Unknown fells

We live near the eastern border. The one that discourages foreign tourists from traveling to the northeastern parts because the frightening eastern neighbor is so close.

However, when you sit here and look east beyond the border, the sense of fear feels far away. The border runs at the foot of a hill, and behind it lies one of the most detested countries of the moment.

But beyond the border lies the world's largest uninhabited wilderness. A vast expanse of nature that is unaware of which country's jurisdiction it falls under. Birds soar above the forest, while the numerous bears, wolves, and small animals of the wilderness cross the border without a second thought. It is merely a concept invented by us humans.

When looking at a topographic map, the landmarks, rivers, lakes, mountains, and roads on our side of the country are exceptionally clear. Based on these, it's easy to gaze into the horizon and determine what each hill is from a distance. If you climb high enough, you can distinguish the mountains from hundreds of kilometers away.

But when gazing eastward, the map disappears. This side of the forest is marked down to every nook and hollow, but beyond the border lies only a gray area.

Unknown mountains.

We do know something about the landforms and natural sites of our eastern neighbor. For instance, just a short distance from our home to the east lies Paanajärvi and the surrounding Paanajärvi National Park.

Paanajärvi has been inhabited by Finns for a long time, living self-sufficiently in the lush valley of Paanajärvi, where the Oulankajoki River flows, right in the middle of the northern wilderness. Apparently, there are still old Finnish log house villages by the lake, seemingly forgotten from a hundred years ago. I am sure that similar cabins to ours are still standing and in good condition in the lakeside village.

If only one could get there.

In good times, we and our neighbor to the east have maintained cooperation between Oulanka and Paanajärvi National Parks. After all, they are part of the same area, separated only by the national border. If only one could paddle the Oulankajoki River all the way to Paanajärvi from home, if only our neighbor were doing a little better.

Maybe one day.

The eastern nature of Northern Finland has become more familiar to me with each hike. I notice its uniqueness more and more. It is neither the harsh and rugged nature of Tunturi-Lappi nor the lush and gentle nature of Kainuu. It is a blend of the two, and that is what makes it truly unique.

The world’s largest wilderness, Siberia, indeed seems to influence the nature here at the eastern border, bringing with it extremely snowy winters, cold winds, and its own special characteristics. The forests are modest and resilient northern woods, but the bright summers add their own gentleness to their harsh lives.

There, where nature is protected from the worst storms and the gusts of Siberian temperament, the lush valleys are like the secret valleys of a fairy tale or the fertile waterways nestled between the mountains of Norway.

At times, I can easily imagine being in summer in Norway, based on the elevation changes and the greenery of the forests. So, if you can't make it to Norway for your summer vacation, do come and visit Kuusamo. If you didn't know where you were, I could almost promise it would feel like Norway.

It seems that this has turned into a small tribute to the unique nature of eastern Northern Finland. And perhaps rightly so, as I have decided to plant my roots here. Roots that have been carried for quite some time to the ends of the world, trying to find a suitable place to grow.

With gentle eastern regards

Sanna