Turjanlinna: Home of Ilmari Kianto

Turjanlinna, or the Castle of Turja, was once the vibrant home of Ilmari Kianto (1874-1970), a prolific Finnish author known for his poignant portrayals of life in the Kainuu region. Kianto, whose real name was Ilmari Calamnius, built Turjanlinna in 1909, naming it after a Lapp witch, reflecting the area's mystical character. Kianto wrote over 60 works, many of which depicted the struggles of the people in Kainuu. His most famous work is perhaps 'Punainen viiva' ('The Red Line'), published in 1909, which dealt with the first general election in Finland and was later adapted into a movie. His writings captured the essence of Finnish society during a period of modernization. Tragically, the main building of Turjanlinna was burned down during the Winter War in 1939. It was rebuilt in 1949, only to be destroyed by fire again that same year. Today, visitors can explore the remaining buildings, including a lakeside sauna, a root cellar, and a net shed, which function as an open-air museum during the summer months. A barn called "Kohtalon Korsu" and a cabin named "Iki Tupa," where Kianto lived during the summers, also stand on the site. To reach Turjanlinna, a guided boat cruise on Lake Kiantajärvi is recommended. During the cruise, a guide shares stories about Kianto's life and the history of Turjanlinna. The site is not fully accessible due to rocky terrain and stairs.