On January 17, 1156, Bishop Henry knelt on the ice of Lake Köyliö as a peasant named Lalli raised an axe above his head. The English missionary had baptized thousands in these waters the year before; now his blood would stain them. This small island of Kirkkokari—"Church Rock" in Finnish—marks the place where Finland's only Catholic saint died, becoming Finland's only Catholic pilgrimage destination.
The island rises from the lake waters like a sacred memory. Stone ruins whisper of a 14th-century chapel where Mass was once celebrated. A memorial cross erected in 1955 catches the northern light. An outdoor altar consecrated in 1999 awaits the annual midsummer pilgrimage. For a nation where Lutheranism dominated for five hundred years, Kirkkokari remains a silent testimony to an older faith—one brought by an English missionary who died proclaiming it.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The story of Saint Henry straddles the boundary between history and legend. Medieval chronicles describe him as an English-born bishop who accompanied King Eric IX of Sweden on a crusade to Finland in 1155. After the king returned to Sweden, Henry remained to consolidate the Christian mission among the recently baptized Finns.
Henry's death on January 20, 1156, allegedly at the hands of a farmer named Lalli, made him Finland's first Christian martyr. According to the Legend of Saint Henry, composed in the late 13th century, Lalli had murdered another man and was excommunicated by the bishop. In revenge, Lalli pursued Henry across the frozen Lake Köyliö and killed him on what became known as Kirkkokari—Church Island.
Henry's body was allegedly carried first to Nousiainen Church, where a magnificent 15th-century cenotaph still commemorates the original burial. In 1300, his relics were translated to Turku Cathedral, establishing the cult of Saint Henry as the centerpiece of Finnish medieval Christianity. The annual feast of the translation, celebrated on June 18, became one of the most important celebrations in the medieval Finnish calendar.
Modern historians debate whether Henry actually existed—no contemporary sources mention him, and the earliest written accounts appeared more than 150 years after his alleged death. Yet for the faithful, Henry remains the patron saint of Finland, a symbol of the country's Christian heritage, and an ecumenical bridge between Finland's Catholic, Lutheran, and Orthodox communities.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Kirkkokari
Kirkkokari (Saint Henry's Island)
The small island in Lake Köyliö marks the traditional site of Saint Henry's martyrdom. Medieval records indicate that a chapel stood here by the 14th century, though only its foundations remain visible today. The Catholic Church erected a memorial altar in 1955, and a second altar for outdoor Mass was consecrated in 1999. A memorial stone marks the site, and a boat landing allows pilgrims to access the island during the pilgrimage season.
Köyliö Church
The Lutheran church on the mainland shore overlooks Lake Köyliö and the island. Though the current building dates from the 18th century, it stands on the site of earlier medieval churches. Pilgrims often begin their visit here before traveling to the island.
St. Henry's Cathedral, Helsinki
Finland's only Catholic cathedral, consecrated in 1860, serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Helsinki. The cathedral houses a relic of Saint Henry and serves as the starting point for many Finnish pilgrimages. The brick Gothic Revival building, designed by German architect Ernst Bernhard Lohrmann, stands in the Kaivopuisto district in southern Helsinki.
Nousiainen Church
The medieval stone church at Nousiainen marks the traditional site of Saint Henry's original burial before his relics were translated to Turku. A remarkable 15th-century cenotaph—memorial monument—survives here, featuring a Flemish brass plaque depicting scenes from Henry's life, death, and miracles. This unique monument makes Nousiainen an essential stop on Saint Henry's Way.
Turku Cathedral
Finland's national shrine and the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland. Saint Henry's relics were translated here in 1300, establishing the cathedral as the center of medieval pilgrimage to the saint. Though the Reformation ended Catholic veneration, the cathedral retains its medieval grandeur and houses a museum of ecclesiastical history. Henry's memory is honored in the cathedral's iconography and traditions.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
Feast of Saint Henry — January 19
The principal feast of Finland's patron saint is celebrated throughout the country. Masses are held at St. Henry's Cathedral in Helsinki and at Catholic parishes across Finland. The ecumenical character of Saint Henry's cult means that Lutheran and Orthodox churches also commemorate Finland's apostle on this day.
Translation of the Relics — June 18
This medieval feast commemorates the 1300 translation of Saint Henry's relics from Nousiainen to Turku Cathedral. The feast was one of the most important in the medieval Finnish calendar and is still observed by the Catholic Church in Finland.
Annual Pilgrimage to Kirkkokari — Sunday Before Midsummer
The modern pilgrimage tradition draws hundreds of participants each year for a boat procession to Kirkkokari Island. An outdoor Mass is celebrated at the memorial altar, followed by an ecumenical service. The pilgrimage typically follows the historic route from Turku through Nousiainen to Köyliö. Contact the Catholic Church in Finland for exact dates and registration.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Köyliö itself are limited. Most pilgrims stay in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage town of Rauma, approximately 15-20 kilometers from Kirkkokari.
Hotel Raumanlinna ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Historic Functionalist hotel built in 1933, featuring original Art Deco details and a renowned restaurant. The hotel overlooks the sea and offers easy access to Old Rauma. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Hotel Vanha Rauma ⭐⭐⭐ — Charming hotel set within UNESCO-listed Old Rauma, Finland's largest unified wooden town. Walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the historic harbor. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Hotel Kalliohovi ⭐⭐⭐ — Family-run hotel near Old Rauma with a popular restaurant serving local specialties. Good value and friendly service. Website ∙ Reserve this hotel
Hotel CityHovi ⭐⭐⭐ — Modern hotel in central Rauma with comfortable rooms and a breakfast buffet. Convenient base for exploring the region. Reserve this hotel
🚗 Getting There
By Air: The nearest airport is Turku Airport (TKU), approximately 50 kilometers from Köyliö. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), 200 kilometers away, serves as Finland's main international hub with connections across Europe and beyond.
By Train: Turku Central Station connects to Helsinki with frequent services (journey time approximately 2 hours). From Turku, local buses serve the Köyliö region.
By Bus: Regional buses operate from Turku to Köyliö via the neighboring towns of Rauma and Eurajoki. Check Matkahuolto for current timetables.
By Car: From Turku, follow Road 41 west toward Rauma, then take the local road to Köyliö (approximately 60 kilometers, 50 minutes). From Helsinki, take the E8 west to Rauma, then follow signs to Köyliö (approximately 200 kilometers, 2.5 hours). Parking is available at the lake shore; boats transport pilgrims to Kirkkokari Island.
On Foot: Saint Henry's Way (Pyhän Henrikin tie) connects Turku Cathedral to Kirkkokari via Nousiainen—a 140-kilometer pilgrimage route that can be walked over 5-7 days. The route follows medieval pilgrimage paths through the Finnish countryside.
🎥 Recommended Videos
Bishop Henry – Finland's First Martyr Murder — Documentary exploring the historical evidence and legend surrounding Saint Henry's death on Lake Köyliö.
🔗 Useful Links
Catholic Church in Finland — Official website of the Diocese of Helsinki with information on parishes, Mass times, and pilgrimage events.
St. Henry's Cathedral Parish — Homepage of Finland's Catholic cathedral with Mass schedules and parish activities.
Saint Henry's Way — Overview of the 140-kilometer pilgrimage route from Turku to Kirkkokari.
🥾 Pilgrim Routes
Saint Henry's Way (Pyhän Henrikin tie) — This 140-kilometer route connects Turku Cathedral to Kirkkokari via Nousiainen Church, following the path of medieval pilgrims. The route passes through rural Finnish landscape, forest trails, and lakeside paths. Allow 5-7 days for the full route. Key stops include Turku Cathedral (starting point), Nousiainen Church (original burial site), and Kirkkokari Island (martyrdom site). The route is marked and can be walked independently or with organized groups during the annual pilgrimage.
St. Olav Waterway — A transnational pilgrimage route connecting Turku, Finland, to Trondheim, Norway, via the Finnish archipelago and Sweden. Pilgrims can join this route from Turku and travel westward, eventually reaching Nidaros Cathedral, the shrine of Saint Olav. This unique route combines land and sea travel through Nordic waters.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
Finland's geographic position at the northern edge of Europe means that Catholic pilgrimage destinations are scarce within 500 kilometers. The nearest site lies across the Gulf of Finland in Estonia.
Viru-Nigula (~304 km) — Estonia's oldest Marian sanctuary, home to the 13th-century St. Mary's Chapel ruins. Annual August pilgrimages draw faithful from across the Baltic region. Located near the northern Estonian coast, accessible via ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn, then overland.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"Saint Henrik is, so to speak, an enduring icon of this hope, which has its sure and enduring foundation in God. As a messenger of peace, he exhorts us to persevere in praying for the precious yet fragile gift of peace." — Pope Francis, Address to Ecumenical Delegation from Finland, January 20, 2025