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Pohjola – history & stories of Vuotunki, Kuusamo
Pohjola is located in the village of Vuotunki in Kuusamo, about a half-hour drive east of Ruka and Kuusamo town centre. The story of Pohjola reaches back to the 17th century and is still reflected in its buildings, traditions, and way of life. Here, history, local roots, and responsibility go hand in hand, shaping everyday life and meaningful experiences.
History and story
Pohjola is located in the village of Vuotunki, about a half-hour drive east of Ruka and Kuusamo town centre. Vuotunki is one of the oldest villages in the Kuusamo region settled by Finnish pioneers. The earliest stories of the Pohjola estate date back to the 1680s, when our ancestors first arrived in the area, travelling on skis from the direction of Sotkamo.
For centuries, life near the Russian border has shaped the history and stories of Vuotunki and Pohjola. These stories continue to live on, and we are still sharing them today.
Pohjolan Pirtti
The current main building of Pohjolan Pirtti was completed in 1891 and has been inhabited ever since, except on two occasions when the family had to flee during WW2.
Thanks to the current owner’s grandmother, Riitta-Mari, the wooden walls from 1891 can still be admired in their authentic form. Our house is not a museum but a family home, where the atmosphere of past times has been carefully preserved. We feel the house has an old and wise soul; after all, its logs began growing as young trees as early as the 16th century.
Today Pohjolan Pirtti serves as a cozy countryside restaurant, offering a variety of hosted activities and celebrations.
Pohjolan Kievari
At Right next door to Pohjolan Pirtti stands our second historic building, Pohjolan Kievari. Originally a village school, the building now serves as a venue for private celebrations, events, and restaurant experiences. Its old wooden walls tell the story of a rich history and many different roles over the decades.
The story of Kievari began in 1907, when the lands of the Pohjola estate were divided among five brothers. One of them built a house on his own plot in 1912, which was later expanded by his sons. As the expansion proved too costly, the house and its land were eventually sold to the municipality of Kuusamo.
During its years under municipal ownership, the building went through several phases. In the 1930s it functioned as a local school, and during the Second World War it was used for air surveillance. Having survived the war, the building later reopened as a school for children returning home from evacuation.
After years of standing unused, the building returned to the ownership of the Pohjola family in 2018. Following a careful renovation, the former school has been restored to its former glory and now serves as a versatile event venue for 80–100 guests. Today, Pohjolan Kievari offers a unique setting for memorable occasions, from rural weddings and family celebrations to Arctic garden parties in the heart of winter.
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