Hiljainen Kansa

Central Finland


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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Central Finland attractions

1. Raatteen Portti

20.9 MILES

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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      "destination": "Central-Finland",
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