Winter War Monument: A Stone Field of Remembrance

The Winter War Monument, inaugurated on March 13, 2003, stands as a powerful tribute to the victims and suffering of the Winter War. Located at Raatteen Portti, the monument is closely connected to the Raate Road, a site of intense battles during the war. The monument's stone field spans approximately 3 hectares and contains around 17,000 natural stones. Each stone represents a Finnish or Russian soldier who perished in the conflict. Encircled by a forest bearing the scars of artillery fire, the field serves as a stark visual reminder of the war's devastation. The central memorial, known as "Open Embrace," consists of four wooden arches topped with 105 brass bells. These bells, one for each day of the Winter War, ring in the wind, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere. The memorial was designed by Erkki Pullinen, a local artist from Suomussalmi. The Winter War Monument serves not only as a memorial to the fallen but also as a tribute to all veterans of the Winter War. It encourages visitors to contemplate the profound human cost of war and the enduring impact of the Winter War on Finland and its people. Raatteen Portti, where the monument is located, is a significant historical site. It features the Winter War Museum, which showcases exhibits about the war, including captured Soviet equipment and the harsh conditions faced by soldiers. The site also includes the Kanttiini Päämaja, a café offering refreshments, and the Majatalo Karhun Pesä, a hostel for visitors wishing to explore the area further.