Military history trail at Vanttajankangas is a part of a long defense line

Vanttajankangas Salpalinja Kuusamo

Some nature destinations are planned, some you happen upon by sheer accident. We were driving in Kuusamo with friends when we saw a marker for Vanttajankangas. The mark further indicated that it was a part of a 1200km long Salpalinja, a defense line close to the eastern border of Finland. We have explored these fortresses and trenches dug deep into the Finnish landscape before, so this was an excellent way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Vanttajankangas as part of Salpalinja

Salpalinja line. Image by Salpalinjanoppaat

Salpalinja or Salpa line bolt bunker defense line stretches all the way from the Baltic Sea shore to near Sodankylä at almost the top of Finland. Some parts of Salpalinja were even built in areas that are now no longer part of Finland.

I have visited these same kind of permanent fortification structures at Luumäki. Luumäki and the areas closest to lake Laatokka were the most heavily fortified parts of Salpalinja, so the sights there differed from what we saw at Vanttajankangas.

Here, there were fully intact wood-covered trenches zigzagging in the forest. They seemed a bit disorienting but thankfully concise so we didn’t get lost. If you’re tall like my friend, mind your head!

The Salpalinja bolt bunker defenses were built under duress during 1940-1944 even though most of the building was done during the Interim Peace period (välirauhan aika) in 1940-1941. At most, an estimated 35 000 civilians partook in building it, making it the biggest building project in the history of Finnish independence. Salpalinja bunkers and forts were never used during a war but they are still very important. It is estimated that there are 760 base fortresses and other stations, 225km of anti-tank obstancles, and 350km of trenches. After the war ended, much of Salpalinja was destroyed.

Exploring history on a pedestrian path

The Kuusamo municipality has made it possible for visitors to explore Vanttajankangas and its part in the Salpalinja defenses. There are two different paths you can use: one is a shorter 2km circular route, the other is a longer 4,5km trail exploring more sites. There is information available for visitors in Finnish, English, and German, so learning about history and the significance of this area is more accessible.

After exploring the wooden trenches, we also went to check out the long line of anti-tank obstacles. This time no one tried to balance on them … mainly because it was raining and we knew someone would slip and fall badly.

Anti-tank obstacles also known as big jagged rocks

At the end of a longer section of the path and some swamps, the forest began again. There, hidden between trees and other foliage was the quintessentially Finnish structure: a dugout sauna (korsusauna). Well, it wasn’t a proper dugout as it was made of concrete but we can accept this moniker nonetheless. Since the rain was increasing, we wouldn’t have minded if the sauna had been on and we could have spent a few minutes getting warm.

Directions to Vanttajankangas

Address: You can type Vanttajankangas Salpalinja on your navigator. Alternatively, you can type in the exact address Lämsänkyläntie 62, 93700 Kuusamo.

How to get there:

  • Car: There is a small parking area for visitors near the entrance.
  • Bicycle: Cyclists have to cycle next to the highway. There is no special space allowance for pedestrians or cyclists on the highway.
  • Public transport: You can get near Vanttajankangas by public transport from Kuusamo. The closest bus stop that buses run year-round is Sänkikangas. Check the Route Planner for timetables. You will have to walk 6,1km from Sänkikangas bus stop to Vanttajankangas.

Accessibility: The area is partially accessible. The trenches are relatively narrow so caution should be taken. The main roads are paved with gravel and accessible.

When to go: You can visit at any time of the year. When there is snow, you can use snow shoes on the 2km circular route.

Facilities: There are no official facilities in the area.

More to explore

If you are interested in visiting Salpalinja fortress sites, you should visit Luumäki at southern Finland. In north of Finland, also check out Vilkaharju nature trail, which is a part of Salpalinja. If you are further interested in Finnish military history and how our nature is linked to it, we recommend the trail of the Unknown soldier.

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