The five-metre wooden bear was made from decommissioned non-toxic telephone poles and recycled wood, using about 14,000 nails. Designed by chainsaw artist Juha Käkelä and built with Raimo Hautaluoma in 2023, it formed part of a bear-festival project and is documented in a Finnish vernacular art collection.
Visitors can sit on the bench in its lap and enter the sculpture from behind. The path from the market square is paved but steep at the start. Access is available in snow-free conditions, and the path has no winter maintenance.
Sat in the bear's lap or explored the sculpture? Tell other visitors about your experience in the comments.
