The History Behind Finland’s World Heritage Sites

Introduction

Finland’s landscape is full of captivating natural beauty, but there is much more to the country than meets the eye. Finland is home to several World Heritage sites, each of which has a unique and fascinating history.

From prehistoric rock art to the site of a devastating nuclear accident, these sites are a reminder of Finland’s past and the many cultures that have shaped it. This article will explore the history behind Finland’s World Heritage sites, from the ancient rock art of the Northern Fells to the recently-designated Sami homeland.

The Northern Fells

The Northern Fells are a series of barren mountains located in Finland’s Lapland region. The Fells are home to some of the oldest known rock art in the world, with paintings that date back more than ten thousand years. The art depicts a variety of animals and symbols, as well as mysterious figures.

It is believed to have been created by the Sami people, who have been living in the area for centuries. The Northern Fells were added to the World Heritage list in 1992, in recognition of the unique cultural heritage found here.

Finnish Lakeland

Finnish Lakeland is the largest lake district in Europe, and it is home to some of the country’s most stunning scenery. The area is filled with thousands of lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as dense forests and rolling hills.

The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, and it is home to many ancient sites, including burial mounds, rock paintings, and abandoned villages. The Finnish Lakeland is a testament to Finland’s rich cultural history, and it was added to the World Heritage list in 1994.

Old Rauma

Old Rauma is a historic district located in the city of Rauma, on the western coast of Finland. The district is home to hundreds of well-preserved wooden buildings, many of which date back to the 17th century.

The architecture of Old Rauma reflects the city’s long history, and it is a reminder of the city’s role as a major trading port in the past. Old Rauma was added to the World Heritage list in 1991, in recognition of its unique cultural and architectural heritage.

The Struve Geodetic Arc

The Struve Geodetic Arc is an extensive survey of the Earth’s surface, conducted by a Russian astronomer named Friedrich Wilhelm Struve in the early 19th century. The survey measured the exact distances and angles between more than 260 points across Europe and North Asia.

The survey was used to create the first accurate map of the region, and it was added to the World Heritage list in 2005.

High Coast and Kvarken Archipelago

The High Coast and Kvarken Archipelago is a region located on the eastern coast of Finland, near the city of Vaasa. The area is home to spectacular natural scenery, including rocky cliffs, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

The region is also home to many historic sites, including Bronze Age settlements and prehistoric rock art. The High Coast and Kvarken Archipelago was added to the World Heritage list in 2006, in recognition of its unique natural and cultural heritage.

Fortress of Suomenlinna

The Fortress of Suomenlinna is a sprawling 18th-century fortress located off the coast of Helsinki. The fortress was built by the Swedish in 1748, and it served as a military base for many years. The fortress is now a popular tourist destination, and it is home to many historic sites, including a 19th-century naval museum.

The Fortress of Suomenlinna was added to the World Heritage list in 1991, in recognition of its unique cultural and military significance.

Petäjävesi Old Church

The Petäjävesi Old Church is a wooden church located in the small town of Petäjävesi, in central Finland. The church was built in 1763, and it is one of the oldest wooden churches in the world. The church is a reminder of the Lutheran faith that has shaped the region for centuries.

The Petäjävesi Old Church was added to the World Heritage list in 1994, in recognition of its unique cultural heritage.

Sammallahdenmäki Burial Site

The Sammallahdenmäki Burial Site is an ancient burial ground located in the town of Rauma, on the western coast of Finland. The site is home to more than thirty Bronze Age burial mounds, which date back to the 1500s BC.

The burial mounds are a reminder of the ancient cultures that inhabited this area, and they were added to the World Heritage list in 1999, in recognition of their unique cultural significance.

Bronze Age Burial Sites of Sammallahti

The Bronze Age Burial Sites of Sammallahti are a series of burial mounds located in the town of Rauma, in western Finland.

The mounds were constructed in the 1500s BC, and they contain a variety of artifacts, including weapons, tools, and jewelry. The burial mounds are a reminder of the ancient cultures that inhabited this area, and they were added to the World Heritage list in 1999, in recognition of their unique cultural significance.

Sámi Homeland

The Sámi Homeland is a region located in northern Finland and Norway, which is home to the Sámi people. The Sámi are an indigenous people, who have lived in the region for centuries. The Sámi homeland is home to a unique culture and language, and it was added to the World Heritage list in 2019, in recognition of its unique and important cultural heritage.

Koli National Park

Koli National Park is a protected area located in eastern Finland. The park is home to a variety of spectacular landscapes, including dense forests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes. The park is also home to many historic sites, including ancient rock paintings and abandoned villages. Koli National Park was added to the World Heritage list in 1991, in recognition of its unique cultural and natural heritage.

Chernobyl/Pripyat

Chernobyl/Pripyat is a site located in Ukraine, which was the site of a devastating nuclear accident in 1986. The accident caused a massive release of radiation, which spread across Europe and had devastating effects on the environment and human health. The site was added to the World Heritage list in 2017, in recognition of the disaster’s global significance.

Conclusion

Finland is home to many World Heritage sites, each of which has a unique and fascinating history. From ancient rock art to the site of a devastating nuclear disaster, these sites are a reminder of Finland’s past and the many cultures that have shaped it.

Whether you are interested in the prehistoric rock art of the Northern Fells, the rolling hills of Finnish Lakeland, or the ruins of Chernobyl/Pripyat, these sites have something to offer everyone.