Lahdenpohja: sights and history of the Karelian town

In this article we will talk about the Karelian city with an interesting name Lahdenpohja. Attractions of this area attract tourists from all over the country simply because the town has an unusual name. Looking ahead, it is worth saying that today it is an unremarkable town. But there are interesting objects here.

Lahdenpohja - brief information about the city

The city is the administrative center of the same name (Lahdenpohja) district - the most south-western in Karelia. It is located on the shore of the Yakimvar Gulf of Ladoga Lake on the Aura-yoki River, which is 300 km from Petrozavodsk. The name of the settlement is literally translated as "the far corner, the end of the bay". Until 1924, the city was called Sieklehti, that is, "Sieve Bay".

On the territory of Lahdenpohja as of 2010, there are about 8000 people. Its area is only 9 square kilometers.

Historical data

First it is worth to get acquainted with the city of Lahdenpohja - the sights will wait a bit. Its foundation dates back to the 16th century, when the settlement of Yakkim was built here. At that time, the north-western Ladoga area was part of the Bogoroditsky Kiryazh churchyard of the Karelian district of the five-fold Novgorod Rus.

Then, in the year of the last century, Lahdenpohja settlement appeared on this place. The title of the city he received only in the USSR, in 1945. Simultaneously with this event formation of Lahdenpohja district took place.

Deepening into the history of Lahdenpohja, you can highlight some points. In 1323 Karelia was divided into two parts. This is the first border between the Swedish state and the Russian Empire, which could be official. But already in the XV century the territory became fully owned by Russia. True, not for long: a century later, when the Russian-Swedish war broke out, Karelia left the Swedes - the victorious side. A little later the Russian army liberated the territory. This happened in 1721.

In 1918, Karelia was again selected - this time the Finns. The republic returned to the Soviet Union only after 1940, when the Russo-Finnish war ended. This is such an interesting story. AND The sights of Lahdenpohja are also attractive. Although they are very few here.

What is better to know in advance

Walking around the city, it is better to always carry a passport with you. Since earlier the territory was a border zone, it is still possible to meet vigilant military forces, although the regime has not existed for a long time. Nevertheless, in order not to waste time and not to spoil the impression, it is recommended to keep the passport with you.

Lahdenpohja: attractions

On the territory of this tiny "state", in which there still remains a raid of Finnish color, inaccurately mixed with the Soviet "design", there are only a few sights. But these places are worth a visit. Therefore, if one day there will be an opportunity to visit Lahdenpohja, where to go and what to see will already be known.

1. Starting directly about the sights of Lahdenpohja, one should first of all mention the ruins of the Lutheran church. This once interesting building was built in 1850. The designing was carried out by the well-known Finnish architect of German origin Karl Engel who in due time fulfilled the layout of Helsinki and created many beautiful objects. Classicism is traced in his works, and the Lutheran church is no exception. Ruins remained after the fire of 1977. Nearby there is a monument to Finnish soldiers.
2. Rauhala Manor. The object was built in the late 1800s by the Vinters family. The farmstead is on the outskirts of the city.
3. Speaking about the sights of Lahdenpohja, you can not fail to mention Huuhkanmaki. It is an architectural ensemble of a military town in the early 1900's. Now in this area there are a lot of entertainment places (tourist zone), but Huuhkanmäki remains a monument of military Finnish architecture.
4. The mass grave. It is located in the center of the city and was opened in memory of the Soviet soldiers who died in 1941. Nearby is the chapel of St. George the Victorious. It, in turn, was timed to the 50th anniversary of Victory over fascist Germany.
5. There is also a Lutheran church in Lumiara. It was built in 1935, and next to this architectural landmark was the Finnish military cemetery.
6. Orthodox chapel in the name of Valentine. The temple is located on the embankment of the Yakkimvar Gulf.

One of the most interesting places is the abandoned bunker

In the city of Lahdenpohja, the sights are divided into "often" and "rarely visited". One of the last is an abandoned bunker. Its authors are Americans who designed a secret underground shelter in the 1930s, specially commissioned by the Finns. Now this place is abandoned, but it is very attractive for tourists and local. Therefore, in order to explore the whole city, it is worthwhile to get to this place also.

G. Lahdenpohja - "reserved Russia"

The most attractive natural landmark of Lahdenpohja district is Kukhka. This is a picturesque island that is famous for its sandy beaches and is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Especially for those people who like to be among nature.

On the lake Yastrebin, which is a natural monument and part of the "reserved Russia", tourists can admire the large rocks. This place is located on the border of Karelia and the Leningrad region. The object is a rock mass about 60 meters high, which seems to hang over the lake. Here, climbing competitions are held, and those who are not keen on this sport can simply relax - clean air and a pleasant landscape always benefit.

The city of Lahdenpohja, whose sights have been considered in this article, is really an unremarkable locality. But if one day brings fate to this corner of Russia, do not waste time - it's better to visit popular places, especially since there are not enough of them.