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Winter War Monument: A Stone Field of Remembrance

A field of stones and ringing bells honors the soldiers who perished in the Winter War near Suomussalmi, Finland.

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The Winter War Monument in Suomussalmi is a poignant memorial to the Winter War of 1939-1940. It features a vast field of stones and a central memorial with ringing bells, commemorating the Finnish and Soviet soldiers who perished in the conflict.

A brief summary to Winter War Monument

  • 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 Winter War Museum at Raatteen Portti to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context of the monument.
  • Take time to walk through the stone field and reflect on the individual lives lost during the Winter War.
  • Listen to the ringing of the 105 bells, each representing a day of the Winter War.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Winter War Monument is located at Raatteentie 2, 89600 Suomussalmi, approximately 23 km from the center of Suomussalmi. From the Suomussalmi municipal center (Ämmänsaari), follow road signs for Raatteen Portti. The monument is situated along regional road 912. Free parking is available at the Raatteen Portti museum. Car rentals are available in Suomussalmi, with prices starting from around $140.

  • Public Transport

    Suomussalmi can be reached by bus from Kajaani, Kuusamo and Oulu. From the Suomussalmi bus station, local transport options to Raatteen Portti are limited. Consider a taxi, which may cost approximately €40-€60 for the 23 km journey. Taxi services include Korpitaxi (+358 600 398 100), Taxi Taneli Heikkinen (+358 400 284 010) and Taxi Anssi Rautiainen (+358 44 994 3845).

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Discover more about Winter War Monument

The Winter War Monument, inaugurated on March 13, 2003, stands as a solemn tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Located near the Raate Gate, the monument is a part of the Raatteen Portti complex, which includes the Winter War Museum. The monument consists of a field covering approximately 3 hectares and containing around 17,000 natural stones. Each stone represents a Finnish or Soviet soldier who died in the battles around Suomussalmi. The central memorial, known as "Open Embrace," features four wooden arches topped with 105 brass bells, each bell symbolizing a day of the Winter War. These bells ring in the wind, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere. The location marks the area where the Soviet advance was halted during the Winter War. Two Soviet divisions, the 163rd and 44th, crossed the border into Finland at Suomussalmi. The 44th division was virtually wiped out along the Raate Road. It serves as a reminder of the destruction and suffering caused by war. The monument encourages visitors to contemplate the human cost of conflict. The Winter War Museum is nearby, offering additional context and information about the battles that took place in the area.

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