Sights and landmarks in Salla

Sights and landmarks in Salla

1. See

   Aholanvaaran hiidenkirnut

   A group of giant's kettles (glacial potholes) on Kalliovaara hill. A pothole called Juomapata is the biggest one in Finland and one of the largest in the world. The 6.8-km nature trail has steep, rough and possibly slippery sections; it is not suitable for the mobility impaired. Using wellies or hiking shoes is heavily recommended. There are two shelters by the trail, one across the bridge, one by the Impivaara hill.

2. See

   Devil's Church at Tuntsa

   Tuntsan Pirunkirkko

   Interesting geological formation near Tuntsa, about 600 m from the road by the UKK hiking trail. The stones are strongly magnetic! The trail from the road goes along duckboards and is considered demanding.

3. See

   Kursu village

   This small village was saved from destruction during the Lapland War, but is probably more famous for its rye bread. Dog fair in July. Occasionally artists playing at the Village House.

4. See

   Onkamo scenic spot

   Onkamon näköalapaikka

   A scenic spot on top of a hill some 70 m from the road. View over the lake Onkamo to Russia and the fells of Old Salla. Table and benches.

5. See

   Paikanselkä Winter War Memorial

   Memorial site at the place where the Finland-Soviet battlefront was in the final day of the Winter War.

6. See

   Salla Church

   Church built in 1950, inspired by the Finnish medieval grey stone churches. The church was financed by donations from congregations in Denmark, which were grateful not to have lost their own churches in the war. Service every Sunday at 11:00. You may ask for a tour of the church from the war museum.

   Open during the services

7. See

   Salla Museum of War and Reconstruction

   Sallan sota- ja jälleenrakennusajan museo

   Museum telling about life in Salla in the 20th century, World War II in Salla, and the reconstruction and resettlement after the war as the Old Salla population got new homes in the rest of the municipality. Café, shop with local products and souvenirs. Guided tours in English available for 1–25 persons, contact the museum for details.

   Oct–Jun Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00; Jul–Sep Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00·€5/adult, €3/child, Museum Card valid

8. See

   Salla Visitor Centre

   National park visitor centre. Exhibition, hiking advice, events. Accessible by wheelchair. Dogs (except dog guides) must wait outside. Some services, like souvenir shop and café at the adjacent/co-located Salla Reindeer Park.

9. See

   Salpalinja fortifications

   Some remnants of the 1200 km long Salpalinja fortification complex from the World War II era.

10. See Not mapped

    Remnants from World War II

    Former guard posts, old airstrips and other military remnants. Several locations around the municipality. Ask your host if they know the nearest ones.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Salla (CC BY-SA 4.0).