runs and develops the area further. Here, you can enjoy a summer café in a rural setting, interact with animals, relax in the scenic surroundings, and experience a unique atmosphere where history and community are at the heart.

Welcome to Strandhem—a place where you can experience the history of Närpes, enjoy nature, and be part of something bigger!

What is now forest and farmland was once the seabed, and there was a time when the only way to reach the site of today's Närpes Church was by boat. In the Närpes region, the land rises by over 8 cm per year, significantly shaping the landscape as shorelines and the natural environment shift with the ongoing land uplift.

For coastal inhabitants, land uplift was long a mystery – why was the shoreline moving? People believed that the water was disappearing as harbors became shallower and fields were forming where previous generations had once fished. In the 18th and 19th centuries, scientists observed differences in water levels along the Baltic Sea coast and realized that it was not the water receding, but the land rising.

This discovery raised new questions. What was causing the land to rise? Could it be that the Earth was cooling and contracting? In the 19th century, a theory emerged suggesting that the Northern Hemisphere had once been covered by a massive ice sheet that compressed the Earth's crust. Over time, it was understood that the cause was the last Ice Age, which ended about 10,000 years ago. As the ice melted, the depressed crust slowly began to rise again, creating vast new land areas – about 1 km² or 100 hectares each year. The land uplift is especially pronounced in the Kvarken region, where the ice was at its thickest, up to 3,000 meters, pressing the land down significantly. This means that in approximately 2,000 years, a land connection to Sweden could emerge here.

In recent years, scientists have started to explore how rising sea levels caused by climate change might affect land uplift. Perhaps the two processes will balance each other to some extent, influencing the future of the Baltic Sea coastline.

The autumn of 1944 was a time of uncertainty and concern in Finland. Despite the armistice with the Soviet Union, strange things were happening in the small coastal town of Närpes. What no one knew at the time was that one of the most secret operations of the entire war was taking place right before their eyes – an operation that would later be known as Stella Polaris.

As early as the summer of 1944, villagers began to notice mysterious events. A seaplane suddenly landed in Kaskö, and unknown individuals were seen heading toward Närpes, searching for accommodation in remote villages such as Yttermark and Nämpnäs. No explanations were given for the need for lodging – only an enigmatic silence.

When autumn arrived, the events became even more mysterious. One day, the steamship Maininki glided into the otherwise quiet Österfjärden, a place usually used only for unloading trade goods. Rumors quickly spread among the villagers – was a top-secret war archive being transported out of the country? Or perhaps a high-ranking official, such as General Wallden, was fleeing for his life? The tension in the air was palpable.

Soon, more ships arrived, including Osmo and Georg. Along with Maininki, they were loaded to the brim with large, unidentified wooden crates. What they contained remained a mystery, but local fishermen who helped with the transport sensed that something significant was underway. They were paid handsomely, but no one dared ask too many questions.

Meanwhile, villages filled with people from across the country. Trains, buses, and cars brought nearly 800 individuals – men, women, and children – carrying with them a great secret. They were signal intelligence officers and their families, who had intercepted and decoded the Soviet Union's most critical radio communications during the war. These operatives were invaluable to Finland, but now their lives were in danger if the Soviets found out. Under the codename Stella Polaris, they were ordered to leave the country immediately.

There was something unusual about these people. The men wore ill-fitting civilian clothes, while the women drew attention with expensive furs – a rare sight in a time of rationing. In Yttermark and Nämpnäs, villagers had prepared schools and homes for their temporary stay, and the new guests brought with them plenty of coffee, sugar, and canned goods – items the locals had barely seen in years.

Operation Stella Polaris had been planned in utmost secrecy for years. Finnish signal intelligence had uncovered Soviet military plans by cracking their codes during the war, and this material could not, under any circumstances, fall into enemy hands. It was now being loaded onto ships bound for Sweden. For the Finnish operatives, there was no turning back – those who stayed behind risked being captured by the Soviets and tried as war criminals.

Why Närpes? The small, isolated harbor in Österfjärden was deep and hard to detect, and the local population’s hard-to-understand dialect provided additional protection against intruders. It was the perfect place for an operation that had to remain unseen. The truth about Stella Polaris began to emerge only in the 1970s.

On September 22, 2001, a memorial stone was erected at the shore where Maininki and Osmo once set sail, honoring the heroes who, in utmost secrecy, risked everything for their country. For those who wish to explore this fascinating story further, the Stella Polaris Museum in Öjskogsparken now offers a glimpse into one of the most astonishing operations of the war.

For those seeking adventure, there are countless opportunities to explore the beautiful nature surrounding Närpes. Hike along scenic trails winding through lush forests and sparkling lakes. At Fagerö, you can challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf or glide across the water on a SUP board, while the outdoor gym in Norrnäs invites you to a strengthening workout under the open sky.

Looking for peace and quiet? Then a trip to Risnäs träsk or Hinjärv träsk is perfect. Here, you can breathe in the fresh forest air, let the lake's mirror-like surface calm your senses, and enjoy the silence that only nature can offer. Hinjärv is the largest natural lake in Ostrobothnia, and at Bodbacka, you will find a cozy little beach, a grill cabin, and a playground where children can run and play. At Risnäs träsk, a nature-filled experience awaits, where you can barbecue, walk along the lakeshore, or row out onto the water for a moment of total relaxation.

Vargberget offers something for everyone – all year round. Hike along beautiful trails of varying lengths, challenge your legs on the exercise stairs, or test the frisbee golf course. In winter, the area comes to life as skiers take to the hilly tracks and the sledding hill becomes a popular gathering spot for families. Want even more action? Try the challenges of biathlon or take a round on the roller-skiing track. Regardless of the activity, you can end the day with a warming barbecue, a sauna session, and perhaps a refreshing dip in the lake – all accompanied by Närpes' beautiful nature.

For those seeking more action, the town center is the place to be. Here, you will find running tracks, football fields, an ice rink, and tennis courts. Närpes is a town with a vibrant sports life, where the sports club Närpes Kraft engages residents in everything from ice hockey and football to athletics, skiing, and cycling. Sports competitions are held year-round – why not cheer on the local team during a football or ice hockey match?

Looking for a different kind of challenge? The motor skills park in Norrnäs is a perfect destination. Here, both children and adults can test their balance, strength, and agility on various obstacle courses. And if the weather doesn't cooperate, you can still enjoy a lovely picnic in the cozy grill hut.

Whether you’re seeking tranquility and harmony in nature or action-packed activities, Närpes has something to offer – for all ages, all year round.

For those who want to experience the archipelago from the sea, Gåshällan is an excellent destination. This elongated island, approximately 800 meters long and a few hundred meters wide, offers a unique blend of history, scenic views, and maritime tradition. On the northern side of the island stands the charming old pilot's cottage, while the southern part, known as Långbådan, houses the former coast guard station. Both buildings are currently maintained by dedicated volunteers.

Gåshällan is part of the Natura 2000 network and a protected bird area, which means access is limited during the nesting season between May 1 and July 15.

The current pilot's cottage was built in 1909 and has withstood the forces of the sea ever since. Although the pilot station was closed in 1968, Skepparklubben Närpes rf, which has rented the island since 1970, has preserved it as its gathering place. They maintain the piers, boathouses, sauna, barbecue hut, and playhouse – all to create a welcoming space for visitors.

During the summer, open house days are arranged with fish soup, certificate ceremonies, and dancing by the sea. Gåshällan then becomes a popular meeting point for both boat owners and visitors. Take the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing swim in the sea, relax in a wood-heated sauna, or barbecue at the communal grilling area.

Since 2006, the association Naturstation Gåshällan r.f. has operated in the old coast guard station. The unique archipelago culture is preserved and developed here in harmony with the island's delicate nature and rich birdlife, in accordance with guidelines from the Finnish Forest Administration.

The nature station welcomes boaters, school camps, birdwatchers, companies, and private individuals who wish to experience the archipelago up close. For groups who book in advance, accommodation, meeting rooms, and sauna services are available – a perfect place for a nature-centered stay in a beautiful maritime environment.

Gåshällan is a place where the history and traditions of the archipelago live on. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or community, this island is a fantastic destination in the Närpes archipelago.

Along Highway 8 in Närpes, you will find a restaurant that offers an experience beyond the ordinary. Linds Kök is a unique greenhouse restaurant where you can enjoy your meal surrounded by tropical fruit trees, fragrant herbs, and edible flowers. Here, gastronomy and nature meet in an atmosphere that brings to mind southern climates.

Närpes is Finland’s tomato capital, and this is reflected in the kitchen. The menu features innovative dishes where tomatoes take center stage, such as tomato panna cotta, steak with licorice sauce, and strawberries with garlic. These unique flavor combinations add an exciting twist to local ingredients, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

During the summer months, from midsummer to early August, a daily summer lunch is served – no table reservation needed. The rest of the year, the restaurant is open for groups of at least 15 people with a prior booking, making it an ideal place for celebrations and gatherings.

Whether the sun is shining or the snow is falling, the temperature inside the greenhouse restaurant is always pleasant. Guests describe the visit as unique, fun, and different – a true gem in the Ostrobothnian landscape.

Let Linds Kök take you on a flavor journey you won’t forget.

For more information about menus, opening hours, and bookings, visit their official website: lindskok.fi