War memorials and other historical sites

Salla lost almost half of its area to the Soviet Union during the WW2 in 1944. There are several war memorials and sites around the vast municipality that tell about the history of Salla.

The Salla Museum of War and Reconstruction brings periods from the past to life through an exhibition and guided tours.

The Riutukka log-driving camp tells a story of logging sites and log-driving in Salla. The Riutukka log-driving camp is located along the Raakunjoki river. The Raakunjoki river is a part of the Kemijoki river system that has had up to 4000 km of log-driving waterways. The first log drives in the region were already taking place at the end of the nineteenth century. There was high unemployment in the 1930's and the logging sites and log driving were an important source of income. The buildings of Riutukka’s logging site and log-driving camp, as well as the log flume, have been restored in 1991-1992. Riutukka has not been restored as a museum, but it has been renovated to serve reindeer herders and other locals, as well as tourists in the area.

Driving instructions to Riutukka

From Joutsijärvi along road 5, approx. 16 km in the direction of Kuusamo. Turn left (Raakku) and drive approx. 5 km, turn right and drive approx. 3 km. The site is on the right.