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Memorial to the Evacuation of Finnish Karelia

A tribute to Finnish resilience, commemorating the evacuation of Karelia during WWII. A place for reflection and remembrance in Kuopio.

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The Memorial to the Evacuation of Finnish Karelia in Kuopio stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and resilience of the Finnish people during World War II. It commemorates the evacuation of approximately 410,000 Finns, 12% of the country's population, from the Karelia region after it was ceded to the Soviet Union in 1940.

A brief summary to Memorial to Evacuation of Finnish Karelia

  • 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

  • Take time to reflect on the personal stories and collective experiences of the evacuees as you explore the memorial.
  • Combine your visit with a walk in the surrounding area for a peaceful and contemplative experience.
  • Consider visiting the memorial in conjunction with other historical sites in Kuopio to gain a deeper understanding of the region's past.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kuopio city center, a convenient way to reach the Memorial to the Evacuation of Finnish Karelia is by bus. Walk to Kuopio Market Square and take bus number 15 towards 'Kumpula'. After approximately 10 minutes, disembark at the 'Siunauskappeli' stop. From there, walk along Siunauskappelintie for about 200 meters, and the memorial will be on your right at Siunauskappelintie 2. A single ticket for 2 zones costs €4.75 if purchased via the mobile app or with contactless payment. If paying with cash on the bus, the cost is €7.00.

  • Walking

    The Memorial to the Evacuation of Finnish Karelia is located approximately 3 kilometers from the Kuopio city center. From the Market Square, head east on Kauppakatu, then turn left onto Minna Canthin katu. Continue onto Haapaniemenkatu, then turn right onto Siunauskappelintie. The memorial will be on your left. The walk is estimated to take about 40 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to Siunauskappelintie 2, Kuopio. Limited street parking is available near the memorial. Alternatively, several parking garages are located in the city center, including Toriparkki, which is about a 5-minute drive away. Toriparkki is open 24/7 and charges €2.40 per hour or €13.40 per day. From Toriparkki, follow Puijonkatu and turn onto Siunauskappelintie. Note that during events at the Kuopio Hall, traffic control may be in place, and parking may be available at Kuopio Hall, Niirala, and Klassikan schools.

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Discover more about Memorial to Evacuation of Finnish Karelia

The Memorial to the Evacuation of Finnish Karelia serves as a place of remembrance and reflection on a significant event in Finnish history. Following the Winter War and the subsequent Moscow Peace Treaty in 1940, Finland was forced to cede a large portion of Finnish Karelia to the Soviet Union. This resulted in the displacement of approximately 410,000 people, who were evacuated to other parts of Finland. A second evacuation occurred in 1944 during the Continuation War. The memorial provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the cultural heritage of Karelia and the impact of the evacuations on Finnish identity. Through installations and plaques, the memorial recounts personal stories and collective experiences, creating an emotional connection to the past. The surrounding area offers a serene environment for contemplation and appreciation of the enduring spirit of those who lived through this difficult period. The Karelian evacuees were compensated, receiving land and assistance to rebuild their lives. Despite the losses, they maintained their Karelian identity and contributed to the development of postwar Finland. Today, the memorial stands as a tribute to their resilience and a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

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