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Suomen Sotien Sotaorvot: A Memorial to Finland's War Orphans

A moving memorial in Lappeenranta honoring the resilience and sacrifices of Finnish children orphaned by war. A place for reflection and remembrance.

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Suomen Sotien Sotaorvot (War Orphans of Finland's Wars) is a poignant memorial in Lappeenranta dedicated to the children who lost their parents during Finland's wars. The statue depicts a weeping child amidst the ruins of a home, serving as a reminder of the suffering endured by these children.

A brief summary to Suomen sotien sotaorvot

  • Kauppakatu 41a, Lappeenranta, 53100, FI
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the memorial to pay respects to the war orphans and reflect on the impact of war on children.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Lappeenranta war cemetery to further understand Finland's wartime history.
  • Take some time to appreciate the artistry and symbolism of the sculpture, and consider the stories of the children it represents.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Suomen Sotien Sotaorvot memorial is located at Kauppakatu 41a in Lappeenranta, easily accessible on foot from the city center. From the main market square, walk east along Kauppakatu. The memorial is located near the Lappeenranta war cemetery, approximately a 5-10 minute walk. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Lappeenranta has a comprehensive public transport system. Several bus lines operate near the memorial. Check the local bus schedules for the most convenient route from your location. Single tickets can be purchased from the bus driver with cash or card. A single ticket is valid for 60 minutes. As of July 2025, a single ticket costs approximately €3.30.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Lappeenranta, and can be a convenient option for reaching the memorial. Taxi stands are located at the airport and the railway station. Ride-sharing services also operate in the city. A short taxi ride from the city center to the memorial will typically cost between €10-€15.

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Discover more about Suomen sotien sotaorvot

The Suomen Sotien Sotaorvot memorial stands as a powerful reminder of the impact of war on children. Located in Lappeenranta, it commemorates the approximately 55,000 Finnish children who became orphans during the Winter War (1939-1940) and the Continuation War (1941-1944). These children experienced immense hardship, including poverty, social stigma, and the loss of their homes and security. The memorial, created by sculptor Juhani Honkanen, depicts a solitary, weeping child standing amidst the ruins of what was once a home. The statue is a stark and moving representation of the vulnerability and loss experienced by war orphans. It serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the resilience of those who survived and reminding current generations of the human cost of conflict. The memorial was unveiled on August 12, 2012, after years of planning and fundraising. The unveiling ceremony was attended by over 700 war orphans, along with representatives from the Finnish government and military. The memorial is located near the Lappeenranta war cemetery, further emphasizing its connection to the sacrifices made during Finland's wartime history.

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