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One of those few villages in Lapland that were completely saved from scorched earth policy of retrieving German soldiers during the Lapland War. Amazingly here is no post-war architecture either, which actually makes the village completely unique. The buildings are from late 19th or latest early 20th century, and the view to the village is today quite the same as it was a hundred years ago. There are about 30 year-round residents but many more come here for summer. Services include a café, an art gallery and a few cottage accommodations for visitors. The village is on the list of nationally significant scenic views.
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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.
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.
One of the largest aapa-type mires in Finland right by the main village. This huge mire complex is an important nesting site for many birds, including some true rarities. Nature trail 2.7 km on duckboards. Campfire site and bird observing tower. If you are lucky, seeing elks or even bears on the mire is possible. Option for guided tours.
A memorial honouring those over 1000 Soviet soldiers being killed during the Battle of Pelkosenniemi. The memorial was dedicated in 2002.
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.