//
Large fen mires and raised bogs, internationally significant bird habitat. The Sokanaapa trail and bird watching tower are an easy way to see some of the mires. Getting a more complete picture of the 12 km² area requires planning and decent equipment.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A memorial honouring those over 1000 Soviet soldiers being killed during the Battle of Pelkosenniemi. The memorial was dedicated in 2002.
The Battle of Pelkosenniemi was fought at the confluence of rivers Kitinen and Kemijoki in December 16–19 1939, during the Winter War. It was a great victory for the Finnish Army, and after the battle the Soviet Army retreated, leaving much of its heavy equipment and vehicles behind. After the following Finnish counter-attack Soviet troops were unable to cross the new defence line near the current Finland-Russia border. Losses were heavy; the Finns had 117 deceased and 105 disappeared. The memorial was dedicated in 1964.
A wooden(!) statue honouring Andy McCoy (1962–). A Pelkosenniemi-born Finnish rock musician.
The wooden church built in 1929 was saved in the Lapland War. The church and the surrounding buildings are on the list of nationally significant built cultural environments. Open during the services, otherwise by request.
A traditional agricultural village by the river Kitinen. The settlement on the west bank was completely saved from destruction in the Lapland War while the east bank was burned to ashes by the German troops. Most buildings built in the late 19th and early 20th century. On the list of nationally significant built cultural environments.