An unearthly field confronts travellers 30km north of Suomussalmi, on Rd 5 to Kuusamo. Hiljainen Kansa is a thousand scarecrow-like figures with heads of peat and straw standing like mute witnesses to the triumphs and failures of humanity. A creation of local choreographer Reijo Kela, they are given a biannual change of look by locals donating clothes: you are welcome to swap shirts with one. A summer cafe alongside serves rustic coffee and pancakes on a wood stove.
Hiljainen Kansa
Central Finland
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Some of the most bitter fighting of the Winter War took place 88km south of Hossa (23km east of the lakeside town of Suomussalmi) along the Raate road…
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Some of the most bitter fighting of the Winter War took place 88km south of Hossa (23km east of the lakeside town of Suomussalmi) along the Raate road…