The Lapland and Lanta border on the southern boundary of Pelkosenniemi

The southern municipal border of Pelkosenniemi has been the border of Lapland for the past 500 years. This border has travelled through Pyhätunturi, Talviaissaari, Karasinvaara and Vuotosvuoma in the very same place regardless of war and change in rule. The new inhabitants from the Savo Province were, by regal proclamation in 1673, legally allowed to fish and hunt in the Pelkosenniemi game and fishing grounds.

Already back in the sixteenth century the Swedish Crown specified the border to separate the agricultural regions from where the Lapps practiced traditional hunting livelihoods. One of the border’s most spectacular points was the rugged Pyhätunturi Fell. This Lapland and Lanta border was first crossed by a southerner in the 1660s, the new settler Paavali Pelkonen. According to Samuli Paulaharju, ”Pelkonen on was the first of the southerners to kick up a storm – he took on the devil, and always prevailed”. The Municipality of Pelkosenniemi was given its name adopted from the Paavali Pelkonen settlement. Paavali has left the inhabitants of the municipality with his steadfast persistence and steadfastness.

Even today, Pyhätunturi is still the gateway to the true Lapland. Here, it feels as though time slows down, nature strips people of any inhibitions, the ancient fells touch the heart and forgotten tales are brought back to life. This is where Lapland begins – the small human meets the great nature, and perhaps someone else.