Karelia: The Lost Land of Finland (and Russia) 🇷🇺

Welcome to the journey through the region of Karelia, once a part of Finland, now nestled within the vast expanse of Russia. In this exploration, I explore Finnish heritage that lingers in the landscapes, architecture, and culture of Karelia, often overshadowed by the passage of time. I uncover the traces of a bygone era when Karelia was an integral part of Finland. From quaint villages to historic landmarks, we reveal the hidden gems that connect Karelia to its Finnish past.

But this adventure is not just about history; it's also about the present. I provide an intimate look into life in Russia during the challenging times of sanctions imposed in 2022-2023. Through personal stories and encounters with locals, I gain insight into the resilience and adaptability of the people of Karelia as they navigate these turbulent times.

Timecodes:

00:00 - Intro
01:06 - Finnish and Swedish heritage of Vyborg (Viipuri)
12:05 - Welcome to Karelia (Jaakkima): first contact with border guards
14:09 - Lumivaara Lutheran church
17:20 - Lahdenpohja and it's abandoned church
18:22 - Sortavala - the center of Karelian tourism industry\
21:23 - Karelian real estate
23:00 - Abandoned Finnish cemetry
23:59 - Crazy border patrol interrogated me in a hostel
25:05 - Ruskeala mining park
27:56 - Läskelä: a hydroelectric power plant, a church and some abadnoned staff
29:20 - Truck driver speaks about life in Karelia after imposition of sanctions and Finland joining NATO
31:31 - The cross of sorrow: understanding Finnish-Soviet war
33:26 - Petrozavodsk (Petroskoi) - the capital city of Karelia
38:20 - Amazing cafe with a railway layout
40:20 - Visiting Kizhi Island
50:13 - Wandering around Medvezhyegorsk (Karhumäk) during white night and looking for a ghost train
53:10 - Petroglyphs (rock paintings) of Belomorsk (Sorokka)
56:03 - Belomorkanal (White Sea Canal)
59:11 - Listening to Karelian language and reaching Arctic Circle!

Summer 2023.

Enjoy!

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